From Humble Beginnings to a Stellar Career

Don Lord’s journey into the trucking world began under unique circumstances. Despite never having left Florida before, Lord took on the challenge of becoming a truck driver to provide for his family. At 73 years old, he reflects on his decision to switch from commercial fishing, a career he left due to increasing regulations in Florida. “Truck driving was the quickest way I could get to making money and providing for my family,” Lord shared during a stop in Texas.

The transition to truck driving, however, came with its own set of sacrifices. Over nearly three decades, Lord has traveled across the country on over-the-road routes, delivering essential goods. This demanding job has meant missing many important milestones at home in Grant, Florida.

“I missed 23 of my wife’s birthdays. I missed 23 of our anniversaries. I missed 23 Thanksgivings, 23 Christmases,” Lord reflected, his voice filled with nostalgia.

Family and Trucking: A Legacy of Safety

Since joining Covenant Logistics in 1996, Don Lord has seen many changes in the industry, allowing him more time at home. His son, Jason, now drives alongside him and has also achieved an impressive milestone of 2 million accident-free miles. “We sit and talk under the shade,” Lord shared. “We drink coffee in the mornings.”

Covenant Logistics, which operates a fleet of over 1,900 drivers, has publicly recognized Lord’s dedication and commitment to safety. In honor of his achievements, the company awarded him $7,500 and customized his truck to reflect the iconic blue of a Peterbilt he once drove. Misti Olszewski, Vice President of Safety at Covenant, praised Lord’s unwavering dedication, placing him in the “top echelon” of drivers.

“I think Don is just an employee anyone would want to have,” Olszewski affirmed. “It’s his spirit; you can just feel how much he cares about people, his family, his job. He takes such pride in his work every single day. I wish I had a hundred of him.”

The Journey of 3 Million Miles: A Commitment to Safety

Reaching 3 million accident-free miles is a testament to Don Lord’s dedication and commitment to safety. He understands that even a small incident could reset his milestone, a reality that is always on his mind.

Embracing Change and Reflecting on a Lifetime of Driving

The switch from commercial fishing to truck driving has had a profound impact on Lord’s life. While he found joy in fishing, he knew that trucking was essential for securing his family’s future. “There were times I didn’t want to come back out here,” he admitted. “Even though I enjoyed the job, I hated being gone so long.”

Now, with a schedule that allows for more family time and the opportunity to revisit his passion for fishing, Lord reflects on the lessons he’s learned from years on the road. He even applies these lessons to towing his boat, saying, “You stay on your toes and watch what you do and put to work what you’ve learned.”

Misti Olszewski commended Lord’s cautious and vigilant approach to driving, highlighting that his mindful journey is what has kept him safe on the highways.

Source: FRIEGHTWAVES

Image: Covenant Logistics

The post Celebrating a Remarkable Milestone in Trucking Safety: Don Lord’s 3 Million Accident-Free Miles appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

• Darryl Tolle hailing from Georgetown, Kentucky

• Anslum Hudlin based in Waco, Texas

• Richard Landry from Winnipeg, Manitoba

Collectively, these drivers have a collective 122 years of experience on the road, and have traversed an impressive 11.3 million miles combined.

Ryder boasts that the Driver of the Year award, integral to its heritage, has been a pillar of recognition within the company for 52 consecutive years. A comprehensive selection process involving Ryder executives, safety specialists, and veteran professional drivers ensures only the most deserving candidates are honored. This year’s awardees have set a benchmark through their unmatched safety records, exceptional service, and high performance.

Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder, stated, “It’s an honor to have such exceptional individuals like Darryl and Anslum on the Ryder team, as well as Richard on our customer’s team, as some of the best drivers in the industry. These honorees embody the core values of our company in both their professional and personal lives.”

Recognizing Industry Leaders

Darryl Tolle of Georgetown, Kentucky, earned the Supply Chain Solutions’ Driver of the Year accolade. Tolle brings an incredible 41 years of driving experience to the table, during which he

has covered 3.5 million miles – 2.8

million of those during his 35-year career with Ryder. Additionally, Tolle is a retired Sergeant First Class from the Kentucky Army National Guard, where he was involved in disaster response, chemical security, and clearing IEDs in Afghanistan.

Representing Ryder’s Dedicated Transportation Solutions, Anslum Hudlin from Waco, Texas, was also honored. Hudlin has covered nearly 3.8 million miles in his impressive 43-year

tenure as a driver, including close to 600,000 miles over his eight years with Ryder. His background features seven years in the U.S. Army as a senior heavy-vehicle operator. Hudlin is a pillar of his community; he and his wife have fostered over 70 children. He serves as a deacon and youth director at his church, organizes important high school events, and coaches little league football in his spare time.

Richard Landry, hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, earned the prestigious title of Ryder’s Fleet Management Solutions “Customer Driver of the Year.” Boasting an impressive 38-year career during which he covered an

astounding 4 million miles, Landry stands out for his relentless dedication and exemplary driving skills. Distinguished as the first Canada-based recipient of this award, Landry’s focus on safety is truly remarkable. Notably, he was instrumental in rescuing a mother and her baby from a fuel-leaking vehicle that had overturned in an accident he came upon. In another instance, he aided a family trapped in an SUV that had rolled over after losing control, staying with them and contacting emergency services until help arrived.

The achievements of these remarkable drivers epitomize excellence within the trucking industry. They have demonstrated unwavering commitment to safety, performance, and community involvement, setting a stellar example for all professional drivers.

Source: Truckers News

The post Ryder Names Three Drivers of the Year, Highlighting 11.3 Million Miles Driven appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Throughout the month, Estes executives will visit terminals nationwide to acknowledge approximately 2,500 drivers who have reached impressive milestones of one, two, and three million miles with the company. Additionally, about 1,500 drivers will be celebrated for achieving the 500,000-mile milestone following each million-mile marker. Esteemed drivers will receive specially-branded Estes jackets as part of the recognition.

“Every mile matters to a driver, and we want Estes drivers to know that we see them, we appreciate their commitment to safety, and we have great respect for the skill they provide,” said Curtis Carr, Vice President of Safety/Risk Management at Estes. “Having real-time access to the miles they’ve clocked will be a game changer for the program and will motivate our drivers to continue to drive safely.”

Since its inception in 2000, the Million Mile Program has primarily measured driver longevity with the company, a common practice among freight carriers. The newly updated program will leverage data and technology to log the exact distance driven by each participant. Estes notes that reaching one million miles can typically take a driver between eight and ten years, depending on their specific role.

The enhancement of the Million Mile Program underscores Estes’ commitment to promoting safety among its drivers. The company has consistently been recognized for its safety standards, earning six awards from the American Trucking Association in 2024 for safe driving in the line haul, LTL, and local categories.

Source: Truckers News

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