CDLjobs.com Trucking Jobs Blog

TRANSPORT AMERICA RECOGNIZES DRIVERS OF THE MONTH FOR JULY AND AUGUST

Eagan, Minn. — Minnesota-based truckload carrier Transport America recently announced its July and August Drivers of the Month for 2007. Each driver is recognized for his or her outstanding service to Transport America and the company’s customers.

Professional company drivers selected for the month of July were Troy Kasprowicz, who has been with Transport America for eight years, received this honor previously and was also chosen as the 2006 Driver of the Year; Michael Brown, with the company for ten years; and Marcie Hamlett, with the company for 17 years.

Professional contractors honored for the month of July were Justice Bilson, who has been with Transport America for nine years; Nancy Woodward, with the company for five years; and Paul Kelley, with the company one and one-half years.

Professional company drivers selected for the month of August were Daren Conaway who has been with Transport America for two years and was previously chosen driver the month for May 2006; Michael Nye, with the company one and one-half years; and Warren Hodges, with the company 10 months.
Professional contractors honored for the month of August were Leonard Sanger, who has been with
Transport America for 10 years; Donald Freude, with the company four years; and Paul Kelley, with the company for one and one-half years.

"Each of these drivers should be extremely proud of such a significant achievement,” says Barry Mundt, Director of Fleet Operations. “Professional drivers and contractors recognized for Driver of the Month are always among the best in the industry. These two months are not any different.”

Fleet managers nominate drivers each month for this honor. 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 his award in a formal presentation at Transport America headquarters in Eagan, Minnesota.

About Transport America
Transport Corporation of America, Inc., based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, provides a wide range of truckload freight carriage and logistics services to customers in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Transport America focuses on providing time-definite and other responsive services through its team of dedicated and committed employees supported by state-of-the-art technology and information systems.

DECKER TRUCK LINE RECEIVES TOP HONORS FOR SAFETY RECORD

FORT DODGE, Iowa – At Iowa Motor Truck Association’s (IMTA) “Best of the Best” awards luncheon on September 26, 2007, Decker Truck Line, Inc. received top honors for their outstanding safety record during 2006 and 2007, in the General Commodities Division (over 10 million miles). Jim Wilkins, Vice-President of Safety and Human Resources, accepted the award on behalf of the company at the IMTA Annual Management Conference in Coralville, Iowa.

As an award winner, Decker has excelled in all areas of the judging criteria with accident-free miles, superior safety ratings and an ongoing commitment to making safety a top priority. The IMTA, Iowa Council of Safety Management and Great West Casualty Company, in cooperation with the American Trucking Association, sponsor the contest to promote safety in the state of Iowa.

Also, Marcia Goodale, Refrigerated/Dry Van Dispatcher, was nominated for Dispatcher of the Year and received a recognition plaque. Marcia has been with Decker Truck Line, Inc. for over five years and has 15 years overall experience in the trucking industry.

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.

Barr-Nunn Company Drivers Relish Nascar Experience

Granger, IA. – Barr-Nunn has been in business for 25 years and knows what drivers need. The company is always creating new ways to prove to drivers how much it values them. Recently, Barr-Nunn company driver Michelle Coniglione along with her guest, fellow Barr-Nunn driver James Pickett, were able to experience this gratitude and won the grand prize for a new-hire promotion.

Her prize included tickets to the NASCAR Busch Series RoadLoans.com 200 in Dover, Delaware on September 22. This package included hotel accommodations, transportation, meals and was hosted by Barr-Nunn driver representative Jim Pardoe.

Michelle was extremely grateful and overwhelmed with excitement during an interview. Coniglione reported that she had an amazing time and the opportunity was “an experience of a lifetime!” Michelle was as close to the drivers as possible and even met drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordan, Kyle Petty, Kurt Bush, Elliot Sadler, and Brian Vickers, just to name a few. Together with James, Michelle drove into Maryland with a load on Friday, September 21st, and the pair enjoyed their weekend in Dover taking pictures, receiving autographs, and talking to the drivers. Michelle said she was allowed to be as close to the pit as possible, experiencing firsthand what it would be like as part of the crew. This was the 4th race in 2007 where Barr-Nunn has sent company drivers and owner operators to experience Nascar from the pits, in association with their Roush Fenway Racing sponsorship.

To find out more about Barr-Nunn’s award winning programs and how they anticipate and respond to the needs of their people; offer outstanding pay packages; and gives drivers all the advantages they deserve, call 888-999-7576 or go to www.barr-nunn.com. When you’re ready, Barr-Nunn will be here.

DECKER TRUCK LINE RECOGNIZES TOP DRIVERS FOR SEPTEMBER

FORT DODGE, Iowa — Decker Truck Line, Inc. recently announced their Drivers of the Month for September 2007. Dean Zeisneiss was selected for the honor from Decker’s Flatbed division, and Jerry Sonsalla received the award for the Reefer/Van division.

