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Operator Comments.....
John Bracelen, independent contractor with D&T
“In 1995 I became an owner-operator. But I wasn’t making money with the company I was with. Then someone
at SuperValu told me about D&T, and I’ve been here for more than eight years. This was funny; sometime after
I leased on, I was at D&T and saw a fellow I had never met before. He was helping to clean up around the place,
just one of the guys. Then I found out who it was—Bob Dolle, the owner.
“Bob is always a nice guy to talk to. And D&T gave me a lot of encouragement and moral support while I was
out (recovering from an injury). It helped make it easy for me to get back on the road. I appreciate what the company
does for us (drivers).”
Todd Kohnen, independent contractor with D&T
“I joined D&T in April of 2002, but did leave for four months. Truck drivers sometimes think that ‘it’s greener
on the other side of the fence.’ Some companies blow a lot of smoke, they say a lot of things (to get drivers). I
should have known better. Anyway, I called D&T and came right back and really feel good about it.”
Mike Lyons, independent contractor with D&T
“There is no magic silver bullet that will give you the most in fuel economy. It’s a lot of little things—not
being a know-it-all; following manufacturer recommendations; talking to truck dealers; using common sense.
With the aerodynamics and electronic engines that we have today, the driver really has control and the ability
to get the best possible mileage. “I believe in accelerating normally, shifting progressively, being easy on the brakes, keeping the engine in
tune, injectors clean. Tire pressure is also a big deal, as is keeping all wheels balanced. Trip planning can help,
too. I plan my route. I know what roads work for me, and I look at maps, especially after deliveries when going
to customers for pickups coming back. I put on about 125,000 miles a year and keep my speed at 58 to 60 miles per hour. This upsets some
motorists, but I give myself space between vehicles. That’s my way of being safer as well as saving fuel. I’ve
never had an accident and want to finish my driving days safely.”