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Two weeks ago, we celebrated the first delivery from Savage’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric drayage truck — a major milestone in achieving cleaner, more sustainable operations. Built in partnership with Symbio, this first-of-its-kind vehicle represents a new standard for zero-emission performance, combining reduced environmental impact with the reliability and efficiency our customers depend on. Thank you to Symbio for being a valuable partner in the expansion of our zero-emission fleet strategy, the Port of Long Beach for celebrating this achievement with us, and to everyone who came out to share this historic moment.
Cando Rail & Terminals (“Cando”) and Savage Enterprises LLC (“Savage”) announced the execution of a definitive agreement for Cando to acquire Savage Rail (“Savage Rail”). The mutually beneficial deal will make Cando North America’s market leader in first and last mile rail operating services and terminal infrastructure, and it positions Savage for strategic growth opportunities by refining its business portfolio. Savage Rail is a leading U.S. rail provider with operations across the U.S. and a platform of rail assets in key markets, including along the Midwest, Gulf Coast, and Southeast corridors. The transaction will accelerate Cando’s U.S. expansion plans, while strengthening its existing network in Canada. The combined company is expected to operate a coast-to-coast network of assets in North America with no geographic overlap that will include 36 railcar storage, staging, and/or transload terminals; three short-line railways; and 80 first and last mile rail service operations, as well as access to all six Class I railroads. The cross-continental North American footprint will improve reach, efficiency, and responsiveness. Customers will gain access to a broader, more connected rail network that supports production certainty and enables faster, more efficient movement of goods. Direct connectivity to all six Class I railroads will enable Cando to work together with the Class Is to help improve customers’ ability to move product seamlessly across the continent.
Over the weekend, Savage proudly continued its tradition of honoring U.S. veterans by sponsoring 1,000 wreaths through our Patriots Program and supporting local ceremonies across the country. Many of our team members volunteered at sites including: Utah State Veterans Cemetery (Bluffdale, UT) Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Houston, TX) Johnson County Memorial Gardens (Overland Park, KS) Arlington National Cemetery (Washington, D.C.) We’re inspired by team members like Driver Pete Bachelder, who spent 2.5 days on the road, driving 1,100 miles and delivering 1,800 wreaths to 12 locations in New Hampshire, with coordination from Logistics Supervisor Janis McAlister. Their dedication reflects the heart of Savage’s commitment to honoring those who served. Bartlett also went above and beyond, donating $2,482 to provide 146 wreaths for veterans. This year, Wreaths Across America reached 5,598 cemeteries, placed 3.1 million wreaths, and mobilized millions of volunteers nationwide. We’re proud to be part of this incredible mission.
Savage President and CEO Jeff Roberts visited our Auburn, Maine operation last week to catch up with our team members at that facility. The team had a BBQ lunch to welcome Jeff, where he was able to try Maine’s famous Red Hot Dogs for the first time and get to know the team a bit better.
Shell recently made a special trip to our Texas City operation to recognize Driver Lakisha Winn for winning their Regional Driver of the Year award! Lakisha received Shell's Professional Driver of the Year award for the United States back in March, which made her eligible to receive the regional award for the Americas. On their visit, Shell’s Road Transport Contract Manager Dennis Hickey and his manager, Patrick Taylor, emphasized the excellent service Savage provides and expressed appreciation for Lakisha’s role as a steward of safety. They also presented Lakisha with a plaque, a giant $5,000 check and a few Shell souvenirs. The purpose of their visit was a complete surprise for Lakisha, and she was thrilled about the recognition. Lakisha’s career at Savage is a great example of doing things she never dreamed possible – a core value outlined in the Vision and Legacy. She previously worked as a security guard at the Valero Texas City refinery, where she often saw Savage trucks. She said she dreamed of becoming one of our drivers, and about three and a half years ago, she earned her CDL and joined Savage. She envisions a long career with Savage and was honored to receive this award and recognition from Shell. Congratulations, Lakisha! Thank you for all you do for Savage.
At Savage, we believe in making a difference — both inside the office and in the community. That’s why we have a long-standing partnership with United Way of Salt Lake and give local Team Members the opportunity to volunteer during United Way’s annual Day(s) of Caring! This year, Team Members are helping Promise South Salt Lake renovate Monarch Park, creating a sustainable park with vegetation vital to the declining monarch butterfly population and community drought resilience. The renovations also give local students a place to further their ecology and STEM-related learning through Promise South Salt Lake’s free afterschool programs.
Congrats to the Savage team in Hayden, CO for celebrating 5 years of injury-free operations! Nothing is more important than safety at Savage.
Matt Cloutier has been driving Class A commercial motor vehicles for 12 years — the last four years working with Savage in Auburn, Maine. He's logged nearly 1,000,000 accident-free miles without injury, spill, or contamination in his career, and the Maine Motor Transport Association awarded him Driver of the Month for January 2021. Congrats, Matt! Thanks for your commitment to safety. #PeopleofSavage
Congrats to Savage CEO Kirk Aubry for being recognized as one of Utah's 2021 CEOs of the Year by Utah Business. Kirk's leadership and vision has been key to Savage's success during his tenure as CEO and throughout the pandemic. In Kirk's own words, "Believe in yourself and trust in your team. It’s true that good things happen for people who make things happen. But great things happen for a team that’s committed to achieving a shared goal." Congrats, Kirk, on a well-deserved recognition!
Life lesson from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Be Kind
