Expediter of the Year 2019: Introducing the Top 3 Finalists
The three finalists have been selected. So...who will be the next Expediter of the Year?
The winner will be announced at Expedite Expo, the only trade show in the world geared exclusively to the expedite trucking industry, which runs July 19 and 20 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
(Registration is free. Go to https://www.expediteexpo.com/2019/.)
The purpose of the Expediter of the Year award is to recognize those hard-working, professional, and safety-conscious expediters on the road today who strive to make the expedite industry better and are deeply involved in serving and making a positive impact on their community.
And the winner will receive $500 cash for travel, one-night hotel accommodations provided by ExpeditersOnline.com, and the Expediter of the Year plaque. The three finalists and their carriers will be honored at our closing announcements on the show floor at the Expo on July 20.
So, without further ado, meet the finalists for Expediter of the Year 2019!
Vanessa Schroeder
Role: Driver
Carrier: DKP Express
Vehicle: 2018 RAM Promaster 3500 "modified" box truck
After 20 years as a manager at a local Marco's Pizza, Vanessa got her start in expedited trucking only two years ago-in June 2017-but she is quickly making her mark on the industry.
As Igor Komisarchik, CEO at DKP Express, one of Vanessa's nominators puts it: "Vanessa is a mentor to all DKP drivers and for many other companies' drivers. Last year, Vanessa also got on local TV in Ohio as a very popular photographer. She took thousands of pictures while she was on the road delivering loads-and those pictures have inspired a lot of potential expedite industry drivers. Vanessa always speaks to drivers at truck stops to help make the industry better. She never says no when anyone needs help or advice."
Why is Vanessa so passionate about expediting?
"You get to travel the US and see all kinds of scenery," says Vanessa. "I'm an avid photographer, so [expediting] is right up my alley.
When Vanessa mentors new drivers at DPK, she helps them overcome the fear that comes with trying a new career. "They're kind of scared," says Vanessa. "I was scared, too, at first. But once you get traveling and seeing things, you'll love it. Because everywhere you go, it's different."
Frank & Stephanie Rebelo
Role: Team drivers
Company: Hyfield Trucking
Carrier: FedEx Custom Critical
Vehicle: 2019 Freightliner Cascadia
You've most likely heard about Frank and Stephanie as "The Trucking Couple" on YouTube.
And that's where they're making a significant impact on the industry-by creating and sharing videos about all the real-world lessons they're learning about the expedite business and lifestyle out on the road.
Says nominator David Mayfield, owner of Mayfield Express LLC: "Frank and Stephanie talk about the dos and don'ts of expediting [on their YouTube channel]. They do a lot of good for their community and the Girl Scouts of America. They are always trying to help drivers connect with owners. And they go out of their way to help owners find drivers for their trucks. I feel that Frank and Stephanie do an outstanding job representing the expedite community."
Before getting into the expedited trucking business, Frank was a long-time professional club DJ, and Stephanie was a bartender.
So, how did they get started with Hyfield Trucking?
Here's how Frank tells the story.
"I made a post on ExpeditersOnline, saying, 'Hi. My wife and I are Class A CDL holders with our air brake endorsement. Our son is graduated. We have a gypsy soul. We really don't need to go home. I have the ability to buy a truck and start this, but I don't think I should. I think that I should go to work for somebody."
The response?
"The next morning, I woke up to about 200 emails."
The biggest piece of advice the Rebelo's share with other expediters?
"We say, 'Just be patient. Bad things are going to happen. That's normal. Bad things are going to happen in life. Bad things are going to happen in trucking. But is your life better now than it was?' and 99-percent of the time, people are going to say, 'Yes.'"
Lisa Morway
Roles: Driver
Company: V3 Transportation
Vehicle: 2017 Freightliner M2
Lisa wanted to be a truck driver since she was seven years old. But after starting driving school in her early twenties, she found out she was pregnant and put her dream on hold.
"Once my kids were on their own and settled in their life, then I decided to follow my dream," says Lisa.
That was 2012, and she has been enjoying the journey ever since. "I'm a wanderer at heart," says Lisa. "I love seeing the countryside. And the bonus: I get paid to do it."
Says Paul Ratcliff, chief operating officer at V3 Transportation, one of Lisa's nominators: "Lisa has become an invaluable asset to our company, especially for our V3 Driving Community. She has served as a sounding board for our management and staff, and she has become a key resource for drivers of all experience levels. She's always ready to lend an ear and extend a helping hand."
Ratcliff continues: "Lisa is just the type of person who does indeed go the extra mile to help those drivers in need. From giving away shower credits to helping folks wanting to know more about how to best position themselves for freight opportunities, Lisa's generosity crosses all borders, and she sets a bar that everyone at V3 feels is unparalleled in this industry."
Lisa's advice to other expediters?
"Pay it forward. Always pay it forward, and you'll always be taken care of."