DB Schenker Honored with Prestigious 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

A Landmark Achievement in Military Support

In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to our nation's military personnel, 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 for the organization, as it is their first-ever Freedom Award.

The Freedom Award, established in 1996 by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), stands as the highest honor bestowed by the Department of Defense to employers who go above and beyond in supporting their National Guard and Reserve employees. With only 340 recipients in its 27-year history, this accolade truly sets DB Schenker apart as a leader in military support within the corporate world.

A Momentous Occasion at the Pentagon

The award ceremony, held in late August at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., saw a delegation of leadership and staff from DB Schenker proudly accepting this distinguished honor on behalf of the company. This event not only celebrated DB Schenker's achievements but also highlighted the importance of corporate America's role in supporting our military personnel.

Joe Jaska, DB Schenker EVP, Land Transport, Region Americas, expressed the company's sentiment, 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."

A Testament to Dedication and Support

The Freedom Award is not just a symbol of recognition; it's a testament to DB Schenker's unwavering dedication to supporting National Guard and Reserve employees. This year, DB Schenker stands among only 15 employers in the United States to receive this honor, and is one of just two trucking companies to be awarded the Freedom Award.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it makes DB Schenker the fifth Arkansas-based company to receive the Freedom Award in its 27-year history. This statistic underscores the company's significant contribution to military support in the region and sets a high standard for other employers to follow.

A Legacy of Military Support

DB Schenker's commitment to hiring and supporting veterans is not a recent development but a long-standing tradition. 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."

This legacy of support is deeply ingrained in the company's culture and operations. It reflects a genuine understanding of the value that veterans and reservists bring to the civilian workforce, particularly in the logistics and transportation industry where their skills and experiences are highly relevant.

The Selection Process: A Rigorous Journey

The path to receiving the Freedom Award is highly competitive and rigorous. In 2023, the recipients were chosen from an impressive pool of nearly 1,900 nominations. These nominations included both private and public sector employers, each put forward by a National Guard or Reserve Component employee within their organization.

The selection process spans across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam-CNMI, and the District of Columbia, truly making it a national recognition. This wide-ranging selection process underscores the significance of DB Schenker's achievement, placing them among the elite few who have demonstrated exceptional support for their military employees.

The Driving Force: DB Schenker's Military Recruiting Program

At the heart of DB Schenker's success in supporting military personnel is its robust military recruiting program. This initiative, spearheaded by Carroll Davidson and William Geoghagan, both U.S. Army veterans themselves, has been instrumental in facilitating the transition of service members into the transportation industry.

The program's success lies in its deep understanding of the unique skills and experiences that military personnel bring to the civilian workforce. It focuses on service members transitioning from active-duty status and recognizes their real-world experience as invaluable assets to the company.

The Veteran Experience Program: A Unique Approach

One of the standout features 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 for veterans but also acknowledges the high level of skills and training they already possess from their military service.

The VXP is a testament to DB Schenker's commitment to not just hiring veterans, but also to valuing and utilizing their unique skill sets effectively within the organization. It's a win-win situation that benefits both the company and the transitioning service members.

Expanding the Vision: A Company-Wide Initiative

The success of the military recruiting program in the U.S. Land Transport division has not gone unnoticed within DB Schenker. David Buss, DB Schenker CEO of North America, highlighted the company's broader vision: "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 demonstrates DB Schenker's commitment to integrating military support across all aspects of its operations. It's a strategic move that not only benefits more veterans and reservists but also enhances the company's overall capabilities by infusing diverse military experiences and skills throughout its various business units.

The Impact on DB Schenker's Operations

The integration of veterans and reservists into DB Schenker's workforce has had a profound impact on the company's operations. These individuals bring with them a unique set of skills that are particularly valuable in the logistics and transportation industry:

• Leadership and teamwork skills honed in high-pressure environments
• Adaptability and problem-solving abilities developed through diverse military experiences
• Discipline and attention to detail, crucial in logistics operations
• Experience with advanced technologies and complex systems
• Global perspective and cultural awareness from international deployments

These skills contribute significantly to DB Schenker's efficiency, innovation, and overall operational excellence. The company's investment in military personnel has clearly paid dividends in terms of workforce quality and operational capabilities.

