Breaker 1-9 Spring/Summer 2025 by DonHummerTrucking

On Ramp ROADMAP FOR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Today, uncertainty seems to be everywhere we look. At times like this, it’s not uncommon for us to lose our way.

We may not know what is just around the next corner. But like any journey, it helps to be prepared. Like a good defensive driver, we must stay focused and aware of our surroundings, maintain a proper speed, and be ready to act.

Any trip is more successful when you have a road atlas or—more commonly these days—a GPS system. In times of uncertainty, I always find that our Vision and Mission statements give me a sense of direction. They keep me grounded and remind me that no matter what the challenge, we can adapt and overcome.

Vision

We are building a better trucking company. What is good enough for most carriers is not good enough for us.

Mission

• We hire the best people and make them better. We enable those people with the best equipment and technology.

• We partner with great customers and earn their business every day.

• We deliver value by honoring our commitments, providing top tier service and setting the standard for safety.

• We are proud of the work we do.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Breaker 1-9. In it, you will find many examples of how we live and breathe our vision and mission every day, even in the face of uncertainty. Having these as a roadmap helps us stay focused on who we are and understand what we can control. They also provide a compass that gives direction to where we are going so we can keep moving forward and continue to deliver value.

Home Twenty: Molly Champeau

Conferences

Community Involvement

NEWS

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Don Hummer Trucking is proud to be recognized for outstanding service and performance by three of its long-term partners: PepsiCo, HNI Corporation, and Pella. The awards demonstrate our commitment to delivering value to our customers and working hard to earn their business every day.

Don Hummer Trucking Named PepsiCo’s 2024 Carrier of the Year

Don Hummer Trucking is pleased to have been awarded the 2024 Central Region Carrier of the Year. The award reflects our commitment to excellence across key markets, including Cedar Rapids, Kansas City, Chicago, and Dallas.

Criteria included being one of the top volume carriers that exceeded 98 percent on-time deliveries. “PepsiCo is one of our top customers, so we are very excited to receive this prestigious award,” says Andrew Hummer, Vice President of Operations. “Thank you, PepsiCo, for believing in us, and thanks also to our talented operations team and drivers for their hard work. Here’s to continued success and strong partnerships!”

Don Hummer Trucking Named 2024 HNI Truckload

Carrier

of the

Year

This prestigious award celebrates our commitment to exceptional service, reliability, and operational excellence in supporting HNI’s logistics needs.

“We are grateful for the confidence HNI places in us and thank our entire team, especially our dedicated drivers and operations staff, for their unwavering commitment to excellence,” says Andrew Hummer, Vice President of Operations.

“We look forward to continued long-term success in delivering top-tier service and strengthening this trusted collaboration and valued partnership!”

Pella Corporation Honors Don Hummer Trucking as Critical Problem Solver

Don Hummer Trucking is honored to be named the Pella Corporation Critical Problem-Solving Carrier for 2024. The award recognizes our reliability, adaptability, and commitment to customer success. We will continue to work hard to support multiple Pella locations and manage complex, multi-stop loads as Pella’s distribution network grows and dynamically changes.

Thank you to Pella’s Senior Logistics Manager Blake Smith, our operations team, and the professional drivers who made this possible.

DON HUMMER TRUCKING EARNS ELITE FLEET CERTIFICATION

Don Hummer Trucking is proud to be certified as a Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Elite Fleet carrier. This new distinction acknowledges Hummer as a Best Place to Drive. Hummer is among a select group of North American truckload carriers that foster exceptional work environments, offer competitive compensation, and implement innovative practices to support their drivers.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a top-tier employer in the trucking industry based on driver surveys,” says Andrew Hummer, Vice President of Operations. “Driver feedback is vital in furthering our goal of building a better trucking company. As a proud member, we would like to thank TCA for launching this new initiative.”

The driver surveys, collected and analyzed by an independent third party, provide invaluable input that enables us to identify what we are doing well and opportunities for improvement. Carriers were evaluated for driver compensation, benefits, engagement, satisfaction, turnover rates, training, support, equipment, safety, facilities, and quality of life.

According to the driver surveys, 98 percent of Hummer drivers agree that Don Hummer Trucking is a great company to work for and would recommend Hummer to another driver.

“Survey says…” Hummer drivers agree or strongly agree with these statements about Don Hummer Trucking:

98% “This is a great company to work for.”

