An Iowa-based trucking company honored one of its drivers for achieving 1 million accident-free miles recently.
Decker Truck Line, Inc., which is based in Fort Dodge, Iowa, recognized Jerry Schad for achieving membership in its Million Mile Safe Driver Team during a ceremony at the company’s headquarters. Vice President Dale Decker, along with Todd Smith and Michael Erritt, presented Schad with a plaque honoring his outstanding accomplishment.
Schad was also recently honored as Decker’s Driver of the Month for October, 2015, the third time he has received that award since 2010.
A 5-year veteran with Decker, Schad first served for 4 years as a company driver out of Decker’s Missoula, Montana terminal and later became an owner-operator when he bought his first truck 19 months ago. He recently upgraded to his second truck, a 2013 Peterbilt 386.
“I was the first driver hired for the Missoula terminal and I’ve been working with Decker ever since,” Schad said. “I had always dreamed of becoming an owner-operator and I felt like if I was going to do it, Decker was the company where I could be successful. I’m thankful at how good Decker has treated me. They are a good family business and I get to interact with a lot of great people here.”
In addition to his plaque, Schad also received an embroidered Million Miler jacket and silver ring to honor his achievement. His name will also be featured on a permanent Million Mile Safe Driver Team plaque displayed at the Decker headquarters.
A native of Ocala, Florida, Schad and his wife Jennifer are parents of one son, Cody, a daughter, Courtney and they have one grandson, Jameson.
Decker transports flatbed, refrigerated and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces.