Big G Express - Summer 2022

Big G Express - Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

ESOP CONTINUES INCREDIBLE RUN STOCK PRICE REVEAL

Here we are, already halfway through another great year for Big G Express and finally amidst the most anticipated time of the year for us as an employee-owned company. We are so excited that is it time for the Stock Price Reveal, and we know you are just as excited to have your hands on your latest statements. We are proud that, yet again, we have had an increase in stock price — an 8% increase at that. The company’s stock value has increased every year since the Employee Stock Ownership Plan was formed in 2009. That is something that each of you should be very proud of and strive to keep the momentum going. As many of you are aware, the stock price increase isn’t the only good thing happening around here this year. We are so proud to have finally been able to replace the Jeffersonville, Indiana, yard with a much better location in Sellersburg. We appreciate your

patience with us while it took a little time to find the right location after hearing and understanding your frustrations concerning the dropyard in Jeffersonville. Along with this, the new facility in Mosheim, Tennessee, is coming along well. We are looking forward to getting moved in within the next few months and excited for the opportunities this brand- new facility will bring to the company. We are thankful for all the GOOD things happening and hope to see them continue. As always, it’s GOOD to be us.

–Greg Thompson CEO & President

STOCK PRICE GROWTH When you are employed at Big G Express or Ike Transportation, you are also an employee owner and automatically entered into our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

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to all of us, whether you are driving a CMV or a personal car going to the grocery store. When considering these figures, keep in mind that kids are out of school and more people are on the roads taking trips and vacations. Be mindful of this and again practice safe driving habits. Watch your speed, maintain

I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones well. We have officially eclipsed the half-year mark of 2022. Wow! From a safety standpoint, I am proud to let you know that Big G and IKE are doing well. Our CSA scores are good, which means that our ISS (Inspection Selection System) score is good as well. This is in great part due to the hard work each of you are doing while driving and performing your pre- and post-trip inspections. Keep up the good work and know that we can never lose focus on these things. If we do, we will see an increase in our scores, which is never good. I wanted to pass along some national statistics that shed some light as to what is going on along the roads throughout the United States. These statistics are from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and include all vehicles, not just CMVs. NHTSA projects an estimated 10.5% increase in fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents in 2021 from 2020. This projection is the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and the largest percentage increase in history. Fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck are up 13%. That is just a small snippet of what is happening on our roads from a national perspective. These figures help to remind each of us to be alert and safe and to wear your seat belt properly while out on the roads. This applies FATALITIES ARE INCREASING ON OUR ROADS BE SAFE, STAY ALERT

good following distances, and don’t drive distracted or fatigued. You cover a lot of distance in a short period of time and things can happen in an instant. Make a habit of scanning your mirrors every 6–8 seconds, use those turn signals when changing lanes or making turns, and look out far enough in front of you to have time to react safely. Folks, I want to thank you all for the work you do and for being both safe and productive. Most of these tips are not just for a CMV but work for personal vehicles as well. Share these tips with your family and loved ones, as we all want them to be safe on the roadways too. Be safe and keep up the good work.

Until next time,

–Tim Clark VP of Safety

REMEMBER YOUR INSPECTIONS

Construction is continuing to press forward with the new shop in Mosheim. The ETN maintenance team is so looking forward to getting into the new facility. From increased size of the drivers lounge to a laundry mat, you are going to be impressed with the new facility. We are also working hard to find a maintenance solution for the IKE group that will give us the opportunity to better inspect, repair, and PM the IKE fleet. I am excited to let you know we have a plan to have a shop on site in Murfreesboro and we hope to open by August or September. Don’t forget we have a lot of new equipment coming, with new tractors coming in throughout the year: 50 new trailers coming in August and September, then another 50 coming in January 2023. The investment in new equipment is what has helped Big G Express survive this insane economy we are currently experiencing.

VIOLATIONS CAN BE PREVENTED

Hello, drivers! Did any of you see spring this year? I think we went straight from winter into summer as hot as it has been and there is no end in sight. Just like in winter, being prepared is essential to staying safe. Keep plenty of water in the truck and stay hydrated. With hot summer weather and temps in the triple digits, tires are put through severe stresses. If ever there was a time for pre-trips and post-trips, this is it! The state of Tennessee recently finished a study of all violations recorded in the state in a facility (weigh station) and roadside. There was something striking to me as I look at the top five violations. All of these most likely could have been avoided with a good pre-trip inspection. Are you doing good pre- and post-trip inspections?