98% “I would recommend this company to another driver.”

99% “Safety is a top priority.”

97% “I have the technology, equipment, and resources I need to do my job well.”

TCA SCHOLARSHIP FUND HELPS TRUCKING FAMILIES FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS

Our people make us great, which is why we support the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Scholarship for family members in the truckload industry. Each year, the fund awards 50 scholarships of up to $6,250 for four-year undergraduate students and up to $2,000 for two-year college students. The TCA Scholarship Fund has been helping trucking families achieve their dreams since 1973.

TCA represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker, and intermodal container carriers throughout North America. This includes over 220,000 trucks, collectively producing more than $40 billion in revenue annually.

To apply for a scholarship or donate to the fund, visit truckload.org/scholarships

Special congratulations to Jack Rogers for being awarded another TCA Scholarship! Son of Recruiter, Jason Rogers, Jack is studying statistics at Cornell College. The senior has been awarded this scholarship for four consecutive years, receiving more than $11,000 for his education.

// SAFETY TIPS // RECOGNITION

MAY 13-15

CVSA International Roadcheck

International Roadcheck focuses on RODS and tires.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA’s) International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, highvolume inspection and compliance enforcement event held over three days in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Each year, International Roadcheck places a special emphasis on a driver violation category and a vehicle violation category.

Inspectors primarily conducted the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that examines driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. In 2025, inspectors paid close attention to the driver’s record of duty status (RODS) and the vehicle’s tires.

CVSA aims to improve commercial motor safety through guidance, education, and advocacy across North America. A collaboration of local, regional, and federal safety employees and industry representatives, the nonprofit organization strives to improve road safety and save lives.

Annual Kickoff Meeting 2025

In January, we held our annual Kickoff Meeting to engage our shop and office teams to build an even better trucking company. Each year, we reflect on the past year’s successes and develop strategies for an even more successful year ahead. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen community and celebrate wins and milestones. To help build camaraderie, as part of this year’s Kickoff Meeting, we held a pickleball tournament. We’re proud of these teams, who are always focused on supporting our drivers and striving to improve!

First Virtual Driver Town Hall Meeting

On April 28, Don Hummer Trucking hosted its first virtual Town Hall meeting, engaging over 100 team members via live stream. Chris and Andrew Hummer led a comprehensive discussion covering key topics such as operations, customer service, customer and fleet awards, partnerships, load planning, hours of service, and equipment updates.

Drivers were invited to submit questions and topics beforehand, fostering an open dialogue and team collaboration. “An important part of building the right culture is developing good communication and a common language,” says President Chris Hummer. “The Town Hall meeting is a great way for executive leadership to solicit our drivers’ input, respond to their concerns, and share information.”

The next Town Hall meeting will be held July 29.

Million Mile Award Banquet recognizes the

“best of the best”

Our Million Mile Banquet celebrates drivers who have achieved the remarkable milestone of one million or more safe miles with Don Hummer Trucking Corporation. Four new drivers earned a Million Mile Award in 2024: Bryon Miller, Patrick Moore, John Kaluza Jr., and Curtis Harper.

“These drivers are the best of the best,” says Greg Edwards, Director of Safety. “They have done what most drivers on the road today have not. I want to congratulate them on this amazing accomplishment and wish them all the safe miles in the future.”

To be eligible for a mileage award, a driver must have been accident-free for a minimum of three years at Hummer. Our 16 active million milers represent over 125 years of consecutive safe driving. They have more than 23 million safe miles and 284 years of service.

“I look forward each year to our annual MillionMile Banquet,” says President Chris Hummer.

“It’s a special night where we gather to celebrate and recognize the remarkable achievements of our million-mile drivers. The sense of pride, purpose, and accomplishment among these professional drivers is simply incredible. Their dedication and commitment to excellence embody the very best of our industry, and it’s an honor to recognize their hard-earned success.”

The Home Front

We appreciate that those waiting at home make exceptional sacrifices to support their drivers. You are forced to assume the bulk of household responsibilities and childcare to support your spouse’s career of being a truck driver. Once each year, we attempt to honor this sacrifice by sending a gift the week of Mother’s Day. This year’s gift promoted local Iowa food artisans. We are grateful for you!

