First Edition 2009

In an economy where only the strong survive, it’s comforting to know just how strong your company remains and how solid your foundation is. Our strength and growth is a testament to the professionalism and smart business practices of our driving partners as well as the guidance and hard work of our Alliance support team.

The first half of 2009 has already turned into the most successful period in the history of Alliance with no signs of slowing down. This summer will go down as the Summer of Success for our Alliance Partners when many other carriers are struggling or going out of business.

Johnnie Davis on truck 8117 is not feeling the pain many in our country feel right now because of the level of success he has achieved through Alliance. Johnnie says, “I love the fact that Stevens and Alliance has the freight and resources available for you to be successful. If you want an opportunity the door is wide

open. All you have to do is get in the mindset that you are running a business and establish yourself as the man to go to and when you see settlements for over $2,000, that’s your reward.” Elbert Garrett on 9322 has been with Alliance for over a year and says, “I love it out here and I love having a job in a stable work environment. Alliance has changed my life and put me in control. This is the most money I’ve ever made in my life. After this how can you go back to little bitty money? This is grown folks money here!”

Dear Valued Business Partner,

Two Thousand Nine has proven to be one of the most challenging years transportation has seen in our 30 year history. The recessionary economy combined with many shippers aggressively reducing their inventories caused a severe slowdown in freight shipments, mainly contained to the dry sector. Little did I know in 1980 that choosing to be in the refrigerated sector would insulate us in these economic times.

Stevens Transport and Alliance proactively adapted to the challenging market back in the latter part of 2008, as management intensified its efforts to aggressively manage and reduce controllable cost and identify further efficiencies. Numerous additional cost savings programs were implemented during first quarter 2009.

Stevens Transport’s financial position remains strong. The company’s financial strength compared to many of its higher leveraged competitors in the industry is attractive to customers, vendors and employees. By focusing on strong cash control, driving improvement in operating ratio and keeping a keen eye on the bottom-line, Alliance has positioned itself for expansion. The key to your business is to follow the same cost control measures described above thus insuring maximum profitability.

Alliance continues to set records on all fronts and is widely recognized as one of the BEST lease programs in the industry. Our loyal customer following coupled with a forward thinking management team continues to

bring innovation, profitability and growth to our business partners. Alliance drivers can attest that they continue to strengthen their bottom line. This is evident as we paid out bonuses and lease completions totaling over 1 MILLION dollars in 2008 and 2009 is already on track to exceed this number.

In 2008 the Alliance division grew by 28% to a total truck count of 627 and in the first quarter of 2009 we saw record growth of 34 units which was 26% higher than the first quarter last year. Currently we’ll be taking in over 100 new trucks all outfitted with the Cummins ISX 400 engines and the new Kenworth T660 is a big hit.

In closing, please accept my sincere gratitude for your continued hard work and support. Because of you, we have one of the strongest transportation companies in North America. As a proud member and founding father of Stevens Transport, I am honored to be associated with such a prestigious group of people. You have my pledge that I will continue to give each and every one of our business partners my utmost attention at all times. We look forward to many more years of growth and success.

Let’s roll safely through 2009 and beyond,

Steven Aaron Owner and Founder of Stevens Transport

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Continued from Page 1

Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have until we no longer have it. The stability that Alliance provides takes on a greater importance for drivers who leave to go to another carrier. The majority eventually find their way back “home” like Robert Jenkins on truck 9237. Robert says, “If you think the grass is greener somewhere else, before you give up what you’ve already invested, you need to take a longer look around and realize how green it is here. You’re stable and you have plenty. I never have trouble getting the miles and since I came back I have a greater understanding of the mistakes I made the first time. I didn’t need to change companies, it was me who needed to change the way I did things.”

The economic stability is proven again by the huge numbers of successful drivers completing their leases and the record breaking number of drivers who are purchasing their own trucks. Many drivers who have achieved their financial goals through Alliance are now becoming owner/operators. The first quarter of 2009 alone has seen more drivers purchasing trucks than the entire year of 2008. What an incredible statistic! Stevens Transport President, Clay Aaron says, “We are thrilled to be able to facilitate so many dreams coming true.” Stronger incentives and stronger work ethic leads to the mutual success of our company and our fleet of independent contractors and owner/operators. Because of this business ethic we are standing strong while others are having troubles.

The size of the company has not played a role when it comes to those failing in today’s economy. Some of the largest for hire carriers as well as the small mom and pops are closing their doors. By 2010 we will see hundreds if not thousands more exiting the market place.