We couldn’t do this without our hero truck drivers. Now more than ever, people are seeing the role trucking plays in keeping the shelves stocked

and the essentials we need every day on the shelves. This country doesn’t move without the contribution you make every day. Let me say THANKS!

TNDOT Q2 2022

Violation/Description/Number 1. Brakes, All Others: 1,712 2. Tires: 1,510 3. Size and Weight: 1,244 4. Lighting: 1,128 5. Brakes, Out of Adjustment: 816

–Tim Tipps VP of Maintenance

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DRIVERS MONTH of the

MARCH

DAVID EVERHART David joined Big G in June 2020; his first OTR driving job was in 1992 with HO Wolding. He has spent most of his time pulling reefers, but he also likes the dry van. One memory that sticks out was a trip out West, topping one of the mountains and being above the clouds. When not trucking, he likes to do yard work and spend time on his Harley. He lives in Seffner, Florida, with his wife of 17 years. His advice for new drivers is to make sure you drop your trailer at the correct height and the landing gears are properly supported; this will make it easier for the next driver. GARY CLARK Gary started with Big G in January 2020; he started trucking in 1990 with a cartage company from Indiana. He ran local until he joined Big G and has really enjoyed seeing other parts of the country. He also spent some time as a driver trainer and enjoyed teaching new drivers. On his weekends, he likes to fish and try to catch more than his wife does. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with his wife of 28 years, Michelle. His advice for a new driver is to get with a company that is growing and make it a career and not just a paycheck. MIKE KRIZANOVIC Mike started driving for Big G in October 2021; his first driving job was with BNE back in 1987. Thinking back over his career, one memory that sticks out was the first trip that his wife rode with him. She said the cab was too cold for her. He likes to spend his weekends at his local church, riding his motorcycle, or watching dirt track racing. He lives in Whitwell, Tennessee, with his wife of 37 years and two grandkids. His advice for new drivers is to just pay attention to everything around you and never stop learning. SAMMIE AMOS Sammie has been with Big G since August 2018; he started trucking with Swift Transportation in 1999. He was raised in the lowlands of South Carolina, and the first time he saw the mountains from the cab of a truck, he was very surprised. He always thought South Carolina was flat. When not driving, he likes to turn wrenches and work on cars. He lives in Florence, SC, with his wife of 23 years, Gloria. His advice for new drivers is to take your time, ask questions, and always get out and look at your surroundings. JAMIE BRABHAM Jamie started with Big G in July 2019; he started his trucking career with Werner Enterprises in 1998. Looking back, being an OTR driver allowed him to visit Nashville. His love for country music expanded from that time, so he moved from Florida to Tennessee. This move allowed him to advance his music career. He took a local driving job to allow more time for music. When not driving a truck, he enjoys performing country music and going to car shows with his Mustangs. He lives in Murfreesboro with his No. 1 fan, Mary, and they have been together for 12 years. His advice to new drivers is to follow your dreams, enjoy life, and take opportunities as they come. SHAWN MCLAUGHLIN Shawn joined the Big G team in July 2021; he started trucking with Werner in 2007 after retiring from the USAF. One of his fondest memories of trucking was the time spent with his son in the truck with him. On the weekends, he enjoys watching NASCAR. He lives in Andalusia, Alabama, with his wife of 33 years, Susan. His advice for a new driver is to don’t let anyone rush you; most mistakes happen when someone gets in a hurry.

APRIL

MAY

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2,000,000 Accident-Free Miles Terrance Pitts 1,000,000 Accident-Free Miles Philippa Rowe-Bailey Jimmy Simmons Jeffrey Roberts James Foster Ricky Adams Thomas Wieczorek 500,000 Accident-Free Miles Ted Williams Steven Thompson Tye Pomerantz MARCH/APRIL/MAY ELITE FLEET

PERFECT INSPECTIONS FOR MARCH/APRIL/MAY

Larry Lee Davis Richard Ramos Joseph Shirley Mark Boland Mamadou Diop Mark Demankowski Larry Powell Lugendo Muya Jamie Brabham Roy Leffew Raymond Hall Christopher Anello Steven K. Hartke Thomas Sharpe Wesley Barwick