Even though Dean has only been with Decker for one year, he’s become a dedicated team player during that time. He joined the Flatbed division in April 2007, and has trained several drivers since then. Jerry Chapman, Dean’s dispatcher was impressed with his training skills. “Dean does a great job,” Jerry said. “He knows what he is doing and teaches the trainees in the same way.”

Dean and his wife, Amanda, live in New Providence, Iowa, with their 2 daughters, Kali and Samantha. When Dean is not driving for Decker he likes to spend time with his family. He also finds the time to farm and hunt when he is at home.

Jerry has been a successful driver with Decker for 16 years now. During that time, he has received previous driver-of-the-month nominations, and in 2005, Jerry was recognized as a 3-Million Mile safe driver. For the last eight years, Jerry has participated in the Trucker Buddy program, where he keeps a fourth-grade class in Webster City, Iowa, updated on his travels around the country.

Jerry and his wife, Kathy, reside in Webster City, where they are both involved in the Danish Brotherhood in America. They also enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and going camping. Jerry also says he does his part in helping Kathy with her Danish cooking; he eats whatever she cooks!

Each month at Decker, dispatchers nominate drivers and owner-operators based on overall service and performance for that month. Operational productivity, safety records, maintenance/care of equipment (including idle time), payroll and billing, and customer service, are evaluated for each driver nominee to determine who is most deserving of the honor.

Each monthly award winner in 2007 is eligible to receive the award for 2007 Driver (or Owner-Operator) of the Year.

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.

Sitton Motor Lines Announces New Owner Operator Plan – PICK YOUR PAY!

Sitton Motor Lines has a reputation for treating their owner/operators like family. In terms of compensation, Sitton owner/operators have long received many of the benefits of being an employee while at the same time enjoying the independence and additional earning power associated with ownership. Sitton has taken that philosophy to an entirely new level by introducing ‘Pick Your Pay,’ a unique and revolutionary new pay plan that enables owner/operators to choose between two lucrative compensation packages.

PLAN A: Pay Per Mile + Benefits features a base rate of 79.5 cents per mile plus a weekly adjusted fuel surcharge. This option includes a variety of benefits that the owner/operator enjoys at no cost, such as: license and permits, liability and cargo insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, payroll tax withholding, paid vacation, paid tolls, paid holidays, Prepass, TripPak, a 401K plan, layover pay, stop pay, drop pay, life insurance and more. Health, dental, and vision insurance are available to owner/operators at group rates. The total package is valued at $1.07 per mile plus a weekly adjusted fuel surcharge when all of the benefits are factored in. Most small fleet owners find this pay package most beneficial and most profitable because Sitton handles their driver payroll and benefits at no additional cost to the truck owner or business-savvy owner/operator.

PLAN B: Pay Per Mile plan was recently implemented at a higher base rate per mile but does not feature some of the perks associated with Pay Per Mile + Benefits. However, many benefits are included, at no charge to Sitton owner/operators, in this plan, such as: license and permits, tolls, Prepass, TripPak, layover pay, stop pay, detention pay, fuel taxes, liability and cargo insurance, orientation expenses, orientation pay, physical, and drug screening. Benefits that are either not included in this plan or paid for by the owner/operator include: tires, fuel and maintenance, owner/operator occupational accident insurance, physical damage insurance, non-trucking liability insurance, anti-theft and safety kit, passenger insurance, a 401K plan, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, paid holidays and vacations, and escrow accounts. Often times, owner/operators, who have their own authority, prefer this pay package because it simplifies the transition, everything is processed into one check, and they are already accustomed to the expenses.

All Sitton Motor Lines owner/operators must meet the same qualification criteria as Sitton company drivers and must comply with all company safety policies and procedures. Additional information about Sitton Motor Lines is available on the company’s Web site at www.sitm.com. Any owner/operators or small fleets ready to ‘Pick Your Pay’ may also call 1-800-533-4765 to find out more and to choose which plan is best for them and their family.

Sitton Motor Lines is a privately-held corporation operating as an irregular route common and contract carrier which provides truckload transportation services throughout the United States. Sitton’s commitment to quality is evident in its highly skilled staff, exceptional equipment and technology and most capable driver base. Since the company’s founding on July 4, 1979, its business philosophy has remained the same: learn from the past, embrace the future and, most importantly, provide customers with the best service in the industry, bar none."

TRANSPORT CORPORATION OF AMERICA NAMES NEW REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR

EAGAN, Minn. – Transport Corporation of America, Inc. recently announced that Robert “Bob” Yahner has joined the company as Eastern Regional Sales Director. Bob is a respected industry veteran who brings more than 36 years of sales and operations experience to Transport America. Since earning his degree from Kent State in 1970, Bob has worked in the trucking industry, serving five different companies. His most recent position was with Swift Transportation.