Stevens Transport and Alliance, with its strong foundation, will be in position to capture additional market share. It is our obligation that everyone exercise best business practices to insure we are at the top of our game at all times, thus resulting in continued success. Alliance Management will continue to give our business partners the tools and teach the techniques required to thrive in an uncertain and sometimes difficult economy. Scott Kruse on 7781 uses all these tools and techniques and added, “Driving for Alliance has made me bullet proof against this economy!” It’s gonna be an awesome summer!”

When I started driving for Stevens two and a half years ago, I was at a place in my life I had never been. I was unable to obtain work in the field I was trained for. I had been in construction for most of my working career.

Though driving has always been in my family it was something I hadn't really considered doing. From the training I received at Stevens to present day has been nothing short of exceptional. I started as a company driver and had some reservations about moving to Alliance, but I am so glad I took this opportunity. I have seen a great financial burden lifted from my family. I have been able to buy my wife a much needed new car. We are in the process now of buying a new home, something we have never been able to do in 18 years of marriage. I give all the credit for these things to Stevens and the Alliance program.

My wife Stefanie has been very supportive and says, “We had always struggled financially; we like many other people lived week to week. We had never been in the position to buy a house before now. We recently moved out of our rental house and into our new home situated on 2 acres in Baker, FL. This is absolutely our dream come true. It is a sacrifice on all of our parts, me and the children miss him terribly and I know he misses us and being home. This job has been such a blessing especially in these financially unstable times. I feel secure knowing that while other companies are down grading and laying people off, that James will still be rolling. I am living proof that if you work this program and apply yourself that you can also be as successful as I have been. I am now looking forward to the next step in my driving career which will be to purchase my own truck.

Johnny McCullough

Our Alliance Home

by James Frierson

It’s exciting for me to watch the growth and success of our Alliance drivers during their lease period. There are so many wonderful stories too numerous to mention, but an example of a transformation from simply a driver to a good businessman is Johnny McCullough. Johnny started his lease at the ripe ole age of 34 – wide eyed with dreams of big lease completion checks and making tons of money.

Johnny was so excited when he bought a brand new Mustang that he drove it to the yard to show me. Johnny says this success is, “All thanks to Alliance!” Johnny has just signed the contract for a brand new home for his wife and kids and will be sending 2 of his step sons to college next fall. “All thanks to Alliance” he says.

Johnny completed his mission, reached his goals and got that BIG lease completion check plus referral and re-sign bonuses. Grand total; $11,682.90 BONUS BONANZA ! As a trainer Johnny completed 20 students during his 2 year lease period. He has signed on again for his 2nd lease and got his BRAND NEW T660!!!

Congratulations to Johnny and all the successful drivers who have completed their lease. It’s been a privilege to be on this journey with you all and I look forward to many years to come!

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“You cannot achieve until you believe!”

Alliance Advantage

What makes our Alliance business partners so successful? The best have mastered the art of excellent fuel economy! The simple techniques used to maximize MPG have been adopted by many drivers, who once thought it impossible. The new believers are reaping the financial rewards by challenging themselves to 7.0 and above. Many are now achieving 7.5 and higher with some reaching 8.0! Alliance challenges any other carrier in the nation to beat our fleet MPG average!

The list of MPG Masters is quickly growing as drivers are earning their “MPG Master” rating pins in larger numbers and taking home more money from their efforts.

Emblazoned below are the names of more high achievers known as MPG Masters:

Stephen Decker $7,383.02Mike Ammons $5,934.33Brad Whitaker $5,406.18Milton Dycus $5,285.64Phaedra Matthews $5,228.91Adrian Balleza $5,050.41Marvin Oxendine $5,011.94Chris Hutchins $4,948.82Jesse Fields $4,865.90Scott Paul $4,816.10Peter Imbrunone $4,782.30Jelhak Gould $4,777.68

Melanie Wilson $4,765.17Adrian Calhoun $4,678.89Johnny McCullough $4,662.90Henry Smith $4,660.35Derrick Cummings $4,658.36Eduardo Diaz $4,379.45Kevin Woolwine $4,361.67Paul Jones $4,341.80Marshall Maxwell $4,324.52Ruffian Flemming $4,224.15Earnest Smith $4,216.10Jason Thomas $4,207.01

Milton Longenbach $4,048.58Gordon Bucklew $4,039.59Sammie Cousin $4,034.06 Stephen Schenck $4,024.50Chris Ferrell $3,969.74Kevin Hill $3,941.04Matthew Imgrund $3,848.76