Timothy Golden Cameron Jeffers Steven Creppel David Hert Louis Marler Eugene Dinges

Lee Starr Timothy Edwards David Mann Bill Bower Rodney Hatfield Brian Scott Pogue Zachary Bonomo Eddie Mosley Norman Rayford Jason Beck Raymond Bragg Markus Shinlever

Christopher Meade Nicholas Cuddeback Wm Travis Kolehmainen

Kevin Tucker Aaron Brooks James Chance Steven Creppel

Michael Sheroan Suzanne Weeter Donna Brooks Markus Shinlever Marcus Sharp Mark Griffin

James Parker Edward Dobbs

James Cook Melvin Dunn

David Hert Carl Davis Joseph Darnell Statavious Cheek

250,000 Accident-Free Miles Joe Dasher Terry Howe

THANK YOU to every driver who received a PERFECT INSPECTION.

Joey Lucente Jesse Johnson Roy McCaw David Donnell William Hamlett

THANK YOU to our Elite Fleet drivers — you represent over 21 million safe miles. We appreciate your dedication to SAFETY and to protecting our employee-owned company!

Kevin Qualls Craig Brown James Madewell William Stuffle Danny Depriest Michael Morey Vincent Willmarth Fred Smith

Seth Nicholas Eddie Mosley Rodney Chalfont David Everhart John Hoy 125,000 Accident-Free Miles Charles Mitchell Bill Bower Johnnie Tobler

–Greg Thompson, CEO & President & Kristi McFarland, Executive Vice President

Jeremy York Leroy Jones David Loesch James Ellis William Moore Johnson Rucker Paul Flye

Benjamin Brown Harold Stafford Donald Vass Andrew Crookshank

A CLEAN CAB CAN MEAN A FREE PASS! Inspectors assume that if the cab and dashboard are clean and well cared for, then most of the time, the rest of the truck will be well cared for, too. CLEANLINESS COUNTS.

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FUELING SOLUTIONS AND NEW TRUCKS

Where has the time gone? Big G acquired IKE Transportation 6 years ago on June 1. We continue to build on the foundation laid by the previous owners by providing first-class service to our customers and taking care of our employee-shareholders. I am happy to report that IKE has had a good year due to our hard-working professional drivers and the office support team. There are a couple of items I would like to discuss. Fueling solutions — Something new we recently introduced on the IKE side. When the truck’s fuel level drops below half a tank, the fuel optimizer searches the dispatch route for the cheapest fuel option. Then the computer sends a message to the truck about where to purchase fuel. Based on the pump price minus our discount, it could be a Loves or Pilot. With fuel prices north of $5 per gallon, following the fuel solution will save us money. Trailers — Recently, I have received many complaints about trailers dropped on the yard without drivers reporting the items that need

repair. Please let us know before dropping a trailer if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. This will help us avoid service failures and downtime for the next driver. The first group of new trucks has arrived. We’re adding 20 replacement trucks this year — some added options on the new unit’s refrigerators, inventors, and APU units. Using the APU will reduce our fuel consumption and engine idle time. You will see the new trucks on the road in July. Finally, drivers, I know the summer heat is unbearable some days loading and unloading in the steel plants. Please make sure that you stay hydrated. Your health and safety are our top priority. Thank you for all you do. We could not do it without you. –Ron Moulden IKE Transportation, Executive Vice President

LET’S TALK ABOUT DOT INSPECTIONS

Well, summer weather is officially here! With the extremely hot temperatures outside, please make sure you are taking proper precautions to prevent dehydration. Drink lots of fluids, especially water or Gatorade. Stay away from caffeine, tea, and sugary liquids such as soft drinks and energy drinks. Eat foods with high amounts of water, like fruits and vegetables. Get plenty of rest. Slow down so you don’t overdo it. Take a break when needed. Listen to your body. If you begin to feel dizzy or lightheaded, STOP, take a break, and catch your breath so your body can cool down. Let’s talk about DOT inspections. IKE has had an excessive amount of out of service DOT inspections for tires. You MUST do a proper pre- and post-trip daily on your truck and trailer. Not performing inspections can lead to essential issues going unnoticed. Please check the wheel, rims, hubs, and tires THOROUGHLY. Wheel end components support heavy loads, maintain vehicle stability and control, and are critical for effective braking. Without proper care and maintenance of these areas, you have an increased chance of wheel off conditions. Drivers should check for damage, leaks, or improper installation on all wheel end components pre- and post-trip. Let operations know if tires look defective, have any cuts, worn tread, and/or need to be replaced. As always, please verify your logs daily, and make sure your freight is secure to prevent a load shift. Performing good pre- and post-trip inspections on your truck and trailer will help cut down on the amount of failed DOT inspections IKE receives.

