Cover Story

Smithway Motor Xpress (SMX)

Smithway Motor Xpress (SMX) celebrated its Driver Appreciation Week Aug. 27-31, welcoming drivers for food, prizes and a personal introduction to SMX spokesperson and country musician Alison Parson.
     “We had a week-long cookout with our famous big hamburgers with all the fixings, bratwurst, baked beans, salad—just lots of goodies to eat and drink,” says Junelle Hauth of SMX. “The real treat was spending some time again with Alison. She was our Next American Superstar contestant two years ago, and it has been great having her as our spokesperson. She spent most of the day with us signing CDs and autographing items, visiting with drivers and touring our facility.”
     Alison Parson partnered with SMX earlier this year as the company spokesperson, and she appears in the company’s recruitment advertising.
     “I have really enjoyed being affiliated with SMX,” says Parson. “I’ve just never met a better group of people at the headquarters, and the drivers are just excellent individuals.”   SMX owner-operator Henry Shriver was one of the many drivers and employees who attended the event with Parson. “She’s a wonderful girl,” he said. “Very outgoing—spent a lot of time meeting all of us. It was a fun day.”
     An owner-operator for virtually all of his 34 years, five with SMX, Shriver said that he appreciates get-togethers such as the cookout for driver appreciation week, because it gives him the opportunity to connect with drivers and staff. “I enjoy everyone at SMX. They treat me very well—we’re just warm and fuzzy all the time!” he jokes.
     Most importantly, Shriver says he has a variety of choices for his business. “The salespeople at SMX are very aggressive in finding new business,” he says.
     At the Driver Appreciation Event, attendees were given Alison Parson’s CDs, plus SMX held drawings for gift certificates and merchandise to give to the drivers.
     “This is the time of year when we stop and say thanks to our drivers,” says Hauth. “We want them to know we don’t take them for granted. They deserve a lot of respect for the work they do.”
     SMX employs both company drivers and independent contractors who primarily haul building materials, steel and general commodities. They enjoy quick, straightforward pay with a direct deposit system, plus many additional advantages. The company also has achievable bonuses, a rider program and customer referral programs.
     The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Alison, Henry and everyone at SMX the very best. Owner-operators and company drivers interested in the new opportunities available at SMX, please call (866) 322-1909 today or visit www.smxc.com.