2009 Lease Completion Bonus Checks….so far!

Alliance Advantage

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Growing up, Michael Ford watched his dad driving professionally for Consolidated Freightways. Michael always wanted to drive for a living. Like all of us, he worked several jobs to pay the bills. He delivered parts for a local Class

8 truck dealer, worked on a loading dock, and even as a mechanic but he still wanted to drive. He began driving a trash truck for BFI doing residential pickups. Ironically, one of his customers was Mr. Steve Aaron, owner and founder of Stevens Transport. Michael eventually wound up at a Job Fair where he met recruiters from Stevens Transport. Making the decision to come to Stevens Transport, he finally found something he enjoyed and could make an above average living. He soon joined Alliance and become know as “Killamike” to his fellow drivers. He also soon was able to afford his first new home for his family. After learning to manage the day to day business of trucking through Alliance Michael was the first Alliance driver to take delivery of one of our 2006 Freightliner Century Class trucks. With the assistance of the Special Driver Appreciation in-house financing program at Stevens, “Killamike” has kicked his dream up a notch and now owns his own truck.

At 18 years-old, a Stevens Transport KW T-2000 simply looked like a “Navigator” to Herbert Floyd and that was cool. Herbert had a vision of himself in that truck and arrived in Dallas in the summer of 2001, amazed that he would be driving a truck. He thought, “All I want to know is, how can I make money fast? Lease…lease…lease!” He heard all the stories from drivers advising against leasing and it made him nervous. But being the underdog most of his life he asked himself, “If it’s so bad, why are a lot of people doing it?” He

then jumped right into Alliance and started pulling in $1,000 to $1,500 per week and says he “went crazy” because he had so much money and did not know what to do with it. At age 25 he settled down and eventually became a trainer

as well as a good businessman. He was shocked when Stevens Transport President, Clay Aaron, called him by his name and told him he would go far in the company. After 3 leases he was at the top of his game, got married, had three kids and in 2009 took his career to the next level, and bought his first truck. Herbert says, “I love this company and the people that work here. You will have your ups and downs but you can pull through when you set your goals and work on accomplishing them.”

It all started only 3 short years ago for Darveal “Gator” Laurie. He arrived at Stevens with all his earthly possessions…4 shirts, 3 pairs of jeans and 1 pair of shoes. He was homeless but he had his CDL and was looking for a home and a new place to make a living. Gator admits to his ups and downs, including personal issues with his DM, dispatchers, other drivers and just about anybody he came in contact with. Then, a couple of senior drivers, Shake-Shake and Tippy Toe, sat Gator down and shared their wisdom on how to conduct himself in the Stevens Transport way of doing business and life in general. He realized that he had been “acting like a kid in a man’s world” and he began changing his ways. This new approach changed Gator’s life forever. He gradually began to enjoy more and more success. He joined Alliance early on and began to learn how to run his truck for a profit. He starting seeking more advice from the Alliance Business team and put that knowledge to use. When he realized his settlements were getting bigger and bigger each week he knew he had found a new life. He became a different, happier person. Gator says, “Everything I have I owe to Stevens”. After becoming a successful trainer, and completing his first lease and starting his second, Gator finally had the confidence and the money to purchase his own truck. From homeless to Owner Operator in just 3 years, Gator believes, “Stevens and Alliance has been a life saver”.

The Amazing Journey to Ownership

Alliance Advantage

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This past year of incredible growth in Alliance has been amazing to watch. We’ve set all kinds of new records and I personally have witnessed the record attendance to the Alliance Business Class. December 2008 set an attendance record of 62 conversions and visitors. January 2009 broke that record with a total of 68 in attendance. That record was smashed again in March 2009 with a new record of 94 in attendance. The first quarter of 2009 has been extremely successful and it’s great to see so many drivers finally discovering the freedom, power, and financial rewards that Alliance offers.

Your success as an Alliance driver comes from grasping the concept of how to operate your truck as a business. It comes from gathering new knowledge and adopting new proven techniques.

The Alliance Business Class is straightforward in showing you the logic and helping you visualize the simple concepts and techniques that our successful independent contractors have adopted for success. The class is open to anyone who wishes to visit and learn. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday in the upstairs conference room near the school. I look forward to your visit and helping you see why Alliance is the strongest and fastest growing leasing division in the industry!