Operation Safe Driver Week was July 10-16, 2022. THE CVSA focused on any risky behaviors on the road such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to wear a seat belt. As a driver, how can you continue to drive safely, no matter if it’s Safe Driver Week or not? Watch your speed. Speeding largely increases your chances of being in an accident. Speeding also increases your chances of getting pulled over by an officer and possibly being issued a citation/ticket. Put away all distractions. Do not engage in other activities while driving. Activities such as using cellphones, eating, or even just reaching for an item takes your eyes and focus off the road. Wear your seat belt. Make it a habit to put your seat belt on every time you are driving. Avoid substances that can impair your driving ability. Pay attention to all traffic laws and traffic signs. Increase your following distance to appropriately match weather conditions, road conditions, visibility, and traffic. In emergency conditions, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you will allow you to stop safely and/or take necessary evasive action to prevent an accident. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to IKE. We couldn’t do this without you. Be safe out there and let us know if we can do anything to help you! –April Harris IKE Transportation, Safety and HR Coordinator

ALWAYS CHECK LOAD SECUREMENT

Here at IKE Transportation, our No. 1 priority is load securement and should also be each and every driver’s top priority. Always secure your loads as if a family member is riding in your passenger seat or asleep in your bunk. Never assume when picking up a pre-loaded trailer that the load is properly secured. Always climb in your trailer and double-check the previous driver’s securement. When done securing your loads, ask yourself this question: If for some reason I have to perform a hard braking while traveling down the highway, is my load going to move? If there is any doubt in your mind that your load is

not properly secured, place another chain or two on your load. You will feel better traveling down the highway knowing your load is properly secured. Remember this, there are no timeouts or do-overs while in the middle of hard breaking. Keep your guard up and be safe. Don’t get caught slipping on load securement. You never know what’s ahead of you down the road.

–Robert Lane IKE Transportation, Load Planner

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

190 Hawkins Dr. Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-684-9140 www.biggexpress.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 3 4 Time for the Stock Price Reveal Fatalities Are Increasing on Our Roads Thorough Inspections Prevent Violations Perfect Inspections Elite Fleet Drivers of the month

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Safety Is Our No. 1 Priority Fueling Solutions and New Trucks Tips on Load Securement

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Recruiting: Your Next Side Job!

RECRUITING: YOUR NEXT SIDE JOB!

Given the current state the country is in, we are hearing daunting terms more and more frequently: rising costs, inflation, talent shortage, hiring crisis. These are terms that everyone is hearing now, not just recruiting professionals. The driver market is one of the markets most strongly impacted by the shortage that seems to be driving all the biggest

have to spend endless hours on the phone like our recruiters do, but you can take advantage by sharing company information with drivers you encounter. Make sure you are giving them your name as well as the recruiting phone number, 931-680-1664. Feel free to contact a recruiter to give them the prospective drivers information and let them know that you referred them — we will reach out to your friend to follow up! Every driver hired that you refer to Big G is money in your pocket! In the economic times we are in, we could all use a little extra cash — so why not get paid while you are helping to grow your company? As an ESOP company, the more trucks we have rolling, the more money all of our employee owners are making! Not only will you be getting the long-term payout of increased ESOP investment; you will also get the short-term payout of our referral program! For every driver hired that you refer, you will be paid $2,500 for your recruiting efforts! You will get $500 the first week the referred driver is dispatched, $500 after 30 days, $500 after 60 days, and at six months, you will receive a $1,000 payment. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Recruiting so we can help get you started with your NEXT SIDE JOB!

issues — supply and demand. Whether that be income or daily staples, this country needs drivers to keep us moving forward and to keep our cost of living manageable. We are working hard every day in recruiting to bring Big G Express as many drivers as we can. However, as we are all feeling the pressure of rising costs and inflation, I wanted to remind you that you can bump your income by doing a little recruiting yourself! You don’t

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