FIXTITLE Dale Pannell.docx

TOMORROW’S FUTURE

Legend Nominee: Dale Pannell

This Legend driver recognized the image of success first-hand as a second-generation trucker. Typically, the successor follows in line after the father’s role, but for this driver it was his mother that owned a small operation of trucks.

Originally from the small town, Hickory Flat located in the upper part of Mississippi, Dale Pannell’s family found themselves relocating from state to state in search of work to support their full household. Growing up, having lived in different areas throughout his childhood, the experience of distinctiveness in each new place; the given variety of society (e.g., diverse backgrounds, communities, and nationalities) provided an advantage many people today as adults have never had the pleasure of perceiving. For Dale, cities and states all over the nation were called home, including neighboring states such as, Louisiana and Texas. Also, further up north in Tennessee and Indiana. Even across the country out west to California. Dale later returned to Mississippi and put his roots down in the same house where his grandmother once resided.

Now the business owner of Pannell Trucking, Dale’s company sits on the brink of becoming a dominating network within the trucking industry. Strictly family-owned and family-operated, Dale has invested his entire life’s work into building the up-and-coming empire he hopes to pass on to his children to carry forward.

Dale’s mother began driving a truck at the age of thirty-four. She went on to become the first female driver-trainer for an established carrier based out of Memphis, Tennessee. Now retired, her list of merits signified through her dedication to the industry and level of professionalism in character continue to be represented by her son, who intends to expand the family name proudly, by mirroring her perseverance.

At eighteen, Dale landed his first job working in a furniture factory with his father. Over time, he took notice of his own realization. The respect for his father and the hard work devoted to his craft was not in question, though by observing the parallels between his factory job and the trucking industry he became aware that his mother’s profession provided more of a window to grow financially and allow him the opportunity to experience less of a work environment and more along the lines of travel. Dale explains, “I remember at one point I evaluated everything my mother had earned as a truck driver, such as her own business and many trucks. Then I looked at everything I was planning to attain working at the factory and it hit me… I think I want to drive a truck! The decision was financially beneficial, I just had to make the move. So, at twenty-one I left my job and spent the next few weeks training at the school offered by the same trucking company mom was at.” Everything was within reach, made evident by the achievements that his mother had earned. This career move was only the beginning to Dale’s journey.

After Dale received his CDL, he immediately went over the road driving for his mother in one of her trucks; a 2000 Freightliner FLD. He says, “That first trip on my own was scary, to say the least! I was pulling a load of general freight out to Oregon. I knew I had hills to go over, plus I had been there with my mom, but this time it was a different ball park.” Dale faced many aspects that tested a bit more difficult than expected in his earlier days. Driving through snow was anticipated, it was the ice that was far more intimidating. With a new sense of respect to the level of talent needed to perform the job, Dale stuck with it refusing to fall short.

He stayed out two weeks at a time, returning home for a couple of days. After a year of learning the ropes his ability to absorb instruction and apply that knowledge while steadily improving in both areas helped advance him to a trainer position. He accepted the role in sharing his techniques with other drivers willingly, because he understood the importance of how another driver can impact a person’s future. But being a trainer required him to stay out on the road a full month, versus a couple of weeks. That extra amount of time spent away, lessened his quality time at home with his family. Wanting to keep his family first, his training days were short lived.

He continued driving for his mother until he caught a lucky break. His cousin was looking to sell a truck, which in turn became Dale’s first truck. He leased on to a trucking company out of Mississippi. Running as an owner operator, he went on to receive several awards for his safe driving with this company and was also named Driver of the Month. In 2015, Dale got his own authority and founded Pannell Trucking. He started with one truck, which symbolized the foundation to his future.

“When I first started driving for my mom, the company she was leased to owned over 500 trucks and no telling how many trailers. For me, growing my business is not really about the money. I just want to see my trucks everywhere. I want as many as I can get. In fact, I have a driver right now waiting to get in a truck. As long as we can get the freight and provide the trucks, I want to keep expanding.”

Next, I asked Dale how he goes about identifying someone who is willing to go the distance as an over the road trucker. What does he look for in a professional truck driver? And why are those qualities so important? To ensure progress within the business is maintained he chooses to surround himself with like-minded individuals. Knowing that his drivers represent the company, he selects goal-oriented drivers that are positive team players, who demonstrate initiative and work hard for their positions. “I like them to be courteous to my customers. That’s extremely important! And they have to be on time; punctual. That’s a must! Nothing will make a client madder than a load arriving late. It all goes along the lines of being a professional.” He adds, “A professional truck driver is somebody that knows what they need to do to get the job done. It’s not always a walk in the park, but with each load you have to make sure they’re secured properly and get delivered on time.”

The commitment to providing high-quality service was passed on from his mother. Throughout our interview Dale states that she has been his biggest influence on his trucking career. He also inherited her strong work ethic and fun personality. “When I was younger, I was raised to work all of the time. Only recently, within the last few years I’ve been able to go on vacations with my family. I think back to when I was my kids’ ages and say, this isn’t how life used to be for us. My mom is in Key West today on vacation. Seeing where she’s at now in her life, knowing all of the hard work she put into everything she’s ever done, I’m glad to see her enjoying herself. One thing I’ve definitely learned… you have to work hard, but also live your life too,” Dale said.

