DNO Celebrates Driver Appreciation Week
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week was September 11-17, 2022. We were pleased to recognize the dedicated men and women who safely and efficiently ship our yummy fruits and veggies across fourteen states!
The team is made up of 17 drivers and two Logistics Coordinators who oversee safety and compliance and plan the drivers’ routes. Each week, our fleet travels an average of 22,000 miles in a roughly 500-mile radius of Columbus.
Our drivers are passionate about what they do. “I drive because of the many opportunities that come with having a CDL,” says Jonathan Clark. “I like driving for DNO because of the flexibility, pay, and good people in our company.”
Throughout the week, we honored several drivers in our fleet. You can read about them below!
Meet Darryl
Darryl has been driving for six years, and joined DNO at the start of 2021. He drives over 2,500 miles a week with us!
“For me, what’s most important is being on time at all times,” said Darryl. “I take pride in being on time and am often early for every stop. It’s important to me to get the job done, and get it done safely.”
“When Darryl found out we needed assistance with Chicago deliveries, he stepped up and changed his schedule to meet that need.” said Logistics Coordinator Chelsie Hill, “He knew he could make it on time every time and has accomplished just that. We are grateful that he is on our team.”
Darryl comes to trucking after working the culinary industry for over fifteen years. Darryl changed careers so that he could have more consistent time at home with his family.
On the road, Darryl enjoys listening to “old school” R&B, which spans from the 70’s to early 2000s. Darryl and his partner have five children and two grandchildren. He still enjoys cooking for his family, who consistently request his Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Thank you, Darryl, for all you do!
Meet Alaeddin
Alaeddin is originally from Jordan and holds three medical degrees. He served as a trauma physician for 6 years before moving to the US to pursue his dream of specializing in hand trauma and reconstruction. “You cannot do much without the use of your hands. It’s the most important thing in your life. I want to help people to be able to use their hands,” said Alaeddin.
Alaeddin’s path took a dramatic turn shortly after he relocated to the US. “I earned my Bachelor of Medicine at Kharkov University in Ukraine,” he explained. “Right when I came to the US, the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. Because of the conflict, I am still waiting for my certifications to be transferred here. Until then, I have to wait to apply to practice medicine in the US. My dreams did not end, but they have been delayed. This is when I found an opportunity to drive for DNO.”
“Alaeddin is one of the hardest workers I know,” said Logistics Coordinator Kevin Diehl. “He really cares about his job and cares about doing well. Alaeddin is punctual, flexible and always shows up to work with a positive attitude. These traits are so important in our business, where timing is everything and there are many high pressure situations.”
Alaeddin says what he enjoys most about driving is the high level of responsibility entrusted to each driver. “I take my job very seriously. I treat it with respect. When I deliver to a customer, I smile. I laugh with them. This is because when I am driving, I am going by 'DNO', not by my name. I am thankful to drive for DNO because the people here understand me and respect my dream.”
Alaeddin appreciates the flexibility that driving offers him to stay on top of his studies. “If I am being loaded or unloaded, I am watching lectures or on my English. Driving allows me the best opportunity to work towards my dream.” Alaeddin has three children. His wife is an OBGYN and recently received her certification to practice medicine in the United States.
Meet Aaron
A standout worker in our fleet, Aaron is an army veteran and served as a Sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. Upon discharge, Aaron found himself looking into driving. “It’s not a big surprise that I ended up behind the wheel,” explains Aaron. “My whole family is involved in driving. My father, my uncle, and most of my brothers. They’re all drivers. For me, what was most important was working within a smaller fleet and for a company that cares about family.”
“Aaron is someone we can always count on in our fleet,” said Logistics Coordinator Chelsie Hill. “No matter how early I set the dispatch time for a customer, Aaron is on time and ready to roll. He is gracious and respectful in every situation and gets the job done on time and without issue. These are invaluable traits for any driver."
As a father of three young children, Aaron says he most appreciates the stability driving affords his family. Outside of work, Aaron is an avid musician. He writes and performs original songs and also plays piano and sings for his church. “I’ve been singing and rapping for as long as I can remember.” he said, “It’s kind of funny, but driving has allowed me to grow my music career. I often write and rework songs in my head when I am driving.” You can find Aaron's music by searching Aaron Page Music on all platforms.
And don’t miss our September Brocc’ Star, “Tubbs”, another one of our stellar drivers!
