FFE and American Eagle Honor Million Mile Drivers

(Dallas, Tex.) — As part of their Driver Appreciation Week ceremonies held during the week of Aug. 24-30, FFE Transportation Services (FFE) celebrated at all the terminals throughout their network and honored their million mile drivers in a special ceremony at the FFE home terminal in Lancaster, Tex. Drivers receiving special distinction for achieving the million mile mark included: FFE owner operators, Terri Crank and Tommy Crank, American Eagle drivers James Cavezza and James Ellard, as well as FFE drivers Donald Grashot and Thomas Holibaugh. Lester Johnston, a 42 year FFE veteran, who announced his retirement, was honored along with Wendy Wilborn for achieving over four million accident free miles. Wilborn, a former President and currently Vice President of the FFE Trucker’s Association, has served in various capacities on the FFE Trucker’s Association Board. He has been with the company since 1971. “To accomplish just one million miles of accident free driving, a driver had to be here for nine consecutive years,” David Hedgpeth, Vice President of Risk Management, Compliance and Safety, said. “When you think about it, most people can not drive that many miles in a lifetime. We are proud to have so many who have achieved this accomplishment.” For their achievements, FFE rewarded these individuals with a wood engraved plaque, a gold plated belt buckle with an FFE truck that depicts the number of miles and a leather jacket with a million mile symbol on the left side lapel. Owner operators who achieved this accomplishment also received personalized mud flaps and insignia for their truck. A special 8 ½ x 11 portrait of each driver was also placed on the “Wall of Fame” at the FFE home terminal in Lancaster, Tex. next to other million mile award recipients in honor of this great accomplishment. “It is really a thrill to give awards to people of this caliber. In nine years, they have become family and it is special for us to see them succeed,” Hedgpeth said. “Million miles drivers play a significant role in ensuring the success of our safety program and the safety of our highways,” Sherry Bass, Vice President of Capacity Development, said. “We are proud and honored to have such dedicated drivers and we wish them continued success in all that they do.”

FFE and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

We take National Truck Driver Appreciation Week serious around here. We have food and activities planned every day at multiple locations. To find out more check out the special "Driver Appreciation News" button on the website. It will send you to the news about out activities and prizes! Additionally, we added a link to a story about Natalie Tidwell and FFE on the side. It's a great story, published last weekend. Take a look!! Good reading!

Another News Article

Copy and paste this link to view another news article about FFE and recruiting. http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=61107&news_category_id=9

FFE Presents Natalie Tidwell at 2008 Great American Truck Show

(Dallas, TX)—The Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. (FFE) is pleased to present Country Singer Natalie Tidwell at the 2008 Great American Trucking Show Aug. 21-23. Tidwell has been serving as the voice of FFE and assisting with various communication projects. “Drivers have responded very well to our initial promotions with Natalie,” Sherry F. Bass, FFE Vice-President of Fleet Development said. “We look forward to introducing her publicly at GATS and providing members of the transportation industry an opportunity to meet and connect with her.” Tidwell will also be available to meet with fans while distributing and autographing copies of her newest CD compilation, titled, Sign of Things to Come at the FFE booth #22167. “I am excited to have an opportunity to thank drivers for what they do. Truckers spend time away from their families, on the road, day in and day out, to keep America going. If it were not for them, all of our lives would be different,” Tidwell said. When it comes to her association with FFE, she states, “We have some podcasts, print and special appearances planned. It’s going to be a tremendous year.” Promotions currently in place have initiated substantial e-mail response for Tidwell. “I had one particular driver contact me last week. When he heard that I was the new spokesperson, he thought it was just a recruitment ploy. Then, he went on to write how touched he was and how glad he is that I’m getting a message through about the significance of the trucking industry and the importance of truckers,” she said. “He was very appreciative and I am so appreciative. Since drivers are constantly listening to the radio, they are the best at judging talent. Their continuing and growing support means so much to me.” Tidwell has been performing since the age of five. Along with numerous live concerts, she has been on Star Search and was named the Next American Superstar in a competition sponsored by XM radio. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, FFE offers a variety of opportunities for trucking professionals. Regardless of if you are a student, new driver, or an experienced driver with your own equipment, FFE would like to speak with you. One of the largest temperature-controlled transportation services in the United States, FFE companies work together to meet the needs of their customers. To learn more, call us at 1-800-569-9232 or visit www.ffedrivers.com.

