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Posts from June 2007

June 28, 2007

DECKER TEAM EARNS HONORS AT STATE COMPETITION

Decker
AMES, Iowa – A team of eight drivers represented Decker Truck Line, Inc. of Fort Dodge at the 2007 Iowa Truck Driving Championships held June 22-23, at the Iowa State Center in Ames.

Members of the Decker Team were: Steve Alliger, Paton, Iowa; Dave Bush, Fort Dodge; Dean Filmer, Lake City, Iowa; Josh Filmer, Lake City, Iowa; Chad Hicks, Gowrie, Iowa; Mark Hullerman, Mt. Hope, Wis.; Greg Thede, Badger, Iowa; Bob Wolvers, Hampton, Iowa.

Decker driver Dave Bush surpassed all the competition, winning first place in the Four-Axle Van Division, as well as achieving the highest overall driver score. Dave is an independent contractor and has been associated with Decker Truck Line, Inc. for nearly nine years. Josh Filmer won the third place trophy in the Five-Axle Van Division. He is a company driver and has been associated with Decker for two and one-half years.

Recognized for their support and dedication as a group, the entire Decker Team earned the trophy for Team Sportsmanship. Even Jerry Collins, Sr. Vice President of Decker, got in on the competition, earning second place in the Board of Directors and CEO Driving Challenge.

Drivers on the Decker Team were among 111 professional truck drivers representing 25 trucking companies that participated in the two-day event. There were eight classes of competition: three-axle van; four-axle van; five-axle van; flatbed; tank; sleeper; twin trailers and straight truck. Drivers were tested in four areas: driving skills, pre-trip inspection, written exam and personal interview.

In order to qualify, drivers must meet a few guidelines; they must have an accident-free record one year prior to the event; have been employed by the same company for the past year; have actively performed duties of a professional truck driver for the past year; have studied the regulations; and prepared for the interviews and written exam. Most importantly, they must have exercised an ability to translate their knowledge and skills into consistently good decisions on the road, and must possess an outstanding attitude that illustrates a commitment and dedication to safety.

This year marks the 43rd anniversary of Iowa’s Truck Driving Championships. This outstanding tradition showcases the professionalism that exists among Iowa’s finest drivers. The Iowa Motor Truck Association and the Iowa Council of Safety Management sponsored the annual event.

About Decker Truck Line Inc.
Decker Truck Line Inc. is under sole ownership of Don Decker, with corporate offices in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Additional terminals are located in Davenport, Iowa; Mediapolis, Iowa; Mason City, Iowa; Hammond, Indiana; Masury, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; and Hutchins, Texas. Decker is a diversified carrier, transporting flatbed, refrigerated and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces.

TRANSPORT AMERICA SUPPORTS MS SOCIETY BIKE RIDE

Eagan, Minn. — Transport America showed their continued support for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society on June 8-10, assisting with the 2007 Larkin Hoffman MS150 Bike Tour in Minnesota, starting in Duluth, with bikers finishing in Blaine. This year’s event raised more than $2.2 million, which will go to fund research and services for people living with multiple sclerosis in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

This is Transport America’s 14th consecutive year of involvement with this event. Each year the company has donated time, energy and trucks to haul bikes for the tour. This year, Transport America moved 18 loads of bikes and supplies from Blaine to the starting line in Proctor.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support a worthy cause like the MS Society,” said Pat Crilly, Support Center Manager at Transport America Eagan facility. “The whole company looks forward to this event each year.”

As usual, many Transport America employees were anxious to donate their time to this annual event. From drivers to corporate office staff, the company had many volunteers representing a dedication to this event. The following Transport America employees contributed to the efforts for the 2007 event: Company Drivers Don Wilson, Gary Glass, Steve Stearns, Craig Hahn, Wayne Etienne, Pat Burns, Steve Job, Steve Mills, Donna Strovers, Wayne Carlson, Robbie Gates, Gail Daugherty and Tim Russell; Owner Operators Tom Barstow, Tom Barstow Jr., Steve Boot, Janet Boot, Chris Finkley; Fill in Drivers Bart Giangiacomo, Valerie Pogue and Pat Crilly; From the Operations Support Eagan Corporate Office, Marv Stoltz, Jason Reeves, Lisa Giangiacomo, Audrey Carlson and Mikki Chadwick.