FROM FARM TO

FORK IN THE ROAD

Eight years ago, Molly Champeau had come to a crossroads in her life. After ten years of working as a security guard in a state penitentiary, she wanted a change of scenery. “I couldn’t see spending another decade in that environment,” Molly says. “So I went to a community college and got my CDL.”

Molly’s uncle had worked in the trucking industry for years and had only good things to say about Don Hummer Trucking. Molly started working at the company in 2016. “I am so fortunate to have found my home right out of school,” she says. “Other drivers I know have bounced around.”

Yogi Berra once advised, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Molly was born and raised on a farm in Manchester, Iowa. Life on the farm taught her valuable lessons about hard work and not being afraid to get her hands dirty. “I loved living on a farm,” she says. “It’s the best way to grow up.”

In truck driving, Molly has found an occupation not unlike being a farmer. “I am mostly responsible for myself,” she says. “I don’t have a supervisor looking over my shoulder.”

Life on the open road is the polar opposite of working within the confines of prison walls. “I love the freedom and the independence, but I always have the support I need when I need it.”

In turn, trucking provides a means to support her family. “Every day I just make sure I work hard and do what I need to do to take care of them,” she reflects. “I have a wife and three beagles and love to be with them on weekends.”

She tried bringing one of her beagles on the road. “He said, ‘I don’t think so, Mom,’” she says. “He lasted three days before I needed to drop him at home with his sisters.”

Molly is grateful to have had many great opportunities at Don Hummer Trucking, including working as a trainer. “It’s nice to have a network of fellow drivers and friends,” she observes. “We all share information and learn from each other. I’ve learned so much and still discover something new every day. It’s been wonderful.”

// CONFERENCES

Iowa Motor Truck Association

IMTA Safety Professionals Conference

On April 10-11, Don Hummer Trucking’s Director of Safety, Greg Edwards, attended the Iowa Motor Truck Association’s (IMTA’s) annual Safety Professionals Conference. Sessions and panels explored the latest information on regulations, compliance, roadside inspections, safety best practices, and innovative learning approaches.

“It’s a great conference for safety professionals to attend,” says Edwards. “You gain helpful insight from networking with other carriers and safety professionals. Everyone wants to be safe.”

Three Decades of Trucking Profitability Strategies

We’ve always sought to build a better trucking company and never settle for what might be good enough for most carriers. “Our leadership strives to be involved in the industry and continue learning and growing,” says President Chris Hummer. “The Trucking Profitability Strategies conference has always been a good opportunity to do that.”

Notable topics included a safe driver apprentice pilot program for 18- to 20-year-olds and intelligent speed assistance, which governs truck speed according to the speed limit and other parameters. Other topics included hair drug testing, dash cams, and driver retention strategies.

2025 IMTA Leadership Class – Class of 2025

Shaping competent leaders in our industry doesn’t happen overnight. It demands mentorship, networking, and handson experience. For years, Iowa Motor Truck Association’s (IMTA’s) Leadership Class has helped develop strong, knowledgeable, and engaged leadership. In April, Director of Recruiting Lexi Zahn attended the first two-day session. Day one included leadership activities, advocacy discussions, insights from the Board Member Panel, and networking. The second day focused on Trucking Day at the Capitol, where the class visited the Iowa State Capitol and engaged industry leaders and legislators.

For over 30 years, the conference has brought together leaders in the trucking industry to share relevant, current knowledge of emerging trends. This helps us stay competitive and prepare for future opportunities and challenges. On May 4-6, senior trucking professionals gathered at the University of Georgia for the 2025 conference.

The conference is unique because there are no customers, vendors, suppliers, or an exhibit hall. “It’s truly peer-to-peer,” says Vice President of Operations Andrew Hummer, who attended this year. “It’s only carriers, so it’s a great chance to hear about their challenges, what they’ve tried, and what works for them and what doesn’t.”

Highlights From Tenstreet 2025 User Conference

Tenstreet is a comprehensive software platform that helps our company connect with drivers. By streamlining the entire process of hiring, managing, and retaining them, we can attract the best people and make them even better.

On May 7-10, users gathered for the 7th Annual Tenstreet User Conference. “This is one of the industry’s biggest conferences,” says Amy Piper, Compliance & Licensing Specialist. “Tenstreet keeps it fun, exciting, and interactive. They are very personable and do a great job listening to their customers about any issues.”

Lexi Zahn, Director of Recruiting, and Troy Cummings, Creative Strategist, Don Hummer Trucking, also attended.

