On Ramp
No matter what the challenges, truckers always deliver
We continue to hear a lot of talk in the trucking industry about the “freight recession” and when we might return to “normal”. While I agree that the current market conditions are not sustainable, I would also say trucking is challenging regardless of the market conditions.
I grew up around trucking and have always been a student of the business. I wasn’t around before the industry was deregulated over 40 years ago, so I can’t speak to that era. But I never remember a time when the industry was satisfied with freight rates; regulations; the cost of equipment, fuel, and insurance; and the quantity and quality of the drivers.
Our industry plays a vital role in supporting our communities, businesses, and overall quality of life. We deliver 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days out of the year. We work nights, weekends, and holidays, and provide much needed support during pandemics and natural disasters. And we do this while making massive investments in equipment and technology in the face of increasing liability and regulation.
Trucking has always been a challenge. But I have always remained optimistic.
Ultimately, we owe our success to the dedication of our people who, through it all, continue to get the job done. In this issue we share compelling stories and information that demonstrate our vision of building a better trucking company. We do this by hiring the best people and making them even better. We also partner with great customers and work hard to earn their business every day. By honoring our commitments, providing top-tier service, and setting the standard for safety, we deliver exceptional value.
This is what normal looks like at Hummer. We are proud of the work we do. No matter what the challenge, we are determined to do our best.
Please enjoy this issue of Breaker 1-9!
3 News 4 Safety Tips
5 Home Twenty: Lynn Trumpold
6 Touch-A-Truck
7 Highlights from McCleod Software User Conference
8 2024 IMTA Awards Gala
10 Heritage Collection
11 2024-2025 Event Schedule
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE:
Don Hummer Trucking Awarded Best Trucking Company
Don Hummer Trucking is proud to call the Corridor home. The company is honored to be awarded Best of the Corridor 2024, the fourth time it has been recognized as the Best Trucking Company.
For almost 20 years, the Corridor Business Journal (CBJ) Best of the Corridor has celebrated the Eastern Iowa region’s most beloved businesses, as voted on by the community. Each year CBJ invites its readers to identify local businesses they patronize and believe are the best in the region. Categories include banking and wealth management, engineering, real
estate, IT support, and other professionals. They can also vote for the best places for recreation and relaxation, such as restaurants, breweries, golf courses, and cultural attractions.
More than 7,500 votes were submitted this year. Winners were announced in CBJ’s July 1 edition. Don Hummer Trucking is proud to have earned the recognition for the impact it has made on the community. By delivering value and always going above and beyond, the company helps keep the Corridor an amazing place to call home.
Chris Hummer shares trucking industry insight with Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary
In August 2024, Chris Hummer spoke to a group of 40 members at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary. “Thank you to Brooke Fitzgerald and the Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary for inviting me to speak at your weekly meeting,” says Hummer. “I always appreciate the opportunity to share the story of our company and our industry.” Spanning over 100 years, the rotary club has a proud tradition and with 330 members, is among the top 25 largest in the United States.
// SAFETY TIPS
AUGUST 25-31
CVSA Brake Safety Week
This year’s Brake Safety Week focused on the condition of brake linings and pads.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA’s) Brake Safety Week aims to improve brake safety by helping eliminate roadway crashes caused by malfunctioning braking systems on commercial motor vehicles. This brake-safety awareness initiative includes roadside inspections and education on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation.
CVSA’s mission is to improve commercial motor safety through guidance, education, and advocacy across North America. A collaboration of local, regional, and federal safety officials and industry representatives, the nonprofit organization strives to improve road safety and save lives.
Brake System Inspection
CVSA-certified inspectors conducted routine commercial motor vehicle inspections throughout the week, looking at brake systems and components. The focus this year was on brake linings and pads. Commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related out-of-service violations were removed from roadways until violations were corrected.
Data Collection
Throughout Brake Safety Week, inspectors captured data about brake inspections and violations, which is reported directly to CVSA. In addition to general inspection and violation data, CVSA also collected data about brake linings/pads, the focus area for this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week. CVSA will analyze all data submissions and report the results publicly later this year.
30%
Brake-related issues comprise 30% of vehicle violations - the largest percentage of all out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections.*
Proactive Maintenance
Brake Safety Week serves as a reminder to drivers and motor carriers of the importance of a proactive vehicle maintenance program. It also provides an opportunity for law enforcement to highlight the importance of brake safety. Drivers, motor carriers, owner-operators, and mechanics received instruction from law enforcement agencies, transportation safety organizations, and individual officers.
Clean Inspection Challenge
Don Hummer Trucking drivers came prepared for August’s Clean Inspection Challenge. Take a look at these bar raising numbers:
• Over 1,100 training courses completed.
• No brake-related inspection issues.
• 253 employees claimed incentives for watching Don Hummer Trucking Brake Week videos.
*Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2023 vehicle violation data
LYNN TRUMPOLD // DRIVER TRAINING COORDINATOR
Don Hummer and I go way back. We met in an accounting class at the University of Iowa in 1973 and have been friends ever since.
