The Best of the Best

Decker Truck Line received recognition at the Iowa Motor Truck Association's (IMTA) "Best of the Best" awards luncheon held September 21, 2011 in Cedar Rapids, IA at the IMTA's Annual Management Conference.

Through this annual safety contest, Iowa carriers are recognized for their outstanding safety efforts. The number of accident-free miles, driven, overall safety ratings and established safety programs within the company are all considered in the contest judging. Officials from the Iowa DOT and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are involved in the review of all the participants and in the judging of the applications. The Iowa Motor Truck Association, Iowa Council of Safety Management, Midwest Wheel Companies and Great West Casualty Company sponsor the contest. Rita Johnson, Fort Wayne Terminal was awarded the Dispatcher of the Year. Paul Gray was awarded the Iowa Fleet Maintenance Professional of the Year. Decker Truck Line, Davenport Terminal was awarded the Iowa Fleet Maintenance Operations Award - Company. Chuck Harman accepted the award on behalf of the terminal. Dean Filmer was nominated as the 2011 Professional Driver of the Year. Decker Truck Line received the 2011 Fleet Safety Award for Truckload Carriers over 10-15 million miles. Keith Lamfers, CDS, Director of Safety & Compliance, accepted this award on behalf of Decker Truck Line. Keith was also recognized for completing the IMTA Leadership Program held in Des Moines, IA in June. "Once again, Iowa carriers demonstrated their continued dedication to operating safely in the state of Iowa. It is because of that commitment that Iowa's trucking industry continues to shine," said IMTA Chairman Mike Riggan. Decker Truck Line, Inc. is under sole ownership of Don Decker, with corporate offices in Fort Dodge, IA. Additional terminals are located in Davenport, IA; Mediapolis, IA; Fort Wayne, IN: Hammond, IN; Birmingham, AL; and Missoula, MT. Decker is a diversified carrier transporting flatbed, refrigerated, and dry van to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces.

Pictured left to right, Chuck Harman, Davenport Terminal Manager; Paul Gray, Fort Dodge Shop; Don Decker, Owner and CEO of the Decker Companies; Rita Johnson, Fort Wayne Terminal; Keith Lamfers, CDS, Director of Safety & Compliance; and Dean Filmer, Fort Dodge Driver.

Hormel Presents 14th "Spirit of Excellence" Award to Decker Truck Line

On May 4, 2011, Decker Truck Line was awarded its 14th "Spirit of Excellence" award from Hormel Foods. Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) recently awarded certain suppliers with a 2010 "Spirit of Excellence" award for their roles in the company’s continuous improvement process throughout the past year. These suppliers are from a variety of areas including contractors, pork procurement, provisions, ingredients, packaging and transportation.

"The ‘Spirit of Excellence’ Awards recognize business partners that go above and beyond, making a positive impact on our business," said Melanie A. Faust, Director of Purchasing at Hormel Foods. "It’s an honor to present these awards as a way to show our appreciation to these outstanding suppliers." Suppliers who qualified for the Spirit of Excellence Award maintained a minimum supplier rating index score of 92 throughout a 12-month period. This score is determined by a universal measurement system that began in 1990 to ensure each supplier is held to the same standards. Award criteria include meeting performance requirements, making on-time deliveries and providing high-level customer support. Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, MN, 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 enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, and foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience, and value.

Decker Truck Line, Inc., in business since 1931, is under the sole ownership of Don Decker, with its corporate office in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Additional terminals are located in Davenport, IA; Mediapolis, IA; Hammond, IN, Fort Wayne, IN; Missoula, MT; and Birmingham, AL. Decker is a diversified carrier transporting flatbed, refrigerated and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces.

Pictured from left to right: Chuck Peterson of Hormel, Jeff Donnelly, Karen Davis, Michael Erritt, Steve Elston, Gary Bickler, Corporate Traffic Manager of Hormel Foods; Doreen Hanson of Hormel, Lonnie Wallace and Kip Tatman.

Don Decker Receives Patriotic Employer Award

The Patriotic Employer award was presented by Russ Goebel, ESGR, to Don Decker, President of the Decker Companies and Jim Wilkins, Vice-President/Safety & Human Resources, on Wednesday, March 23, 2011. Accepting the award on Mr. Decker’s behalf was Joe Fell, Senior Vice President. Keith Andrews of the 1133 Transport Company and driver for Decker Truck Line, nominated Don Decker and Jim Wilkins to receive recognition as a Patriotic Employer by ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve).

"This award recognizes deserving employers whose support and good-will are critically important to retaining highly skilled and qualified members of our guard and reserve. On behalf of the National and Iowa ESGR committees, I wish to thank you for your past and continued support of your employee / service members. Your support to Keith Andrews is a compliment to you, this could not happen without the supportive environment that you have created."

Job Well Done!

Recently Decker Truck Line recognized three employees for their quick response to a December 16, 2010 medical emergency involving a fellow worker at the Ft. Dodge facility. Prior to the arrival of the Fort Dodge emergency rescue crews Willie Edgerton, Roger Harris and Ben McIntyre rendered first aid assistance including CPR and the use of one of the company's AEDs (automated external defibrillator). Each employee received a recognition certificate along with $100 gift certificate for the Decker company store.

Pictured from left to right are: Tony Ward, TRMC paramedic; Willie Edgerton, Decker Security Supervisor; Roger Harris, Decker safety lane mechanic; Ben McIntyre, Decker flatbed driver; Jim Wilkins, Decker Vice-President of Safety and Human Resources; and Justin Holihan, TRMC paramedic.