Attendees learned about current market trends, the latest software features and tools, best practices, and other essential topics.

Don Hummer Trucking has used Tenstreet since 2019 to manage recruiting and post-hire processes, such as onboarding, safety, and driver record management. Piper attended the conference specifically to learn about the latest safety features. This includes new CSA

Food Shippers Explore Future of Supply Chain

Approximately 40 percent of Don Hummer Trucking’s business is food and beverage, so keeping up with the latest market trends is essential.

On March 2-4, more than 1,300 supply chain professionals gathered for the 69th Annual Food Shippers Conference. Panel discussions addressed a wide range of topics, including freight visibility, cargo theft and supply chain security, autonomous trucking, the freight economy, and the current impact of tariffs.

(comprehensive safety analysis) tools that help automate the process and keep users ahead of responding to violations and assigning training. “The conference opened my eyes to what the platform can do from a safety perspective,” says Piper.

Tenstreet also offers tools for driver marketing, recruitment, onboarding, and more, helping companies optimize their driver-related operations.

The conference is a great opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow with our customers and other esteemed professionals in the food shipping industry. “The conference is often the only time we can sit down and have strategic conversations with them,” says Clint Larson, Director of Business Development at Don Hummer Trucking. “Cost, capacity, and performance are the challenges on everyone’s mind, so we try to drive home our commitment to those areas.”

Larson attended the First-Time Attendee Reception. Business Development Executive Elvir Begic volunteered at this event: “Hummer has been a long-term sponsor of the conference. From banners and logos on the projection screen to volunteering, our involvement gives us much visibility in the industry.”

Also attending was Mark Greenseth, Business Development Manager, who has made over 30 conferences since the beginning. Acclaimed sports broadcaster Bob Costas delivered the keynote address, sharing stories about his experience with famed celebrities and athletes and how he got his start in sports broadcasting. Heisman Trophy winner and professional football player Herschel Walker also spoke about how he overcame challenges and achieved success.

// COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Turning Type 1 Into Type None

Breakthrough T1D Walk - May 10, 2025

Don Hummer Trucking is a proud sponsor of the Breakthrough T1D™ Walk, the world’s largest fundraising and community-building event for the T1D community. Donations power more research, enable more advocacy, and fund more support for the 1.45 million Americans living with T1D.

On May 10, 2025, over 800 participants on 123 teams met in Cedar Rapids to complete the threemile Breakthrough T1D Walk, Cedar Rapids 2025. Approximately 60 of our employees and their families and friends participated. A Don Hummer Trucking 2026 Kenworth T680 was parked along the walk route.

Special thanks to Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids for hosting!

All it takes is a walk

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can strike anyone.

It requires lifelong insulin therapy, with the constant threat of serious complications. Right now, there is no cure.

No organization does more than Breakthrough T1D™ to improve the everyday lives of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) while driving toward

Honoring 50 Years of Irish Heritage

cures. The leading global T1D research and advocacy organization has played a critical role in nearly every major T1D breakthrough in history.

Join the Breakthrough T1D™ Walk and make a lasting footprint. To learn more, visit: breakthrought1d.org/walk

Don Hummer Trucking proudly supports our community

On March 17, we helped celebrate the 50th Annual SaPaDaPaSo St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Cedar Rapids. A non-profit organization run by volunteers, SaPaDaPaSo is short for the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Society. The parade traces its origins to 1975. Over the years, the family-friendly parade became enormously popular. In this year’s parade, we showed our support with our Movin’ On inspired Heritage Collection truck. It’s the perfect green machine for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Kirkwood program trains transportation leaders of the future

As the transportation industry grows, grooming our employees for leadership roles is increasingly essential. In January, Kirkwood Community College offered a custom leadership program tailored to our industry’s unique needs. Paige Holst, account manager at Don Hummer Trucking, completed the training and earned the Emerging Leaders in Transportation Certificate.

Five day-long sessions were taught by different industry professionals and facilitated by Greg Stewart, who brings 30-plus years of experience in transportation, including working for industry leaders Heartland Express, Walmart, and King’s Materials.

Topics included decision-making, managing people, conflict resolution, human resources, logistics, compliance, identifying personal strengths, emotional intelligence, stress management, and communication.

“The communication sessions were invaluable,” says Holst. “One of the speakers encouraged us to be inspiring leaders, not forcing managers, which is excellent advice.”