Decker Team Earns Honors at State Competition

AMES-A team of eight drivers represented Decker Truck Line, Inc. of Fort Dodge at the 2007 Iowa Truck Driving Championships held June 22nd and 23rd at the Iowa State Center in Ames.
           
The members of the Decker Team were: Steve Alliger, Paton, IA; Dave Bush, Fort Dodge, IA; Dean Filmer, Lake City, IA; Josh Filmer, Lake City, IA; Chad Hicks, Gowrie, IA; Mark Hullerman, Mt. Hope, WI; Greg Thede, Badger, IA; Bob Wolvers, Hampton, IA.
           
Dave Bush was awarded first place in the Four Axle Van Division. Dave is an independent contractor who has been associated with Decker Truck Line, Inc. for nearly nine years. Dave also had the Highest Overall Driver Score.  Josh Filmer was awarded the third place trophy in the Five Axle Van Division. Josh is a company driver who has been associated with Decker for two and one-half years. The entire Decker Team earned the trophy for Team Sportsmanship.  Jerry Collins came in second place in the Board of Directors and CEO Driving Challenge. Jerry is Sr. Vice President of Decker Truck Line, Inc. and has been associated with Decker for twenty years.
           
One hundred eleven professional truck drivers representing 25 trucking companies participated in the two-day event. There were eight classes of competition: three-axle van; four-axle van; five-axle van; flatbed; tank; sleeper; twin trailers and straight truck. Drivers were tested in four areas: driving skills, pretrip inspection; written exam and personal interview.
           
In order to qualify to participate, drivers must have an accident-free record 12 months prior to the event, have been employed by the same company for one year prior to the event, and have been actively performing duties of a professional truck driver for 12 months prior to the event. They have studied the regulations and prepared for the interviews and written exam.  Most importantly, they have exercised an ability to translate their knowledge and skills into consistently good decisions on the road.  The drivers must also possess an outstanding attitude and have illustrated a commitment and dedication to safety.
           
Additional events were held during the competition for children, spouses and invited guests. A driving competition was held for company CEO’s, allowing them the experience of driving an 18-wheeler. A driving challenge was also held for spouses in straight trucks. In addition, the Iowa State Patrol coordinated a Bike Roadeo for children in first grade through sixth grade.
           
The Truck Driving Championships is an event that showcases the professionalism that exists among Iowa’s finest drivers. This year marks the 43rd anniversary of this outstanding tradition, which is sponsored by the Iowa Motor Truck Association and the Iowa Council of Safety Management.
           
Decker Truck Line, Inc., in business since 1931, 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; and Birmingham, Alabama. Decker is a diversified carrier transporting flatbed, refrigerated, and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces.