 “Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I., which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was ‘dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.’ As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans,” said an article from www.military.com
Later, a bill was signed that created the annual observance of Veteran’s Day. With over 100 veterans as part of our team, this holiday rings close to home for us at Dillon Logistics. As a company serious about hauling, we know that our veterans are not afraid to put their all in behind the wheel. Having made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, showing true patriotism and a willingness to serve, these men deserve the ultimate honor. We extend our deepest gratitude and thanks. To celebrate the bravery of men and women around the world, we are gathering a donation for Wreaths Across America. This organization dedicates their time to honoring those who have fallen with beautiful wreaths. Their mission is to Remember our fallen U.S. Veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach children the value of freedom. People are encouraged to sponsor a wreath, which helps pay for the supplies to construct the garlands. The wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Arlington National Cemetery during December as well as in more than 1,600 other locations. Join us in paying our respects to our brave, fellow countrymen and women. Donate at the link below.
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 BURR RIDGE, ILLINOIS — Dillon Logistics, a premier leader in asphalt, chemical, and dry bulk transportation for more than 30 years, is proud to announce that they have been selected to receive the 2019 SmartWay Excellence Award for outstanding environmental efforts and leadership.
According to SmartWay Excellence Award Coordinator Joann Stephens, the accolade is reserved for the top performing SmartWay Partners and is the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) highest recognition for outstanding initiative in freight, supply chain, energy and environmental performance. “Achieving the 2019 SmartWay Excellence Award illustrates our commitment to supporting green initiatives and pioneering environmentally friendly alternatives in our industry,” Dillon Logistics President Charles Musgrove said. “Hauling for our customers is a responsibility and privilege we take seriously, and this award solidifies our pledge.” As stated on SmartWay’s website, the Excellence Award winners are selected based on their annual freight assessment and emissions tracking tool submissions. Winners will be honored Monday morning, October 7, 2019, at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, California. ### About Dillon Logistics. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Burr Ridge, IL. Dillon Logistics has established itself as a leader in asphalt, chemical, and dry bulk transportation. Equipped with an elite driver force and 10 facilities strategically located across the mid-west, south and southeast, Dillon Logistic’s mission is to deliver premier, reliable logistic services to customers in a safe and positive culture while exceeding the expectations of stakeholders. Hauling for customers is a responsibility and privilege Dillon Logistics takes seriously. For more information on the company and its services visit: http://www.dillonlogistics.com/  One of the numerous perks of being a professional driver, whether you stay local or go on long OTR excursions throughout the country, is the opportunity to travel to new places and try new things, especially food! To help you find the best stops to grab some grub, we curated a list of highly rated restaurants near each of our terminals. If you try one of these places, make sure to post about it on our Facebook page!
ATLANTA, GA Gochas Breakfast Bar (4 stars + 220 reviews on yelp) An upscale breakfast cafe featuring southern-style dishes. Their specialties include Shrimp & Grits, “Krunch-tastic” French toast, Gocha’s Impossible burger, Chicken & Waffles, and “Better Than Yo Momma” biscuits. A 16 minute drive from the terminal, this dive is the perfect place to start out a long haul. Eat Greedys (4 stars + 42 reviews on yelp) Ever had to decipher between a savory breakfast sandwich or a sweet glazed donut for breakfast? Eat Greedys offers the best of both worlds with their famous Suge Burger - a classic breakfast sandwich with donuts as the bun. Known for their southern hospitality and simple, high-quality versions of the classics, this place is a must during your time in Atlanta and is only 5.4 miles from our terminal. DALLAS, TX Tacos Mariachi (4.5 stars + 267 reviews on yelp) If you’re looking to try something out of the box, get the Octopus Taco - topped with asadero cheese, sliced avocado and cilantro/pesto sauce. If you’re looking to stick to something more in your comfort zone, check out their daily taco specials. Located a quick 13 minutes from our Dallas terminal, Tacos Mariachi is a good go to while in Dallas. Smokey Johns (4.5 stars + 358 reviews on yelp) Traditional, hickory-smoked, home-style BBQ - like eating it right off the grill from a backyard get together. Smokey John’s is well-known for providing fast and friendly service and is never lacking in true Texan hospitality. Check out their pork ribs, hot links, fried catfish or brisket. They have all of your favorite southern BBQ staples, and it’s just 3.2 miles from our terminal. HEIDELBERG, MS Wards Restaurant (4.5 stars + 125 google reviews) In Heidelberg’s unassuming little town, you’ll find a local staple known as Wards - voted best fast food restaurant in the area. If you’ve never tasted homemade root beer, this is the place to try it, and it’s always served in a frozen mug. For grub, you can choose from a selection of breakfast wraps, spicy chicken sandwiches and other American favorites. Just 3 minutes from our terminal, this is a go-to when you are in Heidelberg. MCCOOK, IL Burger Antics (4.5 stars + 548 reviews on yelp) At Burger Antics, all the food is prepared in house, even down to the ketchup and mustard. These guys aren’t messing around when it comes to incredible food, like their maple bacon donut topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or their “The Max” burger piled high with smoked gouda, applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg and mild or hot buffalo sauce. If you have time for grub during your stop at our McCook terminal, this place is worth it and is just 2.8 miles from the terminal. Egg Beater Cafe (4 stars + 97 reviews on yelp) Need some morning energy before hitting the road? Check out this quaint cafe. Pillowy eggs, crisp hash browns, fluffy pancakes and juicy bacon a favorite here. Even better? It’s only a 10 minute walk from our terminal. MEDINA/LODI, OH Cork Screw Saloon (4 stars + 113 reviews on yelp) Looking for something a little on the swanky side for dinner? Cork Screw Saloon offers culinary deliciousness in a rustic, historic setting - a three story brick building with a charming outdoor patio. Start with duck bacon wontons and follow it up with barbecue ribs, chipotle chicken and shrimp, or sweet Georgia chicken. Everything is mouth watering and worth the 18 minute drive from the terminal. Dan's Dogs Hot Dog Eatery & Diner (4 stars + 141 reviews on yelp) While traveling 20 minutes for a hot dog may seem a bit excessive, it’s worth it while you are in Ohio. Choose from a plethora of various hot dog combinations, like the Slaw Dog heaped with chili and coleslaw or the Junkyard Dog piled high with fresh chopped veggies, mozzarella, sour cream and tomatoes. Want something unique? Try their Deputy Dog, slathered with peanut butter and jelly. MICHIGAN CITY, IN New Buffalo Bills (4.5 stars + 220 reviews on yelp) Slow cooked root beer beans, smoked salmon, 12 hour hickory roasted pork and chicken, sweet potato salad and more! This place is BBQ galore and great for a pit stop while in Michigan City. It’s only 14 minutes from our terminal. Mucho Mas! (4.5 stars + 132 reviews on Yelp) Craving some authentic Mexican Cuisine? This little hole in the wall is just 6 minutes from our terminal and is great for a quick bite for lunch or dinner. Taco plates, salads, burritos, combination plates and a killer churro, Mucho Mas is a popular, local stop. SAVANNAH, GA Treylor Park (4.5 stars + 2,394 reviews) Located in the heart of the historic district of downtown Savannah, Treylor Park offers an eclectic atmosphere, great service and wings with peanut butter! At this little join you’ll find traditional pub findings with a southern twist. Enjoy! A little out of the ways at a 33 minute drive, but worth it for the food and the downtown Savannah scene. Leopolds Ice Cream (4.5 stars + 2,141 reviews on yelp) A generational gem and legendary soda fountain business, this classic shop is known for malts, milk shakes, banana splits and all the beloved vintage treats. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to satisfy it! Find it right around the corner from Treylor Park. TAMPA/MULBERRY, FL Fabrica Pizza - Tampa (4.5 stars + 264 reviews on yelp) If you find yourself at our Tampa terminal, be sure to check out Neapolitan Style Pizzas. Native to Tampa and established in 2015 this restaurant serves contemporary Italian fast/casual, and every pie is crafted from fresh dough, cheese and sauce. Even better? It’s right around the corner from the terminal. Uncle Nicks Bagels - Mulberry (4.5 stars + 75 reviews on yelp) If you’re on the other side of town in Mulberry, don’t miss out on a county favorite - this authentic, New York style bagel shop was voted best sandwich shop in Polk County for 2017. Here you’ll find hot off the griddle breakfast sandwiches, clubs and burgers plus an assortment of salads, soups and classic Italian entrees. And it’s just nine minutes from our Mulberry terminal.  As we wrap up our Summer Of Safety series, we wanted to touch on a topic that is extremely pertinent for the coming weeks. With school back in session, it is vital that truckers take extra precaution behind the wheel. Although many of these tips are common sense, please take our pledge to be serious about safety so we can contribute to leaving the roads and school zones accident free.
“Last year, 475,000 school buses took to the roads. ‘That is another half million commercial vehicles added to our roads, which we all know are already congested,’ said Herbert Mayo, vice president of risk control for Lockton Companies,” in an article by Penske. It’s inevitable. During this time of the year, roads are going to be busier, which means as a trucker, your normal route is going to be more congested. Secondary roads and metropolitan areas will be more crowded as moms and kids drive to school, the Penske article warned. Try to stick to highways, and if you must to take a more urban course, slow down and be more aware. According to an article by the Traffic Safety Store, with the growth in mobile and media use, pedestrians today are more likely than not to pay less attention. Keep in mind that you may need to be their eyes when they fail to be aware. Following the speed limit signs, especially in school zones, will give you buffer if a student or pedestrian makes an unexpected move into the street. “While allowed speed limits in school zones vary from state to state, the typical range goes around 15-25 mph,” the Traffic Safety Store article said. When it comes to sharing the road with students, bicyclists and other pedestrians during heavier months of traffic, the Nationals Safety Council (NSC) offers some good reminders.
Ultimately, the best way to stay safe during the height of the school season is to heed traffic signs and speeds. It’s always better to err on the slow side. Thank you, Dillon Logistics team, for contributing to our coveted level of safety. We couldn’t do it without you and your seriousness out on the road  To continue our Summer of Safety blog series, we want to remind our team of a simple, yet imperative rule of thumb whenever you are climbing in and out of your truck. A well-known concept in the industry, the three-point contact method is crucial for every truck driver. As a company serious about safety, it’s something we at Dillon Logistics enforce with all of our professionals. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), slip and fall injuries are the third largest cause of workplace accidents and account for 15-20% of all workers’ compensations costs,” states an article written by the AF Group, an organization that offers innovative insurance solutions to keep workplaces safe. Furthermore, another article by the Accident Fund, one of the nation’s leading workers’ compensation insurance organizations, quotes from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that “truck drivers had more non-fatal injuries that any other industry. More than half of those were sprains and strains caused in part by slip and falls while getting in or out of trucks.” The simplest way to circumvent these accidents is by using the three-point contact method. With this approach, drivers must have three of their four limbs anchored to a point at all times (either two hands and a foot or two feet and one hand) when entering and exiting their truck, says the article by the AF Group. With the three-point contact method, you will be essentially creating a triangle shape, and in order to establish the most stability, the center of the triangle should be near the same area as you center of gravity (view graphic for reference).  If your center of gravity is not lined up with the center of the triangle, it’s more likely you’ll move in a sideways motion and be knocked off balance, the article from Accident Fund conveys (see graphic for reference).  Check out some other helpful do’s and don’ts from the AF Group and Accident Fund.
Dos:
Dont’s:
At, Dillon Logistics, we care about overall safety just as much as we care about our drivers. We are serious about making your summer the safest one possible, and it can be accomplished with something as easy as the three-point contact method.  Dillon is serious about trucking and that means we are also serious about road rules. Whether it’s making non-distracted driving a priority or just sharing the road with smaller vehicles, we want you to feel as prepared as possible.
This is Dillon Logistic’s Summer of Safety series. Stay tuned for simple tips that can make all the difference behind the wheel. #1 STAY ALERT Being attentive and sharp while navigating your route is crucial for success, especially during summer time and intensive construction season. To make sure you keep safety first priority, don’t allow your attention to slip! Keep an eye out for motorcycles, blindspots and merging lanes, and always try to keep a safe distance between you and other cars. When it comes to staying alert, it all boils down to sleep. Getting the proper amount of shut eye will help your body and mind stay active. Make rest a priority the night before a haul. #2 LIMIT DISTRACTIONS Limiting distractions during your drive is the surest way to make sure you stay safe this summer. While cell phones are vitally important for everyday life, they can be deadly when used on the road. Make sure you invest in a handsfree set before leaving the terminal so you can keep your eyes on the road. #3 ALWAYS BE PREPARED Unfortunately, no matter how alert or free of distractions you might be there is always a chance that something could not go as planned. Try your best to be as prepared as possible by planning out your day - from the time you leave the terminal to when you make it to your destination. Make sure to leave on time and to have everything with you that you will need for a trip. Another important tip, and one we encourage, is to ask questions! Don’t be afraid to not know the answer to something. It’s better to ask and receive the correct information than to be delayed or stuck because you are unsure. A third way to be prepared is to keep your body hydrated. As we approach the summer months drinking that extra bit of water can save you from headaches, fatigue and many other unpleasant symptoms that could knock you off your time schedule. Plain water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated - you can help your body by eating fruits that are high in water (watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries and peaches) and steering clear from drinks and food that are high in sugar (like soda and sugary coffee drinks). Your body will thank you later! These tips might be simple, but that makes them no less serious! When you’re heading out on the road try and keep these 3 things in mind: Always stay alert, eliminate as many distractions as possible and always be prepared. Sources: https://www.ntbtrk.com/news/entry/tips-for-truck-drivers-to-stay-hydrated https://truckerpath.com/blog/tips-for-truck-drivers/  In order to live up to our mantra as a serious company, serious about our customers and serious about our business, we need a strong fleet of deliberate drivers who are resilient on the road and never take a hazardous shipment lightly.
Shelly Long, a 15-year trucking veteran and 3-year Dillon Logistics professional, is a true exemplar of our driver pedigree. As the first female driver hired out of Michigan City, Shelly is a well-known and respected driver on our team. In 1988, Shelly first stepped foot into the industry working for an RV manufacturer, setting up dealer shows and drive units for display. She also delivered brand new motor homes to dealerships country-wide. From there, she gained driving experience behind the wheels of ambulances, shuttle buses and tour buses, delivering them all over United States. Although Shelly found that she loved the road, she ran into multiple frustrations with compensation and work environment. According to Shelly, when she would deliver a vehicle, she would only get paid one way, having to either fly home or use a car she towed along with her. “I wanted to get a job where I got paid for all the miles that I drove. So, in 2003, I went to truck driving school and got my class A CDL,” Shelly relays. Shelly’s first gig as a trucker started at Family Express as a route driver. From there, she went on to drive dry van, refrigerated, liquid tank and even pneumatic tank, hauling frac sand. Like most truck drivers, Shelly was on a continual hunt for a company that offered the best combination of good home time, good pay and a great working environment. Finding a group of people with which she enjoyed working and who empowered her to take every mile seriously was also important to her. “The jobs I’ve enjoyed the most all involved great management, and Dillon Logistics is the best so far! We spend so much of our life working, and if you’re not happy you’re not successful. The Dillon Logistics management is like family to me. They enable me to be successful. I just want to say Thank You to my Dillon family for making succeeding possible. I’m very happy to be here.”  The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), of which the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) is a member, will be conducting a roadside inspection blitz for commercial vehicles from June 4-6 across North America. It’s a 72-hour event involving motor vehicle inspection jurisdictions across the US, Canada and Mexico to promote road safety.
While a multi-day inspection blitz may sound intimidating, the inspections themselves will be the same ones you might receive 365 days a year. Most trucks will receive a North American Standard Level I Inspection (though inspectors might choose to do other inspections based on initial assessment) that usually takes about 45 minutes. You will also be required to show the inspectors the following:
If no critical issues are discovered during the inspection, you will receive a CVSA decal for your truck indicating that the vehicle successfully passed inspection conducted by a CVSA-certified inspector. If an inspector does identify a critical vehicle issue, they can render vehicle out of service. Likewise, a driver can be declared out of service if they show signs of fatigue or impairment or have problems with their paperwork or credentials. Depending on the severity of the infraction, failing inspection can even negatively affect your company’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. International Roadcheck has been held every year since 1988 and is the largest commercial motor vehicle compliance operation in the world. During this 72-hour period about 17 trucks and buses will be inspected every minute. As with any day you hit the road, be sure your vehicle, logs and credentials are in good order, and June 4-7 should be like any other days on the road.  If you’re a truck driver looking for a unique career opportunity, you might consider becoming an owner-operator. Owner-operators typically enjoy great flexibility, compensation, and job security. In fact, it’s how many of the top trucking companies today were born. One driver, one truck and a lot of hard work can transform into a fleet of trucks and a team of drivers. With the constant demand for drivers within the transportation industry, 2019 is flourishing with opportunities for driving professionals interested in working for themselves, and Dillon Logistics is happy to announce they are expanding to include O/O.