“Excellent class! Two years of Business College didn’t teach me as much as I took in today.” - Robert McChristian 9003

“Very good class. I felt the instructor was very detailed and effective.” – Audrey Jimenez 9318

“Awesome class. The best and most informative of all! Thanks Major! – Stephen Gets 7681

“I thought it was pretty awesome walking in, not knowing the business, and actually leaving knowing I can make it! Oh yeah, Major Logan, pretty cool cat with a lot of knowledge!” - David Duncan 7997

You may have noticed some new Cummins ISX engines filtering into the fleet. A few of our Alliance drivers have been the first to take these out on the road and feedback has

been very positive. Michael Love, who just swapped into a brand new Kenworth T660 with the Cummins engine, says “This new engine is very quiet. Interior cab noise is nonexistent. No vibration, feels like the engine is blueprinted and balanced.”

Drivers will notice some differences in operating this engine such as higher shift points resulting in stronger torque for climbing. Cummins recommends using progressive shifting, or making each upshift at the lowest possible RPM. In addition, Cummins suggests allowing the engine to lug back to1200 RPM’s before making a shift and on steep grade climbs, shift at 1300 to 1400 RPM’s.

Fuel usage was a major consideration in choosing Cummins engines. All of these new engines require Ultra Low Sufur Diesel (ULSD) and were chosen for our fleet due to their outstanding performance in fuel economy. Michael Love was one of the first to experience firsthand this characteristic of the ISX. Michael says, “I was able to pull a 7.3 MPG on a load to California that included climbing Parley Summit and Tehachapi!”

Similar reports are coming in daily from other drivers and Stevens and Alliance are proud to bring this proven,superior engine to our business partners.

You are always in good hands with your award winning Alliance Team! Congratulations to Bonnie Dorsey, Alliance Business Manager, who was runner up in Stevens Transport’s “Employee of the Year” Awards. Her hard work and professional dedication is appreciated by all our independent contractors who she has guided in achieving the highest level of success. Thank you, Bonnie!

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Alliance Advantage

Joe Jenkins: This Georgia native has almost 11 years under his belt in this industry. Joe started his career as a driver and then moved into Operations. He has been with Stevens and Alliance for over 5 years.

Jay Jones: A Florida native, Jay began his career as a driver and after 4 years over-the-road was tapped to move into the Operations side, where he has been for the past 13 years. Jay joined the Alliance team in 2008.

Brian Ladd: Born in Ft. Campbell, KY, Brian has 22 years driving experience and joined our Operations department in 2007. Brian currently manages an Alliance pre-qualifying fleet.

Heath Lemons: A native of Mesquite, TX, Heath is our newest addition to the Alliance DM team. After attending college in Terrell, TX, he entered the trucking industry spending the last 6 years in Operations. He joined Stevens and the Alliance team in January 2009

Tina Lynch: A native of Indiana, Tina began her career in this industry after attending Purdue University. Tina has been with Stevens for over 6 and-a-half years in our operations department and moved up to the Alliance team in 2008.

Ryan Parker: Born in St. Louis, Ryan attended Texas A&M before beginning his career in this industry. Ryan has spent the last 9 years in Operations and recently took over as manager of the Alliance Owner/Operator fleet.

Antwon Bracey: This Pittsburg, PA native began his 18 year career in trucking as a driver and came off the road in 2003 to work in Operations. He has been an Alliance DM since 2007.

Johnny “Red Cloud” Cox: Originally from Cherokee, NC, Johnny spent 15 years OTR followed by over 20 years experience in Operations. He serves as Assistant Mgr/Operations and has been with Stevens for 9 1/2years, the last 8 with Alliance.

Raul Esquivel: A native of Dallas, Raul started his career as a driver then moved into Operations. Raul has been with Stevens and Alliance for almost 3 and-a-half years

Kevin Gauthier: This Flint, MI native began his career as a driver and has spent the last 3 years with Stevens. Kevin was tapped to join the Alliance DM force in 2007.

Shingi “G” Gorejena: Originally from South Africa, “G” has put in 7 years in Operations service after attending Drury College. He has been an Alliance DM for over three years.

Russ Hogue: A native of Dallas who began his career with Stevens and spent 8 years over-the-road. Russ has served in the Operations department for the past 10 years, the last 2 with Alliance.

A major portion of the growth and success of the Alliance Leasing Division and its drivers can be attributed to our superior team of support personnel. A vital part of every driver’s daily operations is their Driver Manager and Alliance provides the strongest and most experienced DMs in the business. Archie Roberts, Operations Manager for Alliance, has hand-picked this team based on experience and strong service to their drivers. Alliance DM’s are deeply invested in the success of every one of their drivers by providing strong operational support and guidance. Our business partners can count on the experience, dedication and professionalism of their Driver Managers.

