On Ramp DEDICATED TO DELIVERING VALUE
In transportation, value isn’t defined by a single metric. It’s measured by consistency, trust, and the ability to perform—day after day—no matter the conditions. At Don Hummer Trucking, that belief sits at the core of our dedicated business. Simply put, we are Dedicated to Delivering Value.
For customers with recurring freight needs, dedicated transportation is about more than reserving capacity. It’s about building a solution that aligns with the way your business operates. Our Dedicated Contract Solutions are designed to do exactly that—by combining network design, professional drivers, modern equipment, and disciplined execution into a single, accountable partnership.
We deliver value first through custom-engineered networks. Every dedicated operation begins with understanding a customer’s freight profile, service expectations, and long-term goals. From there, we design optimized lanes, right-sized capacity, and scalable solutions that grow with the business—reducing variability and improving overall supply chain performance.
Value is also delivered through people. Our professional drivers know the routes, understand customer facilities, and take pride in being a consistent presence. That familiarity improves safety, service quality, and communication, while providing drivers with predictable schedules and long-term stability.
Operational discipline is where value becomes measurable. Dedicated equipment, on-site management when needed, elite service metrics, and seamless startups ensure performance is transparent, accountable, and continuously improving. This structure allows customers to move away from transactional freight decisions and toward dependable execution they can plan around.
Finally, value is delivered through partnership. Dedicated transportation works best when both sides are aligned. We approach every contract with a long-term mindset—focused on safety, service, flexibility, collaboration, and shared success. Whether supporting private fleet conversions or building capacity for growth, our goal is to earn our customers’ business every day.
With more than 70 years of experience in the trucking industry, Don Hummer Trucking brings the scale, technology, and people required to support complex dedicated operations— without losing the agility and personal accountability that true partnerships demand.
Delivering Value isn’t a slogan. It’s how we operate—and how we help our customers move forward with confidence.
NEWS
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Don Hummer Trucking was recognized in 2025 by FedEx and the Corridor Business Journal for outstanding service and performance. These awards reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering value to our customers and earning their trust every day.
We take pride in our work, but we never settle. What may be considered “good enough” elsewhere is not good enough for Don Hummer Trucking. Our focus remains on continuous improvement and building a better trucking company for the long term.
FedEx Recognizes Don Hummer Trucking for Reliability and Performance
FedEx honored Don Hummer Trucking for exceptional performance within its Surface Network Purchased Transportation program. This recognition is awarded to carriers that consistently deliver safe, reliable service year-round while providing critical capacity during peak shipping seasons.
The holiday season is FedEx’s busiest time of year, often doubling the freight volume we handle on their behalf.
“We really enjoy working with FedEx,” said Andrew Hummer, Vice President of Operations. “Their freight is efficient, consistent, and predictable, and it fits well within our network. They value strong communication, reliability, and consistency—qualities that align closely with how we operate.”
This marks the first time Don Hummer Trucking has received this honor from FedEx and reinforces our focus on long-term customer partnerships. “This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” Hummer added. “Our drivers, planners, customer service, maintenance, and support teams all play a role in delivering the performance that earned this recognition.”
Don Hummer Trucking Named Best of the Corridor 2025
Don Hummer Trucking is proud to be named Best of the Corridor 2025 by Corridor Business Journal—marking the fifth time we have received this recognition since 2019. This award highlights our long-standing commitment to the Eastern Iowa community and our focus on setting high standards for safety, service, and professionalism. For more than 20 years, CBJ’s Best of the Corridor program has recognized organizations that make Eastern Iowa a strong place to live and work. Being selected through reader voting makes this recognition especially meaningful.
We are grateful for the continued support of the Corridor community and proud to play a role in keeping this region moving—always going the extra mile to deliver value.
A MOBILE SITE FOR A MOBILE WORLD.
A trucking company’s website is its storefront to the world. With the current iteration in place for nearly a decade, we began work earlier this year on refreshing JoinHummer.com. The goal? Establish a more modern look and user experience, and to bring greater consistency with our current branding.
Creative Strategist Troy Cummings worked with agency partners FUEL and Global Reach to reimagine the site.
“JoinHummer.com now features a modern design, improved mobile responsiveness and simplified navigation all aimed at giving drivers a better, more intuitive experience,” he said.
Content now offers a better representation of the company’s history, culture and stats.
Knowing drivers are the primary audience, the site’s improved optimization for mobile users offers better accessibility and performance for those viewing on smartphones.
“Part of our mission statement is that we enable drivers with the best technology,” said Lexi Zahn, Director of Recruiting. “So, we are consistently improving to mirror that statement. Redesigning the website was to stay current and show we’re always improving.”
// SAFETY TIPS // COMMUNICATIONS
BRAKE S A F E T Y W EEK
AUGUST 24-30
CVSA Brake Safety Week
This year’s Brake Safety Week focused on the condition of drums and rotors.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA’s) Brake Safety Week aims to improve brake safety by helping eliminate roadway crashes caused by malfunctioning braking systems on commercial motor vehicles. This brake-safety awareness initiative includes roadside inspections and education on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation.
Inspectors focused on drums and rotors, the emphasis for this year’s brake-safety initiative. Brake drum and rotor issues may affect a vehicle’s brake performance and efficiency. In addition, broken drum and rotor pieces may dislodge from the truck and damage other vehicles or cause injuries or fatalities to motorists. Commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related or other out-of-service violations were removed from roadways until those violations were corrected.
CVSA’s mission is to improve commercial motor safety through guidance, education, and advocacy across North America. A collaboration of local, regional, and federal safety employees and industry representatives, the nonprofit organization strives to improve road safety and save lives.
Clear Communication. Stronger Teams. Better Results.
Clear communication is essential to the success of any business. Don Hummer Trucking prioritizes open, consistent communication to keep our teams aligned, informed, and connected throughout the year.
We do this through four core communication channels designed to support collaboration, leadership, and teamwork across our organization.
1. Annual Kick-Off & Mid-Year Meetings
These meetings serve as cornerstone events in our annual rhythm, bringing shop and office teams together to align priorities, celebrate progress, and strengthen relationships. President and CEO Chris Hummer discussed the state of the company and industry as well as set the tone on strategy and culture. The Executive Leadership Team provided updates in their respective areas including HR, IT, Operations, Customer Service and Business Development.
2. Weekly e-Newsletters
Our weekly e-newsletters rotate through four essential focus areas— HR, Safety, Operations, and Maintenance—ensuring timely, relevant information reaches both staff and drivers with consistency and clarity.
3. Driver Update Videos
Each month Chris Hummer shares a video that highlights key milestones such as Driver of the Month, our Ultimate Driver Challenge, and highlights employees with five or more years of service. These updates also give Chris the opportunity to share timely insights and company news, keeping drivers informed and engaged wherever the road takes them.
4. Virtual Town Halls
Held quarterly, virtual town halls are designed primarily for drivers since it is often difficult to get a significant number of drivers together in one location for an in-person meeting. Questions can be submitted in advance, allowing for meaningful Q&A and open dialogue during each session.
These communication touchpoints reflect our long-standing commitment—75 years and counting—to building a better trucking company. More importantly, they help ensure we stay connected, aligned, and prepared for the next 75+ years ahead.
It’s opportunities like these that demonstrate our enduring commitment we’ve made over the past 75 years to build a better trucking company and they’re what will impact the next 75+ years to come.
NATMI Certified Driver Trainer Program Helps Us Put Safety First
No one ever said, “Safety second.” It is a number one priority at Don Hummer Trucking. Safety training helps drivers improve performance, reduce accidents, and ensure compliance.
The North American Transportation Management Institute’s (NATMI) Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) program enables drivers to train other drivers on safety and other key issues. In addition to 10 years of driving experience at Don Hummer Trucking and achieving Million Miler status, Trainer Arash Ordobadian completed a two-day class, followed by an online exam and an application process.
The course has helped Ordobadian design instruction tailored to driver needs. “Back in the day, if we wanted a safety class, we’d work with a local community college,” he says. “Now we can design training programs based on driver data and roadside inspections to improve safety and our performance as a carrier. These classes help you organize everything and best use your skills to train people.”
Training methods include sending weekly fleetwide messages to all drivers, focusing on accident prevention, road conditions, and other safety reminders in a concise, engaging format. Ordobadian communicates extensively with drivers one-on-one. “Messaging is only one tool,” says Ordobadian. “It is not the sole means of communication. Developing a relationship with a driver is key. I prefer personal conversations for more effective learning and understanding.”
“As a Million Mile Safe Driver with Don Hummer Trucking, I’ve seen firsthand the impact Arash has made on our safety team,” says Greg Edwards, Director of Safety. “His practical experience brings real value to problem solving and driver support, helping us build a better trucking company.”
