Based on our analysis of key factors like benefits, pay, training, and flexible scheduling, Prime,, Inc.. is the best trucking company to work for in Springfield, Missouri. The right workplace for you ultimately depends on your specific career goals, so check out all our picks for top Springfield trucking companies.
Top Trucking Companies in Springfield, MO
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Springfield:
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves
There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Springfield. Every Springfield trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies to work for in Springfield.
Prime,, Inc..
2740 North Mayfair Ave, Springfield, MO, 65803- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 8406
- Drivers: 9442
- Revenue: $3,485,000
- Miles driven: 836,000,000 (2024)
Prime, Inc. (DOT: 3706) is established in Springfield, Missouri, and has been a player in the trucking industry for several decades. Although the exact founding date is not specified, the company operates a large fleet with over 8,400 trucks and 16,812 trailers. Prime Inc., offers a diverse range of cargo transportation services including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, meat, metal rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The company hires a variety of drivers such as flatbed, hazmat, intermodal, reefer, tanker, flatbed, dry van, and team drivers, catering to both regional and over-the-road (OTR) operations.
Prime Inc. provides attractive benefits to its drivers, which include full health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), safety and performance bonuses, guaranteed home time, and paid time off. The company also promotes programs such as direct deposit, truck lease-purchase options, and ongoing training and development. Drivers are further supported with disability insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, and flexible scheduling. Additionally, Prime, Inc. offers perks like roadside assistance, deadhead and layover compensation, pay advances, and rider or pet allowed policy.
On review platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, Prime Inc. holds ratings of 3.7 and 3.6 respectively. Positive feedback from employees commonly highlights the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the extensive support and resources offered to drivers, including training programs and flexible scheduling. However, common negative feedback mentions long hours, which can affect work-life balance, and occasional mismanagement of route assignments, leading to delays and unpredictability in schedules. Overall, Prime Inc. is praised for its commitment to driver satisfaction and operational excellence, despite some operational challenges.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 728
- Unsafe driving: 1.68
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.8
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 20
IWX Motor Freight
2813 North Neergard Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65803- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 275
- Drivers: 338
- Revenue: $43,836
- Miles driven: 32,600,000 (2024)
IWX Motor Freight (DOT: 397707) is an established trucking company that carries out its operations primarily as an interstate carrier. They specialize in hauling a variety of cargo, including chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, liquids/gases, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. The company hires several types of drivers, including regional, hazmat, specialized, intermodal, flatbed, and OTR drivers. They also provide opportunities for owner-operators and team drivers, ensuring a diverse range of driving roles within their fleet.
IWX Motor Freight offers numerous benefits to its drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, full health insurance (including dental and vision), life insurance, and retirement plans (401k). Drivers also enjoy guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, per diem payments, safety bonuses, direct deposit, deadhead detention and layover compensation, and a truck lease-purchase program. Additionally, there are programs for ongoing training and development, which serve to support new drivers, incentivize driver referrals, and provide comprehensive health screenings and fuel cards.
Though specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, IWX Motor Freight is recognized for its competitive driver benefits and comprehensive support for its employees. Common positive feedback highlights the strong benefits package and commitment to driver safety and satisfaction. However, some drivers have noted areas for improvement, such as better coordination for route assignments and clearer communication regarding company policies. Overall, IWX Motor Freight is known for fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 0.71
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
SGC Foodservice
2415 Battlefield Street, Springfield, MO, 65807- Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Power units: 139
- Drivers: 159
- Revenue: $16,006,000
- Miles driven: 7,772,128 (2023)
SGC Foodservice (DOT: 3849), also known as Springfield Grocer Company, is part of the foodservice industry. The company operates out of Springfield, Missouri, and has a fleet size of 278 vehicles and 159 drivers. They offer services including refrigerated food transport, general freight, beverages, meat, other, and paper products. They also employ a variety of drivers, including OTR, regional, local, and flatbed drivers. SGC Foodservice provides dedicated routes to ensure consistency in their operations.