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Alliance Advantage

John Powers: Born in Ohio, John drove for 29 years before spending the past 5 years in Operations. John has put in 19 years with Stevens and has been an Alliance DM for the past 3.

Archie Roberts: This Southern California native serves as Operations Manager for the Alliance group. Archie spent 19 years over-the-road and has over 20 years under his belt in Operations. He has spent the last 14 years with Stevens and Alliance.

Kelly Scott: This L.A. native came to us by way of Texas A&M University. After 8 years on the road Kelly has spent another 12 years on the operations side of the industry. He has been with Alliance for the last 4 years.

Chris Shirsty: Originally from Chicago, Chris came to Texas through Stephen F. Austin State University. He not only has OTR experience but was also one of the original DART city bus drivers. He has been with Stevens and Alliance for the past 3 years.

Sheri Torres: This California native has served 11 years in the trucking industry including the last 5 years in Operations at Stevens Transport. Sheri currently manages an Alliance pre-qualifying fleet.

Glenn Wilson: A native of New Mexico, Glenn spent 4 years in the Army before spending 7 and-a-half years as a driver with Stevens Transport. He has spent the last 2 and-a-half years in Operations as a DM.

Throughout the year, I am asked many questions from drivers about how to manage income taxes as a lease operator. Because you are now operating a business, most everything that you spend to operate your truck can be written off on your tax return. Boots, gloves, internet service, computer are just a few examples of items that can be used to reduce your taxable income. Some of these smaller items can add to thousands of dollars of savings on your tax return.

When you were a company employee, the income tax you pay was calculated on all of the money that you earn. As a business owner, you can reduce the amount of income that is taxed by keeping your receipts and using the amount paid to reduce the money that you earn.

In order to write it off these items, the IRS requires that you keep the receipts for such items to prove that the expense was for a business purpose. I recommend that you purchase a file box and some file folders in order to keep your receipts organized by month. Also, by sorting and clipping them together by type of expense such as scales, truck wash, oil, tolls, etc., it makes it easier to locate, total, and prove these expenses if needed.

I also get a lot of questions about estimated tax payments. Since no one is holding taxes out of your pay, you must hold it out and pay it 4 times a year on your own. By waiting until the end of the year, the IRS may penalize you for not paying timely.

Save all your receipts, make your estimated tax payments, and file your tax return annually, and you will stay on good terms with Uncle Sam.

Mike Schneider: After serving in the Navy for 12 years, this Beaumont, TX native put in 16 years driving OTR. Mike moved into the Operations 4 years ago and has spent the last three years with Stevens and was tapped recently as one of our new Alliance Business Managers.

Mike Harmon: This Arlington, TX native, who has a Bachelors Degree in Marketing Management from Dallas Baptist University, spent a total of 20 years driving OTR and has been with Stevens for 5 years. Mike has spent 2 years in Operations and was recently promoted to the Alliance Team.

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Alliance Advantage

Call Terry @ 866-751-0733 or Mark @ 800-366-0167

Everyday in the Recruiting office we receive phone calls from drivers and owner operators wanting to join Stevens Transport and the Alliance Group. It reminds us of how lucky we are to be part of a finically stable company during these economic times. Word on the street is Stevens and Alliance is one of the most stable companies in transportation.

Now is a good time to make your move and secure your future. History shows us that fortunes are made by smart business men and women during down times in the economy. Remember “buy low sell high”. Take advantage and join us today and be ready to run hard as our economy turns the corner.

Special Note: Thank you Trainer’s for showing your students how they can change their life by becoming part of our group. We really appreciate you!!!

Terry & Mark

An exciting development in monitoring fuel performance here at Stevens Transport is the recent implementation of SensorTracs by Qualcomm. SensorTracs is an upgrade to our existing Qualcomm units providing a wealth of real time and recorded data on truck operations.

Drivers with SensorTracs are using this information to make adjustments in driving habits or patterns and are very happy with the remarkable results.

Contractors are always looking for ways to maximize fuel economy. The tools provided with SensorTracs addresses these needs. By using real time data, drivers can review their performance in seven day increments to determine optimal driving patterns and look for trends that affect MPG’s and, ultimately, their bottom line.

If you need more information on SensorTracs, please call or come by and see me in the Fuel Department. I look forward to working with you in finding solutions to master techniques and technology that keep us rolling down the road.