Out of the Office and On the Road
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) honors millions of professional truck drivers across the nation. Don Hummer Trucking showed their appreciation through gifts to drivers and their families, a commemorative video on social media, and a full page ad in Cedar Rapids Gazette’s Long Haul Special Edition.
Additionally, President Chris Hummer put his CDL to work hauling loads across the Midwest. “During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, I had the opportunity to get back in the driver’s seat and run some miles,” said Hummer. “I try to do this each year as a way to stay connected to the work our drivers do every day.”
“There’s no better way to understand the job than to do the job. Running our equipment, navigating customer locations, fueling at truck stops, sleeping in the truck, and using the same systems and technology our drivers use provides real perspective on what a typical day actually looks like. It’s a reminder that every decision we make in the office affects the daily work of our drivers.
Being a professional driver is a challenging job, and spending time in the truck is one of the best ways to keep that top of mind. It also reinforces why supporting our drivers is essential to delivering on our mission and serving our customers well. Driver Appreciation Week is an important time to say thank you, but respect and appreciation must continue to show up in our actions all year long.”
Celebrating Heritage
On October 15, a convoy of iconic trucks gathered just south of Cedar Rapids before making the drive to The Kirkwood Center. Each truck was part of Don Hummer Trucking’s Heritage Collection—a rolling tribute to the company’s history and the drivers who represent its highest standards.
Upon arrival, drivers assembled the fleet for photos before everyone gathered inside for a reception, dinner, and program. The highlight of the evening was a powerful video featuring photography and voice and video messages from employees, friends, and family members.
“This was our fourth Heritage Collection event and the first time we included video and audio honoring each driver,” said Chris Hummer, President & CEO. “Hearing stories from family, co-workers, and customers really showed the impact these drivers have—both on and off the road. They are valued not only for their professionalism and skill, but for who they are as people.”
Ultimate Drivers.
Iconic
Trucks. As an extension of the Ultimate Driver Challenge, Don Hummer Trucking’s Heritage Collection was inspired by vintage movies, television
shows, limited-edition trucks, and trucker culture from the era of the company’s founding.
Drivers earn their way into this exclusive group by reaching major mileage milestones—from 500,000 miles up to 2 million and beyond— while maintaining clean safety records. Modern trucks receive iconic styling as a tribute to the company’s early days, while drivers are recognized among the best of the best.
A Night of Recognition—and Tribute. Chris Hummer recognized all Heritage Collection drivers during the evening, with special attention given to Lee Block. Lee is a second-generation Hummer driver, following in the footsteps of his father, Marvin, as both drove for Buck Hummer and Don Hummer Trucking. He is also the last active driver to have hauled livestock, maintaining a direct connection to the company’s roots.
trucks that carried the same colors in the 1960s and 1970s.
The evening also honored the memory of longtime driver Juan Viveros, who passed away earlier in the year. “Juan was a true professional—the best of the best in every way,” said Hummer. “I’m thankful for the time we had with him.”
The impact of the evening extended beyond the company as well. Brenda Neville, President and CEO of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, spoke to the audience and later reflected on the event in her President’s Message in Lifeliner magazine.
“The American Dream—that hard work and commitment can take you anywhere— still lives here,” Neville wrote. “It’s alive in every driver who gets behind the wheel determined to do the job right.”
In 2024, he earned the IMTA Master Driver Award after logging more than 2.4 million accident-free miles. The red, white, and gold paint scheme on this truck pays tribute to Buck Hummer
“The Heritage Collection drivers show what trucking was, is, and can continue to be—if we all hold ourselves to high standards,” said Hummer.