Beyond Recognition: The Broader Impact

While the Freedom Award is a significant achievement, its impact extends far beyond mere recognition. It serves as a powerful statement to the business community about the value of supporting military personnel. DB Schenker's example sets a new standard for corporate America, encouraging other companies to develop similar programs and initiatives.

Moreover, this recognition helps in:

• Raising awareness about the challenges faced by Guard and Reserve members in balancing their military and civilian careers
• Inspiring other employers to create more supportive work environments for military personnel
• Demonstrating the tangible benefits that companies can reap by actively supporting and recruiting from the military community
• Strengthening the overall relationship between the civilian business sector and the military

The Role of ESGR in Fostering Military-Friendly Workplaces

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) plays a crucial role in fostering supportive work environments for service members. Established in 1972, ESGR works to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers.

ESGR's mission includes:

• Developing and promoting supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components
• Increasing awareness of applicable laws
• Resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers
• Recognizing supportive employers through various awards and programs

The Freedom Award, as ESGR's highest honor, plays a significant role in this mission. It not only recognizes exemplary employers but also serves as a tool to educate and inspire other companies to enhance their support for military employees.

The Significance of the Freedom Award in Today's Corporate Landscape

In an era where corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices are increasingly important, the Freedom Award takes on added significance. It highlights companies that go beyond profit margins to support national interests and the welfare of service members.

For DB Schenker, winning this award:

• Enhances its reputation as a socially responsible corporation
• Attracts top talent, especially from the military community
• Strengthens its relationship with government and military organizations
• Sets it apart in the competitive logistics and transportation industry

Looking Ahead: DB Schenker's Continued Commitment

Winning the Freedom Award is not the end of DB Schenker's journey in supporting military personnel. Instead, it marks a new chapter in the company's ongoing commitment to veterans and reservists. David Buss articulated this sentiment clearly: "We look forward to the continued partnership with The Department of Defense."

This forward-looking approach suggests that DB Schenker will:

• Continue to refine and expand its military recruiting programs
• Develop new initiatives to support Guard and Reserve employees
• Share best practices with other companies to promote wider support for military personnel in the corporate world
• Leverage the experiences and skills of its military employees to drive innovation and growth

The Broader Impact on the Logistics Industry

DB Schenker's recognition with the Freedom Award has implications not just for the company, but for the entire logistics and transportation industry. As one of the largest Integrated Logistics Service Providers in the Americas, DB Schenker's practices often set industry standards.

This award highlights the potential for the logistics industry to:

• Tap into the rich talent pool of military veterans and reservists
• Implement more military-friendly policies and programs
• Enhance the industry's overall operational efficiency and effectiveness by leveraging military-honed skills
• Strengthen the connection between the logistics sector and national defense infrastructure

Conclusion: A Model of Corporate Citizenship

DB Schenker's receipt of the 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is more than just a corporate accolade. It represents a benchmark in how companies can support national interests while simultaneously enhancing their own capabilities and workforce quality.

As the logistics and transportation industry continues to evolve in an increasingly complex global environment, the skills, experiences, and perspectives brought by military veterans and reservists will become even more valuable. DB Schenker's example shows how embracing these individuals not only supports our nation's military but also drives business success and innovation.

The company's ongoing commitment to expanding its military support programs across all its business units in North America demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that is likely to yield significant benefits in the years to come. It sets a powerful example for other corporations, both within and outside the logistics industry, on the value of supporting and empowering military personnel in the civilian workforce.

As we look to the future, DB Schenker's achievement with the Freedom Award stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when corporate America fully embraces its role in supporting our nation's military. It's a reminder that the strength of our economy and the strength of our military are deeply interconnected, and companies like DB Schenker are leading the way in fostering this crucial relationship.