Donald Knafla
Saint Francis,Minnesota
Summary
With a proven track record at Greentech Renewables, I excel in operations oversight and leadership, enhancing fleet efficiency by implementing GPS technology and reducing costs by 20%. Skilled in performance evaluation and employee supervision, I drive significant improvements in service planning and productivity.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fleet/Facility Manager
Greentech Renewables
Minneapolis, MN
01.2020 - 11.2024
- Maintained fleet of vehicles, including scheduling preventative maintenance and repairs.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures for fleet operations.
- Monitored budget expenses to ensure compliance with company guidelines.
- Ensured all drivers had valid licenses, completed required training, and adhered to safety standards.
- Conducted regular vehicle inspections to identify potential problems or issues.
- Coordinated with vendors for parts ordering, repairs and services.
- Assessed fuel usage and developed strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Reviewed driver logs for accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Managed daily operations of the fleet department including staffing, scheduling and performance management.
- Created reports on vehicle utilization, mileage tracking and other metrics as needed.
- Researched new technologies such as GPS tracking systems to determine cost-effectiveness in improving fleet operations.
- Implemented best practices for fuel conservation across the fleet.
- Analyzed data from various sources such as repair bills, fuel consumption records., to identify areas of improvement.
- Evaluated current processes related to vehicle acquisition and disposal; made recommendations for changes when necessary.
- Provided guidance on proper use of equipment; ensured that employees were trained in safe operating procedures.
- Prepared weekly report summarizing key performance indicators for senior management review.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for parts, services, vehicle rentals.
- Managed inventory levels of spare parts used in maintenance activities.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding service issues or delays in delivery times.
- Identified issues with work vehicles and put in maintenance requests with shop department.
- Communicated with upper management and drivers to build lasting relationships.
- Supervised employees to promote optimal productivity in job tasks and duties.
- Identified gaps and opportunities for improvements and implemented corrective action to maintain optimal fleet performance.
- Mentored drivers and encouraged employees to successfully manage time for optimal mileage performance.
- Sustained safety protocols, ensuring proper and cost-effective usage of equipment and materials.
- Mitigated regulatory risks by monitoring vehicles to ensure operational, state and federal compliance.
- Supervised driver information, including estimated time of arrival and planned time of arrival, which helped in all delivery scheduling.
- Coordinated payroll, manpower projection and data entry while scheduling staff, overtime and vacation hours to optimize productivity.
- Aided senior leadership during executive decision-making process by generating daily reports to recommend corrective actions.
- Managed the allocation and scheduling of vehicles to meet organizational needs and maximize utilization.
- Established and enforced policies regarding vehicle use, maintenance, and driver conduct.
- Conducted regular vehicle inspections and audits to maintain high standards of safety and compliance.
- Developed emergency response plans for vehicle breakdowns and accidents to minimize downtime.
- Coordinated and ensured compliance with regulatory and environmental standards across the fleet.
- Conducted regular training sessions for drivers on safe driving practices and company policies.
- Utilized fleet management software to streamline operations and improve data accuracy.
- Monitored and analyzed fleet performance metrics, identifying trends and implementing improvements.
- Analyzed route efficiency and implemented changes to reduce fuel consumption and improve delivery times.
- Implemented fuel management strategies to minimize consumption and reduce costs.
- Oversaw comprehensive maintenance programs for fleet vehicles, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
- Implemented GPS and telematics systems to monitor vehicle locations and driver behavior, enhancing fleet efficiency.
- Identified opportunities to reduce cost and improve productivity.
- Coordinated and monitored inbound and outgoing deliveries, keeping abreast of delays and other issues.
- Managed day-to-day logistics operations, monitoring incoming deliveries and overseeing personnel tasks.
- Implemented on-the-job training activities to cross-train employees on various tasks.
- Consistently met company and department objectives within budget and time constraints.
- Created and enforced policies and procedures for entire logistics team.
- Handled departmental scheduling to maintain proper staffing for shifts.
- Tracked orders using functional systems and coordinated with warehouse workers to ensure proper storage and distribution of products.
- Planned and implemented energy-saving changes to transportation services by optimizing capabilities.
- Planned and coordinated the maintenance of facility equipment and systems.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to ensure safe working conditions.
- Ensured compliance with applicable building codes, ordinances, laws, rules, regulations and standards.
- Created processes to improve operational efficiency within the facility's departments.
- Assisted in developing emergency response plans for natural disasters or other emergencies.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies used in the facility's operations.
- Inspected buildings regularly to identify potential risks or hazards that may affect employee safety.
- Inspected equipment, facility grounds, external building structure and systems on regular basis.
- Scheduled and monitored on-site inspections of facility.
- Enforced compliance with OSHA regulations and company policies.
Driver/Mechanic
Gary Carlson Equipment
Blaine, Minnesota
08.2016 - 01.2020
- Inspected vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues, ensuring they are in proper working condition.
- Maintained accurate logs of vehicle inspections and repair status.
- Checked loads to ensure that cargo was secure and distributed evenly.
- Performed routine maintenance on trucks such as checking fluid levels, replacing filters, and lubricating moving parts.
- Followed all applicable traffic laws, regulations, and defensive driving techniques while operating company vehicles.
- Verified the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
- Ensured compliance with DOT regulations and other applicable laws governing transportation of cargo.