About Transport America
Transport Corporation of America, Inc., based in the Minneapolis - St. Paul metropolitan area, provides a wide range of truckload freight carriage and logistics services to customers in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Transport America focuses on providing time-definite and other responsive services through its team of dedicated and committed employees, supported by state-of-the-art technology and information systems.

DECKER TRUCK LINE RECOGNIZES TOP DRIVERS FOR AUGUST

FORT DODGE, Iowa — Decker Truck Line, Inc. recently announced their Drivers of the Month for August 2007. Jim Rowe was selected for the honor from Decker’s Flatbed division, and Sammy “Mule” Boydston received the award for the Reefer/Van division.

Jim’s dispatcher, Sue Anderson, nominated him for this honor because he ‘s been an exceptional driver for his fiver years driving for Decker. “Jim will do whatever is asked of him and is very easy to work with,” she said. Immediately after Sue told Jim about his honor, Jim expressed his thanks to everyone at Decker who continues to make his job easier and more enjoyable.

Jim and his wife, Tammy, live in Marseilles, Ill., with their four children Melissa, Morgan, Megan and Mason. Because Jim’s family is so important to him, he spends as much time as possible with them when he’s not on the road – that also includes attending his children’s sporting events. The other thing you can find him doing in his off time is all kinds of projects around the house.

Sammy has been an extremely successful driver with Decker for more than three years now, and Marcia Goodale has been his dispatcher for the bulk of that. So, Marcia really knows what a great
driver Sammy is. “He is dependable and hard working,” she said.

Sammy and his wife, Rhonda, live in McPherson, Kan., with their two children Sunnie and Nicole. Just like Jim, Sammy’s main interest is spending time with his family when he is at home. Each month at Decker, dispatchers nominate drivers and owner-operators based on overall service and performance for that month. Operational productivity, safety records, maintenance/care of equipment (including idle time), payroll and billing, and customer service, are evaluated for each driver nominee to determine who is most deserving of the honor.

Each monthly award winner in 2007 is eligible to receive the award for 2007 Driver (or Owner-Operator) of the Year.

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.

Barr-Nunn sends driver to Daytona International Speedway

Barr-Nunn Owner Operator Larry Cantrell won an all expense paid trip to the Winn-Dixie 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 6th, 2007. Upon arriving in Daytona on Friday, Larry joined up with driver representative Jim Pardoe. The two drivers were slated to see the race that night with Megan Cullingford of Truckers Connection. Later on that night the race was cancelled due to weather inclinations. The race was rescheduled for the next morning on July 7th, which Larry was able to attend so he did not miss out on anything. At the conclusion of the race Larry sat down with Truckers Connection for an in-depth interview on his experience in Daytona.

Experiencing the race from the pits was the most exciting part of the race for Larry. He had pit and garage passes and was able to watch the race up close. The weather may have been damp, but it did not ruin Larry’s unforgettable experience at the race.

Look for the article about Larry and Barr-Nunn in Truckers Connection in the coming months. To find out more about the Barr-Nunn sweepstakes and other great programs, call 888-999-7576 or go to www.barr-nunn.com. When you’re ready, Barr-Nunn will be here. We have been for 25 years.

Armellini Recognizes its July Safe Drivers

Palm City, Fla. -- Armellini Express Lines, Inc. recently announced their safe drivers for July 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, "These drivers, as well as our entire fleet, demonstrate exceptional dedication to this job and understand how important it is to maintain safety while on the road. Congratulations to our drivers for yet another month of safe driving."

Armellini's July safe drivers are: Kevin Brewer with 16 years of safe driving, Jorge Camac with 11 years, Junio Francois with three years, Kesnel Jean Louis with two years, and Robert Alvarado and Rene Thibault each with one year 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.

Golden Named Driver of the Month for May by SMX

Fort Dodge, IA – Gary Golden of Independence, Mo., has been named May Driver of the Month by Smithway Motor Xpress (SMX) for his exceptional service and professionalism. Golden, a company van driver, has been with SMX since April 2006.

Golden, who has been driving professionally for 33 years, says he is enjoying the routes he has now and hauling for Pepsi.

Off the road, Golden has quite a bit to keep him busy. Recently married to wife, Tammy, Golden has two daughters, Kim and Stephanie, and one stepdaughter, Jodi. He also has four granddaughters. He enjoys listening to country and pop music and eating Mexican food and barbeque.

A regulated motor carrier operating nationwide and in Canada, Smithway utilizes a late-model fleet of air ride conventional power units, both owned and permanently leased. Owner operators and company drivers wishing to join the SMX team, please call today at 800-247-8040 or visit www.smxc.com.