Check out some of the following benefits of being an owner-operator. Flexibility Does the idea of self-employment spark interest? Owner-operators get to lay the groundwork for their own business. As an owner-operator, you can do everything from establishing what kind of money you want to make by giving yourself more flexible hours to outfitting your tractor with decals and colors. Although there are more risks and responsibilities tied to being an owner-operator, ask any business owner and they’ll tell you there are numerous benefits of self-employment. You keep the profits We know you know that operating a tractor-trailer properly and efficiently requires expert skill and care, and an experienced, talented driver saves their company real money in diesel and maintenance costs. If you’re better than average driver, as an Owner Operator you’ll pocket more of the fuel surcharge and spend less to maintain your tractor. The demand is there The most recent Truckstop.com Market Demand Index from February 2019 indicates there are about 30 loads posted for every available truck posted. The American Transportation Research Institute’s 2018 Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry report lists the driver shortage and driver retention as the first and third most critical issues, respectively. Thus, being an owner-operator means that you’ll have the flexibility to easily go where the demand is highest to maximize your profits. At Dillon, we offer 100% of the fuel surcharge, a $3,000 sign on bonus and a wide variety of lanes so you can get home more often. Own your own business Manning your own small business is a lot of responsibility and hard work, but the rewards are endless. It’s not just for an elite club, either. There are over 30 million small businesses in the US alone that employ almost half of the workforce, and many of these businesses aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving. So, if you like the idea of building a business you can be proud of, something you could even pass on to your kids one day, give us a call at 863.225.4144 to learn how Dillon Logistics can be the first and best partnership of your new business.  If you’ve been on the road long enough, you are sure to have noticed the diamond-shaped labels on the back and sides of semi-trucks and trailers. These helpful signs are called hazmat placards and they are used to communicate what kind of hazardous materials trucks are hauling. The US Department of Transportation requires vehicles hauling over 1,000 pounds of hazmat to display them on all sides of their vehicle letting everyone know, including first responders, what’s inside so they know how to handle it safely.
The signs not only tell if something is flammable, explosive, radioactive, poisonous, biohazardous, or corrosive but also give details about what specific chemicals make up the material, and the dangers it poses. The color of the sign is the most noticeable detail from far away and communicates the basics about what kind of threat the cargo on board can pose. Here are some of the placard colors and the characteristics they convey:
Hazard class As you get closer to the hazmat placards you can make out symbols (that are self-explanatory) and class numbers in the bottom corner of the diamond. Each class number indicates a specific characteristic of the material and can go further with subclasses (e.g. 1.1, 1.2, etc.) to explain how that material might react.
UN/NA Numbers Knowing what type of material you are dealing with and how it might react is vital in hazmat transportation, however, hazmat placards have an additional detail that specifies even more about what’s inside called the United Nations ID (UN ID) number. This four-digit number, ranging from 0004-3534, is another way to communicate hazard and will often specify what exact chemical is being hauled. To give some examples UN 1202 means diesel fuel, UN 1072 means compressed oxygen, and UN 3066 indicates paint or paint related material. Unlike color, symbols and class numbers, you might need a reference to know what the number means but they can be very useful to understand how to handle it properly or to contain the substance if something were to go wrong. Some hazmat doesn’t have a UN ID number and is assigned North American (NA) numbers by the US DOT. UN/NA numbers can be found in the middle of a hazmat placard. Before booking a shipment At Dillon Logistics, we believe all accidents and injuries are preventable. Our commitment is a ZERO accident rate. If you are booking a hazmat shipment with Dillon, it’s important to let us know what exactly is being hauled, any special requirements it may have in being moved, assembled or disassembled, and its hazard class (as detailed above). The safety of drivers, first responders, terminal staff, and even the general public depends on properly labeling hazmat. |
Serious drivers. serious hauling.A personal hub dedicated to our entire Dillon Logistics team for staying up-to-date on all things trucking related. Get a monthly dose of inspiration on how to up your serious-hauling game and have first-hand access to resources and the latest happenings out on the road. Archives
October 2019
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Dillon Logistics, Inc.
901 McClintock Drive, Suite 300 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 info@dillonlogistics.com 630-281-7093 |
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