In 1984, I bought a truck from Don to haul product for my business. The business didn’t go well, but in 1987, Don called and asked me if I wanted to be an owner/ operator with him. At the time he had ten trucks.
Back then you had to run hard and turn as many loads as you could because rates weren’t that great. You had to do a lot to make a decent living.
We didn’t have dispatchers, computer systems, cellphones, Google maps, or GPS. We had a secretary in the office taking care of paperwork.
At a truck stop, we’d grab paper and a pen and find a payphone to call into the company or get directions. When we were done with a load of freight, we’d look at a load board to find out what to haul back home.
Today we have much more support and the rates are better. That’s all because of good management. Don hires good people and he treats them well, which is how you get ahead. We’ve had people here for 10, 15, 20 years, which says a lot. And the equipment has always been good.
I love driving. I have over four million accident-free miles and over five million total. I was hoping to reach six million, but with health issues, it wasn’t in the cards.
Don talked me out of retirement and offered me a job in the safety department. I provide new drivers with orientation, train them on the computer system in the truck, and take them on road tests. I love meeting new drivers and learning their story. When one door closes, another opens, as they say.
Over the years if I had a question about something, Don would often say, “Trust me.” He used that phrase all the time. Things always worked out. He just had a vision.
Don would do anything for anybody here.
Touch-A-Truck – August 10, 2024
KIDS (AND KIDS AT HEART) GET HANDS-ON WITH A TRACTOR AND TRAILER
Over 3,000 people attended the Touch-A-Truck event held August 10 in the parking lot at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Children and grownups got up close and personal with 38 large vehicles including tractors, construction equipment, military, emergency vehicles, and a tractor and trailer from Don Hummer Trucking.
“It’s a special event for us,” says Alisha Shultz, leadership support specialist at Don Hummer Trucking. “We pride ourselves in being a family-oriented
company. It’s a great opportunity to interact with the community.”
The event is aimed at young people as well as the young at heart. People could honk the horn, turn on the lights, and explore where the driver sleeps. The event included a sensory hour when no lights or sirens were used to respect people sensitive to light and sound.
“Everyone from infants all the way up to people in their 80s attended,” says Shultz. “Many couldn’t believe the
size of the cab and trailer. Everyone went home with lots of swag and smiles on their faces.”
Donations were collected to support the event’s host, The Arc of East Central Iowa. The organization empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to live with dignity and inclusion in their communities.
“Our first Touch a Truck was a joyful experience for everyone, thanks in part to the enthusiastic support of companies like Don Hummer
Trucking,” says Jenny Bosking, development and communications director, The Arc.
“The Arc was so excited to see our vision of providing an affordable, safe, and memorable experience for area families come to fruition. We are already preparing for next summer. What a wonderful community event!”
To learn more about The Arc and how to support their mission, please visit: arceci.org/ get-involved/
Participating in The Arc event provided an opportunity to display our JDRF wrapped trailer and raise awareness of another important cause: Type 1 Diabetes. To learn more Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) please visit: breakthrought1d.org
Highlights from McCleod Software User Conference 2024
On September 23-25, McCleod Software, the leading transportation management system, showcased its latest innovations at User Conference 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over 1,000 people attended, including representatives from Don Hummer Trucking: Janie Swenka, Business Process Analyst; Jake Von Feldt, Vice President of Finance; and Chasidy Spurgeon, Application Administrator.
Attendees had access to over 100 best-practice breakout sessions, over 75 suppliers in a Technology Expo, networking events, and a personalized one-on-one training session. Key highlights included the pilot release of the new version of LoadMaster, which is accessible via webbased UI, and a significant upgrade to McCleod’s mPact Suite, including the company’s first proprietary AI solution. These next-generation products help streamline workflows and communication, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
This year’s theme was “Invest in the Future.” During the opening session, McLeod Software Founder & CEO, Tom McLeod shared his thoughts on the current state of the industry. Fox Business News’ Lauren Blanchard was the featured speaker. She led a session titled, “Freight Market Outlook: The Past Informs the Future,” which included a discussion with McLeod about the freight rate recession, its historical context, and recovery insights. She also led a panel of industry experts on preparing for the next cycle.
On Monday night, participants enjoyed a night at the Nascar Hall of Fame. The next night they were invited to a networking event at Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers.
Attendees went home inspired by best practices and fresh ideas from peers and innovators on how to address business challenges and get the most out of their systems.
Don Hummer Trucking honored at 2024 IMTA Awards Gala
Over 400 trucking leaders demonstrated their commitment to the industry by attending the 2024 Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA) Management Conference in Cedar Rapids. For over 80 years, the association has provided a unified voice for the Iowa trucking industry.
At the Awards Gala, individuals were recognized for their dedication to professionalism, safety, and service. The Gala was attended by 350 people, the highest in five years. Over $15,000 was distributed to the winners.
Two Don Hummer Trucking employees were honored for their outstanding efforts. Patti Cole was awarded Iowa Dispatch Professional of the Year for her expertise, demeanor, and ability to multitask. Patti manages a fleet of over 40 drivers. She is valued for her resilience, kindness, wit, and honestyqualities that have contributed to her success as an outstanding dispatcher. In the year before she was nominated, her drivers ran almost five and a half million miles. Sixteen drivers in her fleet have over 500,000 or more safe miles, including five with more than one million miles and two with over two million safe miles.