About Transport America

In operation since 1984, Transport America provides a variety of truckload freight carriage and logistics services. Its team of dedicated professionals, supported by advanced technology and information systems, provides time-definite and other responsive services to customers in the United States and Canada. Learn more about Transport America by calling 866-804-9222 or at www.transportamerica.com.

June 26, 2007

EPES HONORS TOP DRIVERS WITH AWARDS BANQUET

Greensboro, N.C. – EPES Transport System, Inc. recently held an awards banquet at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro, N.C., to honor the company’s “Top Achievers.” This prestigious award recognizes EPES drivers who provided flawless service and remained accident free throughout the past year.

EPES honors its “Top Achievers” annually, and more than 300 drivers were recognized at the banquet. Also recognized, was a group of drivers who have truly proven the elite caliber of their driving; the following have received the honor of “Top Achiever” for ten or more consecutive years: James Shaver, Hoyt Whitmore, William Wilbourne, Myron Leath, Keith Spurgeon, Joseph White and Edward Schnell (10 Years); Jimmy Earlywine, Rodgers Mitchell, Marvin Tillman, Charlie Valentine, Dennis McGheeney and Anthony Feener (11 Years); Bobby Fowler, Bradley Parrish and Wayne Prewer (12 Years).

Al Bodford, owner of EPES, is grateful for the incredible individuals who make up the company’s team of drivers. “I love people who do an outstanding job in such a professional manner,” Bodford said. “Thanks also to all the spouses who attended. A ‘Top Achiever’ needs family support to excel”.

About EPES Transport
EPES Transport System, Inc., is a leading provider of truckload services in the eastern United
States, providing General Commodities services and Dedicated solutions to many major customers.
Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., EPES Transport is the largest privately owned trucking company in the state, and has provided customer focused transportation and logistics solutions for more than 76 years. For more information about EPES Transport, visit www.epestransport.com or call
(800) 869-3737.

THE ORLANDO TRUCKERS’ CONFERENCE PARTNERS WITH 75 CHROME SHOP FOR A ‘FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS COMPETITION & CONVOY

Orlando, Florida - DOTAuthority.com, Inc., the nation’s premier transportation management consulting firm, announced today their 2008 Orlando Truckers’ Conference (“OTC”) event schedule. This Second Annual OTC will be held at the Osceola Heritage Park Convention Building in Kissimmee. The program includes a truckers’ convoy, which will convene at 75 Chrome Shop’s store in Wildwood, Florida on the morning of May 16, 2008. The drive from the 75 Chrome Shop store to the Osceola Heritage Park grounds will total about 67 miles. In the evening, a “Friday Night Lights” competition will be held during which, trucks will be judged for original truck light displays. An awards ceremony will honor the winners.

The OTC is positioned to be a major, industry event in the Southeast, geared towards teaching drivers, managers, and Industry professionals the tools and insight needed to be successful, all in just two days. The OTC is a unique conference and exhibition designed to bring together vendors and industry professionals with purchasing power, and educate truckers and trucking professionals by offering the tools and insight needed to further their careers. Having been successfully launched in February, the conference is the first event of its kind in the Southeast. It provides informative seminars, entertainment, special events, award ceremonies, and up to 100 exhibitors. Exhibits will showcase the latest technology, innovations, mandates and tools needed to assist the nation's drivers, carrier executives, and other industry professionals with learning how to make the most of their profession, make educated choices, and learn how to increase revenue for themselves or the companies they work for.

Special events include a golf outing at Kissimmee Bay Golf Club on Wednesday, May 14, 2008; an ‘Exhibitor Appreciation’ networking reception on Thursday, May 15, 2008; and a “Safe Trucker Award” ceremony as well as a “Woman Trucker Award” reception on Saturday, May 17, 2008. The OTC will also offer a “Trucker Wellness Pavilion” and a designated area for carrier recruiters and expedite carriers inside the exhibition hall during show days.

Exhibition space and sponsorships are currently available. For a limited time, discounted booth rates are available as part of an early-bird incentive. A 10’x10’ booth space costs $850. A corner booth costs $900. Larger exhibits can be set up in a 10’ x 20’ space, which costs $1650. Additional square footage is available at the rate of $10 per additional square foot for indoor displays and $5 per additional square foot for outdoor truck displays. For more information about reserving a booth or being an OTC sponsor call Jennifer Principato toll free at 1-800-215-5117. Attendees can register online for free by visiting: www.go2otc.com.

TRANSPORT AMERICA DRIVER ADVANCES TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Eagan, Minn. — Seven drivers from Transport America (TA) recently competed in the Minnesota Truck Driving Championships (MTDC), with one driver from the company winning first place in his division and advancing to the national championships.