SGC Foodservice prioritizes employee satisfaction by offering benefits such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as paid time off (PTO). They also provide sign-on bonuses, driver referral bonuses, pay advances, and guaranteed home time. Safety bonuses and direct deposit are also part of their driver benefits programs. Additionally, the company offers disability insurance and has a new driver program to support incoming drivers.
On Indeed, SGC Foodservice holds a rating of 3.2, while Glassdoor users rate the company at 3.8. Employees commonly praise SGC Foodservice for its robust benefits programs and solid pay packages. However, some negative feedback revolves around the structure of routes and promises of home time, indicating occasional issues with planning and delays. Overall, the company appears to maintain a largely positive reputation among its workforce, particularly in terms of compensation and benefits.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.26
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Trailiner Corp
2169 E Blaine, Springfield, MO, 65803- Salary range: $50,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 71
- Trailers: 236
- Drivers: 91
- Revenue: $9,963
- Miles driven: 10,900,000 (2024)
Trailiner Corp (DOT: 203311) is a well-established carrier operating from Springfield, Missouri. The company engages in transporting various cargo types, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, meat, and refrigerated food. They primarily hire reefer, flatbed, and hazardous materials drivers, with opportunities available for partial drivers, OTR drivers, team drivers, regional drivers, and specialized drivers.
Trailiner Corp offers an array of driver benefits, which include guaranteed home time, direct deposit, pay advances, deadhead or detention layover compensation, and allowing pets and passengers. The company provides a comprehensive health insurance plan, including dental and vision coverage, and also offers safety bonuses and paid time off to ensure driver satisfaction. Additionally, they have ongoing training and development programs to support their employees’ growth and safety.
Trailiner Corp garners favorable reviews with a Glassdoor rating of 4.3 and an Indeed rating of 3.8. Employees frequently commend the company for its competitive benefits, supportive work environment, and effective management. However, some reviews highlight dissatisfaction with scheduling and home-time consistency. Despite some logistical challenges, Trailiner maintains a positive overall reputation among its drivers and staff.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 1.47
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
BLC Transportation, Inc.
2233 E Kearney, Springfield, MO, 65803- Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 128
- Drivers: 106
- Revenue: $1,211,000
- Miles driven: 11,000,000 (2024)
BLC Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 1573208) is a trucking company located in the United States, with its information actively maintained on CarrierSource. It handles various types of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, construction materials, general freight, machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and refrigerated foods. They offer services in both full truckload and partial truckload capacities, utilizing dry van and reefer trucks. BLC primarily hires team drivers, OTR drivers, and local drivers.
Employees at BLC Transportation enjoy several benefits, including direct deposit, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and a retirement plan (401k). The company also offers guaranteed home time and allows passengers and pets, showing a commitment to driver comfort and satisfaction. Additionally, the company provides life and disability insurance, but does not offer a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, or a truck lease purchase program.
BLC Transportation has an Indeed rating of 3.4 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.5. The company’s employee reviews are mixed on these platforms. Positive feedback often highlights the comprehensive benefits package and the modern and well-maintained fleet. However, some negative comments point out issues such as disorganized route planning and occasional failure to deliver on promised home time. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment leans positive, reflecting a generally satisfactory work environment.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Team
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Rider & pet allowances
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 1.89
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.09
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Perfect Timing Transportation, Inc.
1839 N Barnes Ave Ste B, Springfield, MO, 65803- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Power units: 45
- Drivers: 44
- Revenue: $483,000
- Miles driven: 4,046,771 (2022)
Perfect Timing Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 2353880) operates since its establishment and is based in . The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, and refrigerated foods using dry van and reefer trucks. Perfect Timing Transportation primarily hires OTR drivers and local drivers.
Perfect Timing Transportation offers a host of benefits to its drivers such as full health coverage (including dental, vision, and life insurance), paid time off, guaranteed home time, and a retirement plan (401k). Additionally, they provide paid CDL training to help new drivers launch their careers in the trucking industry.
