Written by Becky Lawson, Administrative Assistant

The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) has, since its inception, worked with its member companies to promote a safety culture. Induction into the IFDA Truck Driving Hall of Fame spotlights the industry’s top drivers for outstanding service records and safety.

For a driver to be inducted, criteria include:

  • Have at least 25 years of continuous service
  • Have at least 25 years with no chargeable accidents
  • Be active duty, non-management driver
  • Have no moving violations in the last five years

This year’s class was honored during the IFDA Distribution Solutions Conference on October 29, 2019, in Orlando, Florida, and four of our very own Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI) drivers were honored.

When asked for comments on being inducted to the IFDA Hall of Fame and their favorite part of their jobs, they responded:

Number of Dot Drivers Inducted into the IFDA Hall of Fame in 2019

“It means recognition for a job well done. Everyone likes to be appreciated, and it is quite an honor to get this award. There are a lot of great drivers within Dot and other companies in this industry. I’m glad to be recognized as one of them. My favorite part of the job is meeting so many new people and traveling to so many states over the years.”
Rick Breneman

Mt. Sterling No-Touch Driver

A piece of advice Rick has for a new driver:

“Find a company that values the importance of family and home time.”
“I am proud to be recognized for my years of service and safe driving. My favorite part of the job is that as a fuel transport driver for Dot Transportation, my job allows me to be independent and have a flexible schedule.”
Jim Janssen

Mt. Sterling Customer Delivery Specialist

A piece of advice Jim has for a new driver:

“Have patience, don’t get in a hurry, and always be ready for the unexpected.”
“I am proud that I was asked to be a member of the Hall of Fame. It is an honor to be recognized as a driver to represent my organization. My favorite part of the job is getting a compliment from a stranger on my driving skills. It is a great feeling. Or when someone approaches me and talks about Dot being the best food distributor in the business, it makes me proud.”
Steve Jones

Mt. Sterling Customer Delivery Specialist

A piece of advice Steve has for a new driver:

“Have self-respect, you are one of the biggest vehicles on the highways, many people look up to truck drivers.”
“Being inducted means a lot to me. It means I overachieved and represents the years of hard work and dedication I have put into my craft. It means that putting my heart into something and working hard pays off. I also wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without a lot of help from management, dispatch staff, garage staff, warehouse staff, and all my fellow drivers. I want to say thank you to all of them for their help and support. My favorite part of the job is interacting with receivers and shippers. Knowing that I made their day or put a smile on their face feels good. I also enjoy interacting with other drivers out on the road.”
Jose Lopez

California No-Touch Driver

A piece of advice Jose has for a new driver:

“Stick with the program. Put your heart, soul, and all your effort into getting better each day—both as a driver and as a person. Be committed to your work.”

Congratulations, Rick, Jim, Steve, and Jose, from all of us at Dot Transportation and Dot Foods on this outstanding achievement! We are lucky to have drivers like you on our team.

 

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