More than one hundred professional drivers gathered in Burnsville, Minn., to compete in the MDTC, held June 8-10. These drivers vied for the top honor in various classifications. TA drivers competed in 6 of the 8 classes.

Transport America’s Greg Payne took top honors in the sleeper berth class. Greg advances to the National Truck Driving Championships this August in Minneapolis. He will represent TA and the state of Minnesota for his classification.

Among the top finishers from TA, were Keith Loging, who finished second in the five axle class, and Alan Baumann, who finished third in the tanker class. Also, proudly representing TA at the MDTC were: Keith McMurray in the three axle; Richard Grondahl in the four axle class; Richard Zentner in sleeper berth; and Joe Muscha in the straight truck class.

“All seven of Transport America’s MDTC participants did a fantastic job of representing this company,” said Gary Johnson, TA’s Director of Safety. “We are very excited to support Greg and cheer him on in the national competition later this summer.”

About Transport America
In operation since 1984, Transport America provides a variety of truckload freight carriage and logistics services. Its team of dedicated professionals, supported by advanced technology and information systems, provides time-definite and other responsive services to customers in the United States and Canada. Learn more about Transport America by calling 866-804-9222 or at www.transportamerica.com.

DECKER TRUCK LINE, INC. RECEIVES “SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE” AWARD FROM HORMEL

Fort Dodge, Iowa – Hormel Foods Corporation has selected Decker Truck Line, Inc. as one of 51 suppliers to receive their “Spirit of Excellence” award. Hormel presented Decker with this annual award on June 4, 2007, for providing quality service and products.

Each of the 51 firms from across the Unites States presented with this award is recognized for taking an active role in the Hormel Foods quality improvement process during 2006. Suppliers are required to meet or exceed specific requirements established by the corporation’s supplier quality management (SQM) committee to qualify for this recognition. The SQM recognition program was established in 1991 to improve the quality of products and services provided to Hormel Foods through mutually beneficial relations built on trust and respect.

Decker Truck Line, Inc. was one of 11 transportation companies chosen for Hormel’s “Spirit of Excellence” award by the logistics department. Along with Decker, these companies provided various transportation services involving refrigerated, non-refrigerated and liquid tank trailers during 2006.

Gary Bickler, Corporate Traffic Manager of Hormel Foods, congratulated all winners of the 2006 “Spirit of Excellence” award. He noted that to achieve this honor, each of these companies must demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. Based on each company’s results of the last five years, recipients of the “Hormel No. 1 Award” will be announced in September.

Decker Truck Line, Inc. has received the “Spirit of Excellence” award 11 times since 1995, and was presented with the “Hormel No. 1 Award” in 2000.

About Hormel Foods Corporation

Hormel Foods Corp., based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded meat and food products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring quality, value-added brands to the global marketplace. For each of the past six years, Hormel Foods was named one of “The 400 Best Big Companies in America” by Forbes magazine. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers and foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information about Hormel Foods, go to www.hormel.com.

About Decker Truck Line, Inc.
Decker Truck Line, Inc., in business since 1931, is under sole ownership of Don Decker, with its corporate office in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Additional terminals are located in Davenport, Iowa; Mediapolis, Iowa; Mason City, Iowa; Hammond, Indiana; Masury, Ohio; and Birmingham, Alabama. Decker is a diversified carrier transporting flatbed, refrigerated, and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces.

TRANSPORT AMERICA RECOGNIZES DRIVERS OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL 2007

Eagan, Minn. — Minnesota-based truckload carrier Transport America recently announced its April Drivers of the Month for 2007. These drivers have been chosen and recognized for their outstanding service to Transport America and its customers during the past month.

Professional company drivers selected for the month of April were Fred Brinkman, with Transport America for seven months; Ronald Knapik, with the company for two years; and James “Jimmy” White, previously driver of the month for April 2005, with Transport America for nine years.

Professional contractors honored for the month of April were Steve Racinowski, with Transport America for four years and selected each of the past three years for this monthly award; Scott Doyle, with Transport America since March 2007; and Russell Rogers, with Transport America for five years.

"Given the criteria, being selected as Driver of the Month is quite an accomplishment,” says Barry Mundt, Director of Fleet Operations. “The professional drivers and contractors recognized this month represent top performers at Transport America for the month of April.” The selection criteria for Driver of the Month include on-time customer service, safety and working percentage.

Transport America congratulates these drivers on their success. Each driver will be presented their award in a formal presentation at Transport America headquarters in Eagan, Minnesota.

About Transport America
In operation since 1984, Transport America provides a variety of truckload freight carriage and logistics services. Its team of dedicated professionals, supported by advanced technology and information systems, provides time-definite and other responsive services to customers in the United States and Canada. Learn more about Transport America by calling 866-804-9222 or at www.transportamerica.com.

June 15, 2007

Armellini Recognizes its May Safe Drivers

Palm City, Fla. -- Armellini Express Lines, Inc. recently announced their safe drivers for May 2007. Armellini would like to express their gratitude to these drivers who have put a great deal of hard work into providing excellent service to the company and the customers!

Safe drivers at Armellini each receive a safe driving arm patch and lapel pin acknowledging their efforts. Each driver will also receive a certificate recognizing their achievement. Dick Follis, Vice President of Fleet Development, says, "Armellini is very proud to have such an amazing fleet that truly takes the time to maintain the highest standards in this industry. We appreciate these and all of our exceptional drivers for having so much dedication to their careers and for setting such a great example. Armellini's May safe drivers are: James Santos and Thomas Zelaya each with eight years of safe driving, Joseph Wallace with six years, John Henry Wallace with four years, Bo Tressler with three years, and David Hawkins with two years of safety on the road.

Armellini takes pride in the fact that we provide opportunities for drivers with the right stuff. Show us that you are tough enough to do the job, and you will be recognized quickly.

If you are at least 21 years old with a class A CDL w/ hazmat and desire a future rather than just another job, call 1-800-428-0343. BUSINESS IS BLOOMING.

TMC Transportation honored with Top Awards from Owens Corning

DES MOINES, IA. -- TMC Transportation, a division of Annett Holdings, Inc., the largest privately-held flatbed carrier in the nation, recently received “Enterprise Carrier of the Year” and “Plant Carrier of the Year – Long Haul” honors from Owens Corning.

“Being named the Owens Corning ‘Enterprise Carrier of the Year’ is a huge testament to everyone’s efforts at TMC,” said Tim Annett, TMC president.

Owens Corning sets standards for the service provided by its carriers and honors those that meet its criteria for excellence. TMC ranked high in several categories including,
on-time delivery performance, ease of contacting and availability of customer service and dispatch teams, and overall knowledge of the carrier team.

“All of us at TMC are extremely proud to have been awarded the Owens Corning ‘Enterprise Carrier of the Year’ and ‘Plant Carrier of the Year – Long Haul’ awards,” said Annett.

TMC, the nation’s largest privately-held provider of flatbed transportation, provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. TMC, founded in 1972, is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. You can visit the TMC Web site at – www.tmctrans.com.

Labworks USA Offers Simple Solution for Transportation Industry

Company celebrates launch of new website that provides economical DOT compliance solutions for trucking fleets and owner/operators.

Portland, OR. -- Labworks USA announces the launch of its new web based platform www.cdldrugtesting.com that provides a simple, cost and labor effective means for small trucking fleets and owner/operators to meet FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements, and gives transportation companies more time to focus on daily business operations.

Since 1989, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has required that CDL drivers operating a vehicle with a Gross Combination Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more be enrolled in a Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. These regulations, which also adhere to drivers of all commercial vehicles hauling 16 or more passengers, were instituted to promote an alcohol and drug-free transportation environment.

Labworks’ innovative internet platform allows trucking fleets and owner/operators within the continental USA to register online and enroll in the company’s consortium, which satisfies Department of Transportation (DOT) Compliance regulations, with the exception of DOT Required Reporting. The company’s Simple Solution, which is backed by high quality service and support, provides the transportation industry with a convenient, efficient way to comply with the federally mandated guidelines. Membership in the Labworks consortium offers: certifications and trainings, computerized random selection, reviews performed by Medical Review Officers (MRO), and access to the Quest Diagnostic Network of Collection Sites with over 6,000 locations nationwide. Companies can elect to pay for membership monthly or annually and download service agreements directly from Labworks USA’s newly designed website, which also offers useful links and tips for truckers and owner/operators.

To obtain more information on Labworks USA’s Simple Solution, please contact:
President Jim Coshow toll free at 888.582.8001.

10940 SW Barnes Rd., #115
Portland, OR
t 800-582-8001 f 503-292-1971
www.labworks-usa.com


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