On Indeed, Perfect Timing Transportation has a rating of 4.0, reflecting positive feedback regarding compensation, benefits, job security, and advancement opportunities. Employees frequently praise the company for its competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. However, some common negative feedback involves occasional issues with route assignments and administrative disorganization.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Paid CDL training
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.98
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
U.S. Expressway, LLC
2906 E State Hwy Aa, Springfield, MO, 65803- Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 8
- Drivers: 8
- Miles driven: 664,964 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
U.S. Expressway, LLC (DOT: 1955934) is a renowned trucking company predominantly operating in the interstate transport sector. The exact founding date is unavailable, but the company is well-established and boasts a robust operational base. Located in an unspecified city, U.S. Expressway, LLC transports a wide range of cargo, including building materials, fresh produce, general freight, paper products, household goods, meat, and refrigerated food. They primarily hire drivers for dry van, flatbed, and reefer operations, with opportunities available for team driving.
U.S. Expressway, LLC stands out with some compelling benefits for their drivers. These include health, vision, dental, and life insurance, a retirement 401k plan, paid time off, and guaranteed home time. The company places a strong emphasis on driver satisfaction, offering safety bonuses and ongoing training and development programs. Notably, they provide a sign-on bonus, adding a lucrative incentive for new drivers joining the team. Salaries for drivers range between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, reflecting competitive compensation in the industry.
Employee reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor rate U.S. Expressway, LLC positively, with Indeed scoring them a solid 4.0 and Glassdoor a 3.8. Employees appreciate the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth opportunities. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with work-life balance, including concerns about inconsistencies in home time and occasional disorganization in route management. Despite these areas for improvement, the overall sentiment towards U.S. Expressway, LLC is favorable, making it a reputable choice for drivers seeking a stable and rewarding career in trucking.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Team
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.78
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Mueller Transportation, Inc.
1600 W Phelps St, Springfield, MO, 65802- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 10
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $1,395,000
- Miles driven: 764,333 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Mueller Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 172283) was established in 1940 and operates out of an unspecified city. As a seasoned company in the transportation industry, Mueller specializes in hauling general freight, building materials, machinery, and large metal objects, utilizing mainly dry van and flatbed trucks. They primarily hire over-the-road (OTR) and flatbed drivers.
Mueller Transportation offers a solid benefits package, including full health insurance with dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. However, the company does not provide sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, or ongoing training and development programs. While they also do not support passenger or pet policies, Mueller prioritizes economic stability and focuses on driver welfare through essential health benefits.
Employee feedback on Indeed and Glassdoor reveals that Mueller Transportation enjoys favorable reviews, with an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.8. Positive aspects frequently mentioned by employees include competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. On the downside, several past employees have noted that the company could improve in organizing route assignments and delivering on promised home time more consistently.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.54
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.96
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
OAP Transportation, LLC
233 South Patterson, Springfield, MO, 65802- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 892
- Drivers: 942
- Revenue: $243,000
- Miles driven: 56,700,000 (2024)
OAP Transportation, LLC (DOT: 222024) was established and operates primarily within the transportation industry. They are based in an unspecified city and state, offering services such as carrying general freight through full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) logistics. The company hires primarily over-the-road (OTR) drivers and reefer drivers, ensuring that their transportation operations are efficient and expansive.
Drivers at OAP Transportation enjoy a suite of benefits including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, they provide paid time off (PTO) and a retirement plan (401k), which underscores their commitment to driver welfare and long-term financial security. The focus on employee satisfaction is also reflected in practical benefits like direct deposit, which offers convenience to their workforce.
OAP Transportation boasts an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, indicating a positive workplace culture among employees. Positive feedback frequently highlights the competitive pay range of $50,000-$60,000 and comprehensive benefits package. However, some common negative feedback points to issues like lack of guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, which affects work-life balance for some drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 67
- Unsafe driving: 0.4
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.98
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 60
Legacy, Inc.
2505 E Livingston, Springfield, MO, 65803- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 70
- Drivers: 81
- Revenue: $3,388,000
- Miles driven: 8,909,462 (2024)
Legacy, Inc. (DOT: 993791) was established in 2001 and operates out of a location that is not specified in the provided data. This trucking company carries a variety of cargo including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, and refrigerated foods. They utilize both dry van and flatbed truck types. Legacy, Inc. primarily hires over-the-road (OTR) drivers and does not offer opportunities for team, regional, local, hazmat, or specialized driving roles.
Legacy, Inc. stands out with its attractive benefits for drivers, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k). They also provide paid time off, ensuring drivers can take necessary breaks without financial drawbacks. Furthermore, the company offers a sign-on bonus which makes it an appealing option for new drivers entering the industry. However, they do not currently support initiatives like employee stock ownership, tuition reimbursement, or truck lease purchase programs.
Employee feedback on review platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor is generally positive, with both ratings averaging around 4.0 out of 5. Common praises include competitive salary ranges of $60,000-$70,000, comprehensive benefit packages, and a supportive working environment. However, some criticisms were noted regarding the lack of flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time, with employees occasionally experiencing disorganized route assignments. Despite these drawbacks, Legacy Inc.’s overall reputation remains solid in the industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.82
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.27
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Springfield Trucking Companies
Finding the right trucking company in Springfield, Missouri, can be the key to a successful and satisfying career. When evaluating potential employers in Springfield, consider these crucial factors:
- Pay range & career growth: Competitive starting salaries or hourly wages are important, but it’s also good to get a sense of your opportunities for growth. Look for companies in Springfield that provide ongoing training — and potential raises tied to completion of that training — as well as clear promotion tracks and performance bonuses.
- Benefits: A wide range of benefits beyond medical insurance and retirement plans — like employee stock ownership, deadhead pay, and lease-to-buy programs — can speak to a company’s commitment to attracting and retaining employees. comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses.
- Culture: Consider Springfield companies that focus on fostering work-life balance through perks like pet and rider allowances and weekends off.
- Employee feedback: Check which companies have positive reviews from current and former employees and are generally well-regarded in your area as a good place to work.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
There are multiple driving positions available at Springfield trucking companies based on your preferences and prior experience:
- Long-haul: This is a great option for drivers who like being on the road longer and traveling farther, sometimes across the country.
- Regional: If you’d rather stay a little closer to home, regional driving positions allow for travel throughout Missouri and surrounding states while still staying relatively close to home.
- Local: Local truckers drive consistent routes each day in and around Springfield. .
- Specialized: Specialized trucking positions include driving tankers, dry vans, refrigerated trucks within Springfield’s diverse freight industry.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
When choosing the best trucking company in Springfield for your career, make sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Are you motivated more by salary and benefits or flexible routes and schedules? Decide ahead of time what matters most to you to help you narrow your search.
- Look at local companies. Check the trucking companies in Springfield, Missouri, to see how they stack up in terms of pay, benefits, and industry reputation.
- Get input from drivers. Ask local drivers about their experiences with different companies in Springfield and check online employment sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for anonymous reviews.
- Think about your career goals. If you are more interested in getting your foot in the door, paid CDL training and ongoing education may be key to choosing a company to work for in Springfield. If you prefer staying with a company long-term, look for career advancement opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, and strong benefits packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Springfield:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Springfield?
A truck driving career in Springfield can be highly rewarding, especially with the growing demand for freight movement in the area. Drivers can earn competitive wages, enjoy job security, and find plenty of opportunities for career growth in the local trucking industry.
Which company in Springfield offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Prime,, Inc.. is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Springfield?
Most trucking companies in Springfield are hiring for regional and local driving positions, with some also offering specialized roles for more experienced drivers.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Springfield?
Prime,, Inc.. is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Springfield.
How To Apply
Ready to start your trucking career in Springfield? Here’s how you can apply to the top companies:
- Update your resume. Make sure to highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specific skills relevant to the local job market.
- Research companies. Visit their career pages to see available job openings and learn about their work culture in Springfield.
- Submit your application. Apply directly online through the company’s website or job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. After applying, follow up with recruiters to show your continued interest and ask about the next steps.