- Prepared documents such as bills of lading, invoices, receipts, proof of delivery documents.
- Monitored road conditions during trips to determine if any adjustments need to be made due to weather or traffic delays.
- Communicated effectively with dispatchers regarding pick-ups and deliveries status updates.
- Reported any incidents involving the truck or its cargo to management immediately.
- Adhered to company policies and procedures related to safety and security standards.
- Participated in training sessions regarding safe driving practices and defensive driving techniques.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections prior to departure including verifying load details and confirming route information.
- Delivered goods and services to customers on time and in excellent condition.
- Inspected vehicles for cleanliness and checked gas and oil levels prior to departure.
- Secured merchandise, avoiding damage during transportation.
- Documented daily mileage, gas, and other data.
- Monitored traffic conditions and applied defensive strategies to avoid accidents.
- Performed pre-trip inspection checks and reported problems to supervisor.
- Drove trucks to and from job sites to deliver supplies.
- Saved fuel by leveraging GPS to identify faster routes.
- Operated standard warehouse equipment to assist with loading and unloading of deliveries.
- Completed necessary paperwork and documentation for deliveries.
- Operated a variety of vehicles safely in diverse weather conditions.
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure operational safety.
- Diagnosed mechanical problems on a wide variety of vehicles using specialized tools and equipment.
- Repaired or replaced worn parts such as brake pads and wheel bearings using hand tools and power tools.
- Assisted fellow mechanics when necessary during complex repairs.
- Adhered strictly to safety requirements when operating machinery or handling hazardous materials.
- Researched parts availability from vendors in order to complete repairs efficiently.
- Organized tools and supplies neatly within the workspace for easy access during maintenance tasks.
- Assessed vehicles or machinery to accurately diagnose and repair issues.
- Maintained garage safety protocols to meet regulatory and company expectations.
- Executed preventive and corrective maintenance on work trucks and other vehicles.
Owner/Operator Truck Driver
D&J Trucking
Saint Francis, Minnesota
02.2011 - 08.2016
- Operated commercial truck to transport goods and materials over long distances.
- Inspected vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues, and performed preventative maintenance.
- Maintained a log book of working hours, distance travelled, fuel consumption, and any problems encountered during the trip.
- Followed all applicable rules, laws and regulations governing the safe operation of a large vehicle.
- Communicated with customers regarding delivery times and location details.
- Loaded cargo securely using appropriate tools such as straps or blocks to ensure safe transportation.
- Unloaded cargo at designated locations in a timely manner while following safety protocols.
- Ensured compliance with DOT regulations including hours of service, weight limits, hazardous material handling requirements and driver qualifications.
- Performed basic troubleshooting on mechanical components when necessary.
- Reported any incidents or accidents to management immediately upon occurrence.
- Managed records related to vehicle maintenance, inspections, repairs, registration and insurance coverage.
- Completed daily pre-trip inspection checklists for assigned vehicle.
- Utilized GPS systems for navigation purposes throughout trips.
- Consistently monitored traffic conditions and adjusted routes accordingly.
- Adhered to company policies regarding safety and security measures.
- Developed positive relationships with customers by providing excellent customer service.
- Maintained accurate mileage logs and other required documentation.
- Retained valid proof of insurance and registration in vehicles.
- Implemented cost control measures to reduce expenses and increase profitability.
- Conducted vehicle inspections before and after every trip and performed minor repairs to keep truck functional.
- Demonstrated safe driving by observing road rules, exercising caution in unfamiliar areas and maintaining vehicle control.
- Inspected truck for defects and safe operating condition before, during and after trips.
- Hooked and unhooked trailers from tractor and converter dollies.
- Worked well with dispatchers to communicate route and schedule changes.
- Maintained safe driving habits to protect property and general public on roadways.
- Updated logs with timely and accurate information meet internal requirements and DOT recordkeeping demands.
- Inspected trucks and trailers before and after trips and completed basic maintenance for optimal performance.
- Recorded expenses and maintained receipts.
- Observed driving regulations and safety procedures, maintaining excellent safe driving record.
- Managed unexpected emergencies and route changes with calm and professionalism.
- Performed pre- and post-trip safety and maintenance checks to mitigate hazards.
- Added fluids, checked tires and kept interior and exterior spotless as part of vehicle upkeep.
- Performed regular inspections and completed vehicle repairs.
Education
High School Diploma -
Johnson Sr. High
Saint Paul, MN06-1982
Skills
- Performance Evaluation
- Employee supervision and task delegation
- Equipment installations and maintenance
- Leadership and supervision
- Service planning and scheduling
- Operations Oversight
- Planning and scheduling
- Employee Hiring
Certification
- Class A CDL
- Forklift certified
Affiliations
Avid ATV/UTV rider. Active with Sno Barrons snowmobile club and White pine riders ATV club.
Outdoor enthusiast, owner of small hobby farm with horses, chickens, goats and dogs.
Accomplishments
Multiple safety awards for 30 plus years of CDL driving with no tickets or accidents.
Four years in the United States Army.
Timeline
Fleet/Facility Manager
Greentech Renewables
01.2020 - 11.2024
Driver/Mechanic
Gary Carlson Equipment
08.2016 - 01.2020
Owner/Operator Truck Driver
D&J Trucking
02.2011 - 08.2016
- Class A CDL
- Forklift certified
High School Diploma -
Johnson Sr. High
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