So Far, So Good

Although he has grown up around the trucking industry, Dan Butler was never the one behind the wheel. Now, with five months experience as a driver, he’s happy that he made the choice to enter the profession. “I decided when I turned 21, that this was what I wanted to do. Both of my parents are professional drivers, but my mother got me interested in the profession. She has been driving a truck for about 10 years now,” he said. Dan’s mother, who drives a fuel tanker, took him out on the road with her in 2000. “I really enjoyed it. Riding with her inspired me,” he said. “Before I became a truck driver, I used to drive a pick up everywhere. Now I just drive a bigger truck.” Learning how to control his rig has been a fairly easy task for Dan, who says the weather is the most challenging aspect of the job. “Right now, there is a 45 mile an hour tail wind, but I am used to it. Before joining FFE a few weeks ago, I drove a dedicated route in Wyoming. In that state, you will run into any kind of weather that exists on this planet,” he said. “I have driven in 80 to 90 mile winds. It really does not bother me anymore. If I get nervous, I slow down. Or, if I need to, I stop.” Dan transitioned from his former company to FFE for two reasons. The first was due to the way the former company treated their drivers. The second reason was due to all the good things he heard about FFE. “My previous company did not care for their drivers too much. A few friends told me about FFE and I decided to apply and give it a try,” he said. “So far, it has been all that I hoped. I’m going to stay with this company because they have treated me well and they have answered my questions. They have taken care of me and have helped me learn all the different processes I need to know to do my job.” Leaving his former company became an easy transition, something that he credits to the help he has received at FFE. “They have drivers that will assist you within the company. There is always somebody available. Everyone is really down to earth and family oriented,” he said. “The company has exceeded my expectations in so many ways.” FFE Transportation Services Group is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. One of the largest temperature-controlled transportation services in the United States, FFE companies work together to meet the transportation needs of their customers. Whether you are a student, new driver, owner operator or an experienced trucking professional with your own equipment, FFE offers a wide variety of opportunities. For more information, please call 800-569-9232 or visit the new FFE website at www.ffeinc.com. Drivers may also apply directly at www.ffedrivers.com.

Natalie Tidwell: The Voice of FFE

With her sultry, southern accent,country music singer Natalie Tidwell will soon be the new voice of the FFE group of companies. It is a partnership the singer describes enthusiastically from her Nashville residence. Natalie’s new role at FFE arrives right on the heels of her new album,titled, Sign of Things to Come, which features a number of songs she wrote,such as “Sun Kissed.” Set for releasein late summer, the album reflects her studio work in Nashville and live performance experience. As the new Voice of FFE, she wants to utilize the album to enhance the notoriety of the company. “The idea was to put a face and a name with FFE that combined something that people are interested in--like music with information about our driving opportunities,” Sherry Bass, Vice President of Fleet Development, said. “Natalie is a very talented professional in the country music industry. In utilizing that talent, we are able to spotlight opportunities for drivers and contractors in a more interesting way.” The new partnership with FFE will encompass a number of things. For one, FFE has agreed to sponsor the singer’s website located atwww.natalietidwell.com. “Utilizing theother websites is a different approach for us. Our goal is to make FFE and our opportunities more visible to volumes of internet traffic that may not normally visit our website,” Bass said. In addition, FFE has contracted the singer to perform for their drivers and at special events. “We think driver response will be very favorable,” Sherry said. “It also brings attention to the company in a nontraditional way.” Natalie, who has performed on Star Search and was named the Next American Superstar in a compettion sponsored partly by XM radio, started music at the age of five, when Barbara Mandrell invited her on stage. “I went up there and I was singing my heart out to the song, “Sleeping Single in a Doublebed.” My parents knew right then and there that I was going to do that the rest of my life,” she said.In addition, Natalie can currently be heard on Dallas radio and TV singing a popular jingle. In serving as the Voice of FFE, Natalie says she is looking forward to the opportunity to connect with trucking professionals.As she states, “I am honored to be a part of this industry and to have the opportunity to encourage drivers. I am so thankful for all that they do.” Headquartered in Dallas, Tx., FFE offers a variety of opportunities for trucking professionals. Regardless of if you are a student, new driver, or an experienced driver with your own equipment, FFE would like to speak with you. To learn more, call us at 1-800-569-9232 or visit www.ffedrivers.com.

Company Driver Enjoys Growth at FFE Transportation Services

Company Driver Christopher Jack has spent his eight-year driving career at FFE and says it’s a decision he’s still pleased he made. “It’s been very good for me. I was given a chance to drive a truck for a good company and I took it,” he says. “I have been around trucks my whole life – my dad drove a truck – and I always wanted to drive myself. FFE was part of making that dream come true.” Jack says his credit and work history weren’t perfect when he was ready to start out. “FFE gave me the opportunity that others weren’t willing to give me,” he says. “I went through the company sponsored school and now I’m on the President’s Gold Fleet.” Being on that prestigious fleet means driving for FFE for at least six years with good customer service, on-time deliveries and no accidents, lost time, or cargo damage. Jack credits FFE for having such a supportive atmosphere. “They know my face when I come in. I don’t think I could have this strong of a career with any other company,” Jack says. “My dispatchers are great; my earnings are great – even my home time is great.” Jack says he has plenty of home time to enjoy with his three teenage daughters as well as leisure time for himself. “I like watching sports, reading, getting on my computer – and I have a train set!” he says. FFE company drivers also enjoy pay raises every six months up to the maximum rate plus new and late model equipment; medical, dental and vision coverage; 401K; paid vacation; open door management policy; quarterly performance bonus; rider programs; weekly payroll; referral bonuses and much more. If you’re a company driver interested in owning your own truck, FFE’s Clean Slate Lease Program offers you the opportunity with no money down and the added benefit of a business support system. Credit isn't an issue as long as drivers can meet safety and work history requirements. New drivers can also inquire about waiving certain fixed costs with FFE's Fresh Start Program. For more information on the opportunities now available at FFE, Company Drivers call 800-569-9233 Owner Operators call 866-493-1926 or visit www.ffeinc.com.