Lee Block
Heritage Truck: Buck Hummer Tribute
Delivering Value: Since 1981
Safe Miles: 2.4 million
Hasan Fostagic
Heritage Truck: BJ and the Bear
Delivering Value: Since 2002
Safe Miles: 2.4 million
Leroy McCall
Heritage Truck: 1970s Classic
Delivering Value: Since 2008
Safe Miles: 2.2 million
Juan Viveros IN MEMORIAM
Delivered Value: Since 2008
Safe Miles: 2.1 million
Ricky Hanson
Heritage Truck: Smokey and the Bandit
Delivering Value: Since 2009
Safe Miles: 1.7 million
Mark Gray
Heritage Truck: Liberty Edition Tribute
Delivering Value: Since 2010
Safe Miles: 1.4 million
Byron Miller
Heritage Truck: Movin’ On
Delivering Value: Since 1990
Safe Miles: 1.2 million
Scott Herron
Heritage Truck: Porkchop Express
Delivering Value: Since 2017
Safe Miles: 1.2 million
Meli Dizdarevic
Heritage Truck: AMT Model
Delivering Value: Since 2015
Safe Miles: 1.2 million
Ken Houdek
Heritage Truck: Patriotic
Delivering Value: Since 2015
Safe Miles: 1.2 million
Patrick Moore
Heritage Truck: Black and White
Delivering Value: Since 2009
Safe Miles: 1.1 million
Andrew Giesler
Heritage Truck: Coors
Delivering Value: Since 2002
Safe Miles: 1 million
Ramon Quinones
Heritage Truck: Monfort
Delivering Value: Since 2011
Safe Miles: 1 million
Gary Miller
Heritage Truck: Hawkeye
Delivering Value: Since 2019
Safe Miles: 850k
// CONFERENCES
Iowa Motor Truck Association
Don Hummer Trucking honored at 2025 IMTA Awards Gala
For over 80 years, the Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA) has recognized individuals and companies that truly stand out for their commitment to professionalism, safety, and service. Held in conjunction with IMTA’s annual Management Conference in September, the 2025 IMTA Award Gala was a special evening dedicated to honoring some of the best in Iowa’s trucking industry.
Lexi Zahn represented Don Hummer Trucking in the 2025 IMTA Leadership Class. Her leadership, hard work, and commitment to excellence make us excited for the future of this industry.
Held exclusively for fleet maintenance professionals, the 2025 conference addressed their biggest challenges, including fuel efficiency and preventive maintenance, aftertreatment systems, tire safety, and idle-reduction strategies. Attendees learned from industry leaders and participated in interactive “Shop Talk” sessions that connected them with peers and sparked practical, real-world solutions.
Two other incredible Don Hummer Trucking professionals were honored as nominees:
• Mevludin “Meli” Dizdarevic, Outstanding Professional Driver of the Year
• Mark Gray, Master Truck Driver of the Year
The gala was a true celebration of dedication, safety, and service, and we are grateful to be part of such a strong, supportive trucking community.
2025 IMTA Conference: Time to Shift
The freight recession has tested the strength, grit, and determination of the trucking industry and its leaders. The 2025 IMTA Management Conference brought together leaders from across the state to discuss how our industry can address these challenges and shift our focus toward what’s next. From dynamic keynote speakers and thoughtprovoking breakout sessions to meaningful networking opportunities and engaging discussions, the conference highlighted the strength and resilience of our industry.
2025 IMTA Maintenance Professionals Conference
EMERGING LEADERS:
Lexi Zahn, Director of Recruiting
IMTA’s Leadership Class of 2025
For over thirty years, Iowa Motor Truck Association’s (IMTA’s) Leadership Class has helped develop strong, forward-thinking, and engaged leadership. Director of Recruiting Lexi Zahn is a proud member of the 2025 Leadership Class.
“We are proud of Lexi Zahn for completing the Iowa Motor Truck Association Leadership Class,” said Dena Boelter, Vice President of Human Resources. “Since joining us in 2023 as Director of Recruiting, Lexi has demonstrated outstanding initiative and commitment to professional growth. Her dynamic skills offer a fresh perspective to our team.”
Mentorship, networking, and hands-on experience have helped Zahn and 24 other class members develop the skills and connections to make a lasting impact on the trucking industry. They have gained invaluable insights from fellow industry leaders, expert speakers, leadership sessions, advocacy training, and communications workshops. In June, Zahn attended the IMTA Leadership Conference, which offers a range of opportunities for rising leaders in the trucking industry to share ideas, discuss issues, and strengthen relevant leadership skills.
Highlights from McLeod Software User Conference 2025
September 21-24, 2025
The leading transportation management system (TMS), McLeod Software, showcased its latest innovations at User Conference 2025. McLeod celebrated their 40th anniversary and Don Hummer Trucking is proud to have been part of the journey for nearly 30 of those years as a valued partner and integral part of our IT infrastructure.
President Chris Hummer and Vice President of Finance Jake Von Felt participated in panel discussions. Von Felt and Application Administrator Chasidy Spurgeon served on the advisory council.
The conference allows us to engage directly with McLeod’s product and leadership teams. “Our longstanding partnership with McLeod helps us determine our development priorities and ensure their solutions align with our operational goals,” says Von Felt.