Dale reiterates what many truckers have said before: Driving a truck is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. You learn to adapt to everything trucking. Meaning, you find a common ground with people that also drive trucks; there is a mutual connection about what you do for a living and the demands that come with the profession. Only those that are involved in trucking can relate. But as far as getting into the work force and how far a driver is willing to take their career is totally up to him or her. For Dale, there is no such thing as enough or too many. He spotted the bigger picture early on. He says, “If readers take anything away from my story and learn from it, I want them to know this: Anybody can do it, or say that trucking is not for them… if there is something you want, you have to get out there and get it yourself! Personally, I would rather try something and fail, than fail for not trying at all. If we wouldn’t had tried with this company, I would probably still be pulling for that outfit out of Memphis, just barely getting by. You can’t have regrets, only risks. But you’ll never know if those risks will pay off if you don’t take that chance.”

Long-haul is Dale’s forte, having gained experience in pulling dry box, tanker, hazmat and doubles. Throughout his twenty-year span, he has accumulated over 3 million lifetime miles to his name. Being described as determined and honest, Dale is typically a carefree and outspoken guy that is fun to be around. He reveals that there are no secrets to becoming familiar with running over the road, but says that it helps to be mentally prepared for distance between home and wherever the road takes you. Being away from your loved ones for long, consecutive days can weigh on any relationship; whether it’s with a spouse, children, or friends. Absence causes strife. Dale states that his balance is enjoying life on the road when he is away, the best he can. For example, taking in the beautiful sights and scenery. And when he is home, he spends as much time with his family and friends as possible. In fact, a couple of their favorite places to visit during the weekends are two local truck stops. One of those locations holds a special meaning for Dale.

Back in 1996, he and some friends decided to dine-in at this particular truck stop. It was then and there when he met a waitress by the name of Amanda. The two were inseparable and later wed in 1999. Together they have three children. The youngest, and already declared “future owner” of Pannell Trucking is their daughter, Morgan (10). Their two sons are, Christopher (20) and Caleb (14). Naturally, being away from home and his kids is a struggle, but in order to support his family the sacrifice is clear. Christopher, being the oldest was only two years old when Dale’s work schedule was the most difficult, causing him to miss a lot of his childhood. Now work is flexible and he is finally able to participate in family functions and attend more of their sporting events. For instance, both boys are athletes, Christopher plays baseball while Caleb excels at football. Miss Morgan shadows her mother in the office and helps with paperwork reminding her parents, “One day I’m going to own this company.” …just as headstrong as her father.

Understanding the importance of home-time, Dale and Amanda schedule all their drivers back home on the weekends, as well. At Pannell Trucking, they don’t expect anything more than what they’re willing to put in themselves. Over the last two decades, Dale has been to every state and seen the country in all its beauty. Before launching Pannell Trucking, Amanda often traveled with him, but now she remains home more to manage dispatch. Running as a family-operation, Dale has enlisted his stepfather as his mechanic, who also drives for him. Along with two nephews and a brother-in-law that all drive his trucks. He has two other brothers-in-law, one is leased on and the other works with Amanda and his sister in dispatching.

I spoke with Amanda hoping she would unveil the enigma behind their success as the power couple we know today. She credits Dale’s upbeat personality as to why he is so good at what he does. Stating that even on her worst days, he can lift her spirit and help turn everything around. As for how the two find a middle ground between parenting, marriage, and business while keeping the stress at bay is simply by choice.

“We make it all work, but in this business, it has to be a choice on both sides. Being married to a truck driver can get complicated. There must be a lot of trust! And that goes both ways, he has to trust me when he leaves me here and I have to trust him when he is away. We both choose to commit to each other, to our family, and to this company. That alone is the backbone to our success: trust. I trust Dale to do what needs to be done to take care of us and he trusts me at home to handle everything here.

In the beginning, we struggled to make ends meet, but the trucking industry has provided us with the security to pay bills with no worries. Nothing has been given to us, Dale and I have had to earn every penny. It’s because of his dedication to his job that we have made it this far.”

Dale acknowledges the effort he has seen in his family as the same entrepreneur trying to prove himself in a large, yet challenging market. By keeping his family first, they share a mutual admiration for one another and together, continue to help grow Pannell Trucking as a team. He admits that he never intended to start a business, but has proven that he is a natural-born leader. With a career-driven mindset and big personality, his ideas manifested into dreams that became his reality. He believes in treating everyone fair, in return he expects the same; loyalty and hard work.

Never underestimate the possibilities of a well sought-after dream. A person’s destiny can unfold beyond their own aspirations if pursued with focus and ambition. There is no limit to greatness, only much to be achieved and Dale is on the trail leading to his full potential, working on tomorrow’s future.