Truck Driver at Penske Logistics
After combat convoys in Iraq, Southern California gridlock is easy duty for Penske driver.
By Warren Duffie

The freeways of Southern California can be traffic hell. In the blink of an eye, fast-moving open road transforms into clogged lanes of metal and rubber. No wonder the term “road rage” was allegedly coined to describe this asphalt battle.

But traffic doesn’t faze Robert Dejean, who spent a year driving armed truck escorts through combat zones in Iraq: “Those were crazy times. We were shot at a lot. After that, California traffic doesn’t seem bad at all. Driving heavy equipment in the military also helped my defensive driving skills – being aware of the cars around you, watching what everyone is doing.

“Another benefit of my military experience is that I was exposed to international road signs, infrastructures and driving patterns,” he continued. “Those made me a better driver as well.”

On the Job
Dejean, 45, is a truck driver with Penske Logistics, a subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing. Based in Ontario, Calif. – a suburb of Los Angeles – Dejean delivers medical supplies to pharmacies, hospitals, and surgery and dialysis centers. His cargo includes everything from frozen drugs and IVs to antibiotics and dialysis machines. The former technical sergeant usually drives about 150 miles daily, serving between three and 13 clients.

Dejean begins his shift at 0330 by reviewing paperwork for the day’s route and checking his truck for any maintenance issues. By 0400 he’s on the road, driving until 1130, when he files his shift report and heads home.

“I like that my day begins so early,” he said. “Many of my deliveries are made before the regular workday starts, before it gets too busy to drive a tractor-trailer to hospitals.”

In Uniform
In 1983 Dejean was living in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., hanging out with an unambitious, unmotivated crowd. He wanted to travel and do something meaningful with his life. So he decided to serve his country and enlist in the Army.

After boot camp at Fort Dix, N.J., he completed communications school at Fort Gordon, Ga. In 1986 he left active duty to pursue a career in the transportation industry. However, he missed the military and joined the Army National Guard, followed by service in the Air National Guard. He retired from the Air National Guard in 2005.

Dejean spent 2004 on deployment in Tikrit, Iraq, escorting vehicles transporting everything from civilian travelers and food to ammunition and water. For his service, he received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and a Meritorious Service Medal.

The Transition
When he was leaving active duty in 1986, Dejean met a driver for a company called Baxter Healthcare Corporation. He told Dejean the company needed delivery drivers for medical supplies and encouraged him to apply.

“Out of 500 guys, they hired two, including me,” Dejean said. “The supervisors were prior military, so I think that helped my chances. I liked the idea of working outside all day, not being stuck in a cubicle or office.”

Dejean went to work for another company called Cardinal Health in 1992. In 2008 Cardinal Health outsourced its transportation services to Penske Logistics, which kept drivers like Dejean.

“It was an easy transition,” Dejean said. “I’m doing the same job but with a different company. The best part is that several of the drivers and two of my supervisors have military experience. We’re a close-knit group.” 

Dejean’s Advice
Put your best foot forward. “Sell your military experience to employers. Military careers count as valuable real world experience.”

Use military resources. “There are many tools available to make your transition easier. Register with your local VA hospital. Contact your local VA office. They have a lot of great employment resources and information.”

Take transition classes. “When I got out in 1986, there wasn’t much of a push for these. Today, the military is much better about preparing people for civilian life.”

Did You Know?
Penske Logistics is an active member of Royal Dutch Transport (KNV) and the German Logistics Association (BVL). The company is a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the Warehousing Education and Research Council and the American Trucking Association. Penske Logistics supports logistics-related research and education at Northeastern, Penn State, Michigan State and Central Michigan Universities.