Lee Block received the award for Master Truck Driver of the Year, which recognizes the industry’s top drivers who have a proven record of longevity and safety. Lee
has been a professional driver for over 43 accident-free years and received recognition for reaching the 2 million safe mile mark. He is highly regarded for being selfless, knowledgeable, and flexible, traits that are extremely valuable in his profession.
Other Don Hummer employees who received nominations included Juan Viveros, Mark Gray, and Meli Dizdarevic. These talented individuals truly give 100% every day. Congratulations!
“What I like most about being a professional truck driver is meeting new people. We have great customers. I really like my job and Don Hummer Trucking. I have worked for them for over 40 years, so they must be doing something right!”
– Lee Block, Master Truck Driver of the Year
“Forty years ago, I was a young woman with a family to raise. I have never regretted leaving a management job and moving into the world of transportation. This award justifies all the hard work, self doubt, and countless hours I put in. It acknowledges that dreams do come true, and I will be forever indebted to all the people that got
– Patti Cole, Iowa Dispatch Professional of the Year
Safety Award
Don Hummer Trucking was also recognized as one of the safest carriers in the state at the IMTA Management Conference. The recognition program highlights companies dedicated to making safety a number one priority. “It is because of that tremendous dedication that IMTA is always very honored to showcase these outstanding companies,” says Brenda Neville, President of IMTA.
2024 IMTA Award Winners
Patti Cole, Dispatcher of the Year
Lee Block, Master Truck Driver of the Year
Other Don Hummer Trucking nominees:
Juan Viveros, Master Truck Driver Award
Mark Gray, Outstanding Professional Driver Award
Meli Dizdarevic, Outstanding Professional Driver Award
The Hummer Heritage Collection
Don Hummer Trucking is proud to celebrate a family legacy of hard work, incredible drivers, and trucking history through the Hummer Heritage Collection.
Don and Chris long dreamed of honoring this legacy by adding special trucks to the fleet. Inspiration struck in the form of truck number 51, the first truck Don drove for his father, Buck. Don’s restoration of this 1972 Kenworth K100 provided the catalyst needed and the Hummer Heritage Collection was born. The first truck in the collection recreates the first new truck Don purchased in 1976: a Kenworth K100, unit number 64.
Each year, we select new Heritage Collection drivers and introduce new trucks during National Truck Driver Appreciation week. To be eligible, the driver must be an Ultimate Driver with 500,000 or more safe miles.
The Heritage Collection fleet is made up of Kenworth W990 models painted to resemble iconic tractor-trailers featured in television and movies. They also pay tribute to special edition trucks and vintage and historical fleets. With a blend of retro styling, modern comfort, and high performance, the Kenworth W990 is the perfect vehicle for each truck’s one-of-a-kind paint scheme.
To learn more, visit: donhummertrucking.com/ blog/2022/08/11/introducing-the-hummer-heritagecollection
Safe miles: 681,076
Years of Service: 5 years
Driver of the month: 2022 and 2023
Truck: Hawkeye Special
Safe miles: 892,328
Years of Service: 22 years
Truck: Vintage Coors Kenworth Tribute
Safe miles: 1,083,331
Years of Service: 9 years
Truck:
Patriotic red, white, and blue
Safe miles: 1,102,245
Years of Service: 7 years
Driver of the month: 2018
Truck: Pork Chop Express
GARY MILLER
ANDREW GIESLER
KEN HOUDEK
SCOTT HERRON
Don’s first new truck was purchased in 1976: Kenworth K100, unit number 64. It was the inspiration for the truck Don drives today: the W990 unit 64.
Truck Convoy for Special Olympics Iowa
September 21, 2024
The Truck Convoy for Special Olympics is a national one-day celebration of the trucking industry and its support of Special Olympics. Last September, 115 trucks were escorted by law enforcement along a 20-mile stretch of Veterans Parkway in West Des Moines to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The event raised more than $37,000 for Special Olympics Iowa. The Convoy benefits more than 9,100 Special Olympics Iowa athletes and unified partners, as well as thousands of family members, coaches, volunteers, and staff.
To learn more about how to support Special Olympics Iowa, visit: www.soiowa.org
2024-2025 EVENT SCHEDULE
Happy Thanksgiving!
Company Kickoff Meeting
Wreaths Across America
Emerging Leaders in Transportation (Kirkwood Corporate Training)
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
September 15-21, 2024
Nearly every aspect of daily life is made possible because a truck driver delivers our goods safely, securely, and on time, while keeping our highways safe.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) celebrates the more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment to this demanding and important job. Don Hummer Trucking extends our gratitude to all professional drivers who ensure the smooth operation of our supply chains and keep our communities connected.
We showed our appreciation to our drivers by offering them their choice of three special gift packages They also received awards points via the WorkTango application. Throughout the week, we made phone calls to all of our drivers to thank them and offered food at the Homestead location. Drivers could swing by our terminal to play Plinko and win prizes.
