Page 35 - ATR 6 2018 web

ee numbers,” Dakota says, “but I don’t to talk to, solving their problems. Lynn
need to, I know who drives what truck.” doesn’t mind being the one who makes
“But you can also tell ‘em their the tough calls. “When I have to make
nickname that their momma calls the phone call, they’re worried. Why is “THAT’S PROBABLY THE
them,” Lynn interjects. Mama calling? Maybe they didn’t do
Taking care of family means car- their paperwork right,” she says. SCAREDEST I’VE EVER
rying their burdens and hurting when While most of the problems PLD
they hurt. Lynn recalls one of the worst sees are the usual ones — driver short- BEEN IN A TRUCK. I’LL
days she ever had. Husband and wife age and hours of service rules that
team Bill and Wilma Wilson were on govern how much those too-few driv- NEVER FORGET THAT.
the road when Bill had a heart attack ers can work — PLD’s primary freight
behind the wheel and crossed the compounds the effect of those issues. THAT’S ONE OF THOSE
median. Wilma was out there all alone, Hauling produce means short shelf
and they couldn’t be with her. “This lives. ... SOMEBODY TALKS
was heart wrenching for us and all our Lettuce from California demands ABOUT THE RODNEY
drivers,” Lynn says. A cowboy hat that long haul drives. “You want to eat good
belonged to the driver sits in our office lettuce? We can’t be home every week- KING DEAL, WE WERE
lobby in his memory. end. That’s a battle that we fight,” says
The drivers call Lynn Mama Dakota. THERE.”
Dakota says. Lynn explains that Lee was Lee explains that produce is their
always the fun parent at home, and she toughest commodity right now because
had to be the “heavy” or not-so-fun it’s sitting, waiting, racing the shelf —LEE LUCY
parent especially when Lee was away life, and that’s without FDA recalls.
trucking. She takes a similar approach Just days after Arkansas Trucking Report
in the office. Lee is in charge of keeping met with the Lucys, another romaine
drivers happy, being the one they want 

ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 6 2018 35