Keeping DNO Moving
Transportation plays a vital role in DNO’s daily operations. My job is to help ensure that our fresh produce, vehicles, and drivers make it to their destinations safely, efficiently, and on time.
As DNO’s Logistics Manager, I oversee the many moving parts that keep the transportation department running. My responsibilities include managing fleet operations, monitoring driver performance, scheduling maintenance and inspections, coordinating delivery appointments, planning routes, maintaining compliance, managing budgets, and supporting customer relationships.
Each day begins with careful planning. I review sales orders, delivery priorities, driver availability, PTO, maintenance schedules, travel distances, and traffic conditions to help build the most efficient routes possible. This planning helps minimize delays and ensures our products arrive at the proper temperature and in the best possible condition.
Vehicle safety is another major priority for me and my team. Our drivers complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, checking tires, brakes, lights, oil, fuel levels, and required safety equipment. Any concerns are reported immediately so they can be addressed before a vehicle returns to the road. I also monitor preventive maintenance schedules and service records to help reduce breakdowns, extend the life of our fleet, and keep our vehicles ready for operation.
One of the most important parts of my role is supporting our drivers. Breakdowns, accidents, severe weather, and unexpected road conditions can happen at any time, which means I am available around the clock when emergencies arise.
I go by this motto: Even in the eye of chaos, it’s fine. Everything is fine. If there is one thing I will do, it is figure it out, and I can usually do so quickly. Staying calm, thinking ahead, and making fast decisions are essential in a department where plans can change at a moment’s notice.
I am fortunate to have an amazing team of drivers. They are respectful, courteous, and reliable. They understand how much I have on my plate and do all they can to help lighten the load. To me, a great transportation team member is someone who is respectful, knowledgeable, dependable, on time, and committed to making safety and compliance a top priority. Those qualities help build trust within our department and allow us to consistently provide reliable service to our customers.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is knowing that my leadership can directly impact whether our products and people make it to their destinations safely. It also gives me the opportunity to help build and empower my team as they work toward the next level of their careers.
Transportation performance is measured in many ways, including on-time delivery rates, vehicle availability, fleet utilization, fuel efficiency, maintenance compliance, roadside response time, accident rates, and vehicle downtime. I also oversee records such as mileage, fuel usage, driver logs, inspection reports, and delivery confirmations, which support compliance, performance monitoring, and long-term planning.
Every day feels like putting a puzzle together.
There are many moving pieces in transportation beyond the physical trucks and trailers. Strategic planning and forward thinking help me visualize the bigger picture and determine how everything needs to fit together.
Through careful planning, a strong focus on safety, dependable support, and a commitment to developing my team, I am proud to help keep DNO moving every day.