DECKER MAINTENANCE FACILITY COMING SOON TO THE DES MOINES AREA!
We are excited to announce that Decker has secured some property for a Decker Maintenance Facility near the I80 and I35 Interchange in the Des Moines area. We will be developing a shop over the next few months. More information will be available soon!
CONGRATULATIONS TO SHANNON ARMSTRONG!
We are very excited to announce that Shannon Armstrong recently received her Certified Director of Safety Certification from North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI). This Certificate was created by the University of Central Florida.
NATMI exists to improve the performance and productivity of the professionals directly responsible for effective fleet and driver performance, risk managers, safety and security directors, maintenance managers, and commercial driver trainers.
The CDS Training and Certification Program is outcome-focused and utilizes rigorous instructional design standards. “Outcome-focused” means that the process, structure, and content of the program is focused on the desired outcomes including reduced accidents and injuries, lower vehicle maintenance costs, improved driver retention, improved operational efficiency and better management systems.
The requirements to receive this Certification include: 4+ years in the motor fleet safety field, 4-year college degree and candidates must serve as full-time administrators demonstrating their capability of handling a position which involves establishing programs and policies, setting standards, developing materials, and providing leadership to achieve the goals set.
Shannon put in a lot of time and effort and worked very hard to achieve this accomplishment as there were several steps to take before completing and receiving the Certification. The steps for completion included: meet the above requirements; complete required seminars (4 days); pass the comprehensive certification exam; complete a formal application; submit an exhibit binder, compiled of work projects, safety initiatives, programs, policies, etc. that have been implemented by the candidate; and submit 3 letters of recommendation.
Shannon Armstrong was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa with her parents, Michael and Pamela McLary and her older sister, Michelle. She married William Armstrong in 2013, and they now have three children Gabrielle, Finley, and Brex. Shannon is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa; she earned both a Bachelor and Master of Arts degree in English, Language, and Literature. In March of 2013, Shannon joined Decker Truck Line, Inc. as an Accident Specialist. Then, in June of 2015 she was promoted to Safety Coordinator. In January of 2020, Shannon was appointed as Director of Safety, in this role she manages the functions of safety, workmen’s compensation, compliance and claims handling as well as other safety related matters.
WINTER WEATHER DRIVING:
Driving in the winter presents a special set of challenges, especially in the northern half of the country and most anywhere in high elevations because of snow and icy conditions. Some important tips to remember:
• Don’t use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
• Watch weather reports prior to your trip, along the way and before driving into isolated areas.
• Increase your following distance.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer in snow and/or ice-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as it does on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by reducing your speed.
• Look down the road. Professional Drivers look 12 to 16 seconds ahead of themselves, which at highway speeds, equates to a quarter of a mile or more.
Did we mention slow down? A wet road and good visibility can turn into a slick road with poor visibility very quickly. Then, just one mistake or miscalculation by any Driver on the road can result in multiple vehicle crashes. These multi-vehicle pileups occur due to drivers failing to slow at the first sign deteriorating road conditions and inattention to changing weather conditions. Tractor-trailer Drivers are not immune to these accidents and often become the ultimate factor in creating serious injuries and deaths due to the size of their vehicles. Professional Drivers know to slow down when the conditions deteriorate.
There are also situations in which going too fast in icy conditions, even when no one else around, can result in loss of control. The cost of that bad decision, both in terms of injuries and dollars can be monumental and life changing. A completely preventable accident. Don’t let your family down by being that guy or gal.
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