The conference provides an excellent opportunity to network with industry peers. “It’s the perfect forum to exchange ideas with other carriers,” says Spurgeon. “These discussions provide invaluable insight into shared challenges and innovative solutions that can be adapted to strengthen our own operations.”
Over 1,200 people attended the conference, including Hummer, Von Felt, Spurgeon, and Business Process Analyst Janie Swenka. Hummer participated in a panel discussion about building and retaining partnerships with reliable shipping partners.
The conference focused on AI in trucking, with many vendors showcasing the latest AI-driven tools. “We believe that while AI offers real advantages in the targeted applications, it doesn’t replace disciplined, efficient operations,” explains Von Felt. “It’s a supporting tool, not a cure-all.”
Other highlights include a complete redesign of McLeod’s user interface, moving from a client-based application to a modern web-based platform. The more intuitive interface is easier to use, customizable, and more secure.
“This evolution strengthens our ability to adapt the platform to our specific needs and interact with the TMS, while streamlining daily workflows,” says Von Felt.
// COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
We’re grateful to our employees who volunteer their time to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with the community. They’re helping inspire the next generation of drivers and industry professionals.
The second annual Touch-A-Truck event was another huge success, featuring over 50 vehicles, including agricultural, construction, military, first-responder, service, and a tractor-and-trailer from Don Hummer Trucking.
This fun, family-friendly event at Kirkwood Community College is presented by The Arc of East Central Iowa. We’re grateful to the Arc for their ongoing work empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families — and for creating lifelong opportunities to live, learn, work, and play with full dignity and inclusion.
EVENTS FROM 2025
Touch-A-Truck — August 9, 2025 arceci.org/get-involved/
Move It! Dig It! Do It! — October 12, 2025 theicm.org/series/move-it-dig-it-do-it/
2025 Corridor Career Inspire® — October 28-29, 2025 easterniowa.ja.org/events/2026-corridor-ja-career-inspire
In October, the Iowa Children’s Museum hosted Move It! Dig It! Do It! Families and children explored construction equipment, emergency vehicles, and big rigs up close, including the inside of a Don Hummer tractor and trailer.
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s 2025 Corridor Career Inspire provides an excellent opportunity for thousands of ninth-grade students to learn directly from industry professionals and explore career paths. This helps them align their coursework with career goals and start shaping their future.
Don Hummer Trucking is proud to take part in these events. These events help bring people together to discover what’s possible right in our community – so we can build tomorrow’s workforce.
Remember – Honor – Teach
Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve and their families. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Wreaths Across America (WAA) carries out these values in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December at Arlington National Cemetery as well as at more than 4,200 locations beyond, and by organizing a week of events that include international veterans’ tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long “Veteran’s Parade” between Maine and Virginia.
As a non-profit organization that receives no government funding, WAA continually recruits and works closely with thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors, corporate donors and volunteer truckers.
This is our 15th year providing transportation for WAA. Each year we have delivered a load from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery and many years we have hauled a second load as well. This year the second load from Maine went to St Louis.
Learn more at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Simons joins as Director of Dedicated Sales
An emphasis on Dedicated calls for a dedicated leader. Guy Simons joined us as Director of Dedicated Sales at the beginning of October, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the trucking industry. Throughout his career, he’s served in roles including customer service and national accounts and has earned a reputation for his consistency, longevity and credibility.
A graduate of Coe College in Cedar Rapids, he takes pride in building strong customer relationships and delivering solutions that create shared success.
“Growing dedicated business isn’t just about adding volume; it’s much more about being customer-centric and building trust,” said Simons.
“The culture, the vision, and the chance to work with a high-performing team makes this an exciting opportunity to help drive new growth and strengthen partnerships to support the long-term success for each party.”
2026 EVENT SCHEDULE
SO WHY THE MOVE? AND WHY NOW?
“I’ve always looked at Hummer as being very consistent,” said Simons. “The trucking industry can be chaotic and reactive, but Hummer has maintained a reputation for stability, reliability, and professionalism. It always appeared to me Hummer knows who they are and takes pride in doing things the right way. That kind of culture is exciting to join and contribute to.”
January 2026 Company Kickoff Meeting March Food Shippers and TCA Annual Convention May Breakthrough T1D Walk Tenstreet 2026 User Conference
February Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) LINK: The Retail Supply Chain Conference April June IMTA Truck Driving Championship
