DB Schenker U.S. Land Transport Honored with Prestigious 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

Introduction

In a landmark achievement for the logistics industry, DB Schenker's U.S. Land Transport division, formerly known as USA Truck, has been awarded the esteemed 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This recognition marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the organization has received this distinguished honor. The award ceremony, held at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. in late August, saw a delegation of DB Schenker's leadership and staff accepting this prestigious accolade on behalf of the company.

The Freedom Award, established in 1996 by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), represents the highest form of recognition bestowed by the Department of Defense upon employers who demonstrate exceptional support for their National Guard and Reserve employees. With only 340 honorees in its 27-year history, this award underscores DB Schenker's commitment to supporting military personnel in their civilian careers.

A Testament to DB Schenker's Commitment

Joe Jaska, DB Schenker EVP, Land Transport, Region Americas, expressed the company's gratitude, stating, "We are truly honored to be recognized by the Department of Defense with the prestigious Freedom Award. We take pride in our programs that help create avenues for veterans and reservists to bring their talents to civilian careers. We are a stronger company because of the skills, capabilities, and unique perspectives they bring to our team."

This recognition is not just a feather in DB Schenker's cap but a testament to the company's long-standing commitment to hiring and supporting veterans. The company's dedication to this cause is evident in its selection as one of only 15 employers in the United States to receive this honor in 2023, and one of just two trucking companies to be awarded the Freedom Award.

A Legacy of Support

DB Schenker's journey towards this recognition began even before USA Truck became part of the DB Schenker family. The company was already positioned to be the fifth Arkansas-based company to receive the Freedom Award in its 27-year history, showcasing a consistent and strong commitment to supporting military personnel.

George Henry, DB Schenker Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Land, emphasized this point, saying, "We have been a significant employer of Veterans and Reservists for many years now. We are proud to support our military families who have selflessly sacrificed to defend our nation's freedom, and we believe that this is the least we can do."

The Selection Process

The path to receiving the Freedom Award is rigorous and competitive. The 2023 recipients were selected from nearly 1,900 nominations, encompassing both private and public sector employers. These nominations came from National Guard or Reserve Component employees working within the nominated organizations. The geographical spread of the selected employers is impressive, covering all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam-CNMI, and the District of Columbia.

DB Schenker's Military Recruiting Program

At the heart of DB Schenker's success in supporting military personnel is its robust military recruiting program. Led by Carroll Davidson and William Geoghagan, both U.S. Army veterans, the program is driven by a deep passion for helping service members transition into the transportation industry.

The program's focus is twofold:

1. Assisting service members transitioning from active-duty status

2. Recognizing and valuing the real-world experience that service members bring to the table

A standout feature of DB Schenker's military program is the Veteran Experience Program (VXP). This innovative initiative allows transitioning, qualified personnel to use a Military Skills Waiver, effectively bypassing certain training requirements. This approach not only streamlines the hiring process but also acknowledges the valuable skills and experience that veterans bring to the civilian workforce.

Expanding the Vision

The success of the military recruiting program at DB Schenker's U.S. Land Transport division has inspired a broader vision within the company. David Buss, DB Schenker CEO of North America, shared the company's future plans: "The leadership at DB Schenker USA is working diligently to expand the USAT recruiting program to our Airfreight, Ocean Freight, and Contract Logistics Business Units."

This expansion signifies DB Schenker's commitment to not just maintaining but enhancing its support for veterans and reservists across all its business segments. It's a clear indication that the company sees the value in military experience and is willing to invest in creating opportunities for service members across its entire operational spectrum.

The Significance of the Freedom Award

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is more than just a recognition; it's a symbol of a company's dedication to supporting the brave men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Since its inception in 1996, when Secretary of Defense William Perry authorized the first award, it has become a benchmark for employer support of military personnel.

The award's prestige is underscored by its rigorous selection process. Nominations can be submitted by Guard and Reserve personnel or their family members, and the selection is made by a national board comprising senior Defense officials and business leaders. This thorough process ensures that only the most deserving employers receive this honor.

The Role of ESGR

Behind the Freedom Award stands the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office established in 1972. The ESGR plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. Its mission extends to resolving conflicts arising from an employee's military commitments.

The ESGR's work goes beyond just recognition. It actively develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through:

1. Outreach programs

2. Recognition initiatives

3. Educational opportunities

These efforts are aimed at increasing awareness of applicable laws and fostering a supportive ecosystem for service members in the civilian workforce.

The Impact on DB Schenker and the Industry

Receiving the Freedom Award is not just an honor for DB Schenker; it sets a new standard in the logistics and transportation industry. As one of the largest Integrated Logistics Service Providers in the Americas, DB Schenker's recognition sends a powerful message to the entire sector about the importance of supporting military personnel.

With over 10,000 employees in 123 locations across the Americas, DB Schenker's commitment to veterans and reservists has the potential to create a significant positive impact. The company's comprehensive approach, offering land transport, air and ocean freight, as well as integrated logistics solutions, provides a wide array of opportunities for veterans to apply their skills and experience.

Looking Ahead

As DB Schenker continues to expand its military support programs across its various business units, the company is poised to set new benchmarks in veteran employment and support in the logistics industry. The Freedom Award is not just a recognition of past efforts but a motivation for future initiatives.

The company's commitment to expanding its military recruiting program to other divisions like Airfreight, Ocean Freight, and Contract Logistics demonstrates a forward-thinking approach. It suggests that DB Schenker sees the integration of military talent as a key component of its growth strategy and operational excellence.

Conclusion

DB Schenker's recognition with the 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and reservists. It highlights the value that military experience brings to the civilian workforce, particularly in the dynamic and challenging field of logistics and transportation.

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, companies like DB Schenker are leading the way in creating meaningful opportunities for those who have served their country. This recognition not only honors DB Schenker's efforts but also sets a standard for other companies in the industry to follow.

The Freedom Award serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting our military personnel, not just during their service but also as they transition into civilian careers. It's a call to action for other employers to recognize the unique skills and perspectives that veterans and reservists bring to the table.

As we look to the future, it's clear that the integration of military talent into the civilian workforce, especially in critical sectors like logistics, will play a crucial role in driving innovation, efficiency, and excellence. DB Schenker's achievement is not just a company milestone; it's a step forward for the entire industry in recognizing and harnessing the power of military experience in the corporate world.