D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. History

It all started with the dream of one man.

A man who never forgot the joys of playing with trucks in the sandbox as a boy.

With incredible determination, hard work, and an urge to succeed;

The dream became reality...

Born in Edmonton Alberta, Daryl Ammann spent most of his childhood in Canada. His youth however, was spent over seas in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he was given the amazing opportunity to learn and observe from politicians, diplomats, and extremely successful businessmen. His family moved back to Edmonton in the late 1970's. Daryl completed his education, graduating from Scona Composite High School in 1979. He worked a few odd jobs after high school, some of which included Carpet Cleaning, and Iron Working.

By 1981 Daryl decided it was time to get serious. Married for only a month to his 1st love, his supporting wife Diane agreed. They proceeded to sell everything they could to gain enough revenue to purchase a truck. Everyone told them they were crazy!

In November 1981, Daryl and Diane purchased their first big truck! It was a 3 ton, and within the first year they earned enough revenue to purchase a 5 ton. That quickly produced more revenue, and they purchased their first tractor. An International, Unit 115. Soon after that, Daryl found his 2^ndlove A Kenworth, Unit 116.

Blessed with two daughters, and the ever increasing need to be an active part of their lives, Daryl & Diane soon realized they would need to hire drivers to help carry the demands of D&D Dixy Trucking.

Daryl had worked as a one man operation for the first 11 years, usually hauling vans between Edmonton and Calgary. During this time Daryl acquired more trucks, more paperwork, and more headaches, along with new opportunities. He “kept on truckin’” and had D&D Dixy Trucking incorporated in June of 1991. Diane had taken over all of the administrative duties at this point, and by 1993 business was booming!

With management, administrative, and driving staff hired, 1993 was the year that changed D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. forever, and helped make it what it is today. After much “red tape” and paperwork, D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. was officially granted “extended length-combination trailer” status by the Alberta government. This huge hurdle opened up the doors to hauling deck freight, and extended van loads. By late 1994, D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. was employing over 20 staff members, with an additional location now set up in Calgary, AB. Hauling deck freight was the job of choice, along with Extended Length & C-Train Vans.

In 1995 Daryl was nominated by the Bank of Montreal’s, Irene Ma , for The Prairies Region Entrepreneur of the Year award. Although Daryl did not win, this prestigious nomination proved to show how determination, hard work, and perseverance can pay off.

With the outstanding growth of D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. in 1997 Daryl & Diane realized business could not continue without a bigger location in Edmonton, AB. D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. dissolved the Calgary, AB. location and purchased Yard 1 (901-77 Ave) Where the company proudly stands to this day; as well as Yard 2 (1321-77 Avenue), Which houses the ever increasing D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. fleet.

With company owned locations, a full service center, warehouse, cross docking facility, and land, D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. continues to grow and prosper. In 2000 the company purchased Yard 3 (6320-18 Street), along with a Front End Loader. They opened a “pipe yard” to house, move, and store the ever increasing commodity of pipe freight that was rolling in. The company hired on Arthur Ammann, (Daryl’s Father) to take over the maintenance and up-keep of all the properties purchased.

By 2003 the Oil Boom was starting to take off. This meant more loads to Northern Alberta, and more pipe coming in to be stored. Yard 3 was in full swing, and with that came the need to hire additional help to run and maintain the operation. It was at this point D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. hired Jeremy Vandermey (Currently Daryl’s right hand man, and Son in Law) to take over the pipe yard facility and operation of Yard 3.

With so much growth happening at D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. came the ever increasing pile of paperwork. Diane needed help in the office, so in 2004, D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. invited their daughter, Natalie Ammann to assist in the office. She had been doing odds and ends for the company part time since 1998. In 2007 Natalie received her Diploma in Accounting & Strategic Measurement, and is currently running the Accounting department today. Natalie is also our go-to girl for computer related issues. She has re-structured our computer network, creates customized programs and templates for each department to use, monitors the function of these programs, and maintains the system daily.

D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. Has continued to grow, and expand their horizons with freight being hauled all across Alberta, as well as British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and even the North West Territories!

With the ever increasing work load placed on the transport side of the business, in 2005 D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. closed Yard 3 and moved Jeremy Vandermey over to head office. Currently Jeremy maintains and oversees a large portion of D&D’s day to day operations including; dispatching, quoting rates to customers, obtaining permitting for out of province loads, inventory & shop maintenance, as well as reviewing, adjusting, and directing any issues in regards to repairs & maintenance of our fleet.

By 2006, the workloads were high, and as such so were the risks. A Safety Department was established at D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. utilizing the C.O.R program through AMTA.

D&D Dixy Trucking Inc. has continued to grow, has faced challenges, and has evolved from a one man operation into the thriving business it is today. Daryl and Diane are now focusing more on CEO and Vice President Responsibilities, and are able to work less. They even try sampling a much deserved early retirement every February!

While Jeremy, Natalie, and others roles are constantly changing and taking on more responsibilities; They continue to immerse themselves in D&D values, expand on what the company can do, and they bring to the table fresh determination, and that all too familiar urge to succeed.

Interviews, information, and history compiled & written by M.S. Vandermey

Service throughout Canada including BC-AB-SASK-MAN-ONT & NWT