Think about how long 50 years is. (If you’re approaching an upcoming birthday for that milestone, maybe don’t. Think about cake and good friends instead).
Five decades. Half a century. 436,800 hours. It’s a long time.
It’s also the years of safe driving that UPS Feeder Driver Ron “The Big Dog” Sowder has just racked up. (Feeder trucks are the big semis that you see rolling down the highway. “The Big Dog” is a cool nickname for someone who’s good at what he does).
Think about how long 50 years is. (If you’re approaching an upcoming birthday for that milestone, maybe don’t. Think about cake and good friends instead).
Five decades. Half a century. 436,800 hours. It’s a long time.
It’s also the years of safe driving that UPS Feeder Driver Ron “The Big Dog” Sowder has just racked up. (Feeder trucks are the big semis that you see rolling down the highway. “The Big Dog” is a cool nickname for someone who’s good at what he does).
Before crossing the finish line Wednesday at UPS’s facility in West Carrollton, Ohio, just south of Dayton, Ron was escorted for the last few miles of his milestone trip by Ohio State Troopers. He was then greeted by a blast of confetti and an enthusiastic welcoming committee at the building.
UPS takes their safety seriously, as anyone who has ever set foot in one of its facilities can attest, and an achievement like this means a whole lot to the company. (In fact, UPS invested $175 million in safety training in 2011). On Thursday morning, several special UPS guests from around the country were on hand for a formal celebration at the facility.
A native of Springboro, Ohio, Ron was fresh out of the Navy when he joined UPS in 1960. Since then, he figures he’s driven more than 4 million miles; transported more than 22 million packages, and climbed into a UPS truck more than 12,000 times. Just last year he was featured on the show “American Trucker” on the Speed Channel.
According to Ron, the greatest benefit of being a UPS driver is “The future. I like that this company is always growing – Never stagnant. It’s great to be a part of an organization that is always looking ahead to what comes next.”
So now what’s next? Well, more great service and safe driving from “The Big Dog.”
Go behind the scenes with Team UPS at the National Truck Driving Championships
It was game on at the weeklong competition in Orlando, FL, that featured more than 400 of the best drivers in the business, including 19 UPSers who won U.S. state championships this year to qualify for the Nationals.
Go behind the scenes with Team UPS at the National Truck Driving Championships
It was game on at the weeklong competition in Orlando, FL, that featured more than 400 of the best drivers in the business, including 19 UPSers who won U.S. state championships this year to qualify for the Nationals.
Competing in the nine classifications, the drivers were tested on their knowledge of safety rules and regulations, performance of pre-trip inspections, and on-course driving skills.
Top UPS performances were turned in by Robert Foskey, who finished seventh in the Twins division and Clarence Jenkins, who placed eighth in the Sleeper division. Making his second appearance in the Nationals, Tim Sproles from Bristol,TN, garnered a tenth-place finish in the Sleeper division.
Check out the following video and find out why the worst thing you can do at the competition is run over a duck.
Here’s our all-star roster:
Tim Bailey, Jr. – West Virginia
Ty Bentley – North Carolina
Gregory Deterding – Maine
John Evans – Nevada
Robert Foskey – Florida
John Foran – Vermont
Don Gaston – Kentucky
Larry Hall – Maryland
Steve Hanna – Missouri
Todd Hester – Georgia
Clarence Jenkins – West Virginia
Roger Nicholson – Georgia
Kari Paulson – Illinois
Bill Raff – Illinois
Ron Raney – Iowa
David Sharp – Nevada
Vernon Smith – Nevada
Tim Sproles – Virginia
Alan St. Clair – Illinois
UPS driver William Raff provides a recap from the event:
“Very early Saturday, all of the drivers were introduced to the spectators, walked across the stage to receive their State Champion (silver) belt buckles and shook about 30 officials’ hands along the way. We also received envelopes containing a participation certificate and a printout of our individual scores for the written, pre-trip and driving tests. The printout showed points possible, our individual score, class average and what rank we achieved. The top five scorers in each class received blank printouts as they are to drive again, a different course, this morning so that 1st thru 5th place for each class can be determined. Saturday we attended the Championships Banquet where those drivers ranking 1st, 2nd & 3rd in their class and the Grand Champion of the entire event were announced. The 1st place winners in each class received a gold belt buckle. We rooted for our good friend from YRC, Rich Seigle, who made the top five. For some reason Rich has a soft spot in his heart for us UPS guys. He befriended us back in the late 90′s at the state event and has been guiding and coaching us ever since. I love that guy. “
I can’t tell you how many times that question was asked when Robb Mariani, the bearded host of American Trucker, put on some browns to ride with UPS’s own safety champ Ron “Big Dog” Sowder. Though you will never see a real UPS driver with a beard, we decided to give Robb a pass on the facial hair.
Robb and his crew were featuring UPS operations on the Speed Channel show that travels the globe featuring big trucks and the people who drive them. Robb is a real fan of trucks and truckers and his enthusiasm was obvious as he and his crew filmed at Chicago CACH, Cincinnati and Louisville Worldport operations.
I can’t tell you how many times that question was asked when Robb Mariani, the bearded host of American Trucker, put on some browns to ride with UPS’s own safety champ Ron “Big Dog” Sowder. Though you will never see a real UPS driver with a beard, we decided to give Robb a pass on the facial hair.
Robb and his crew were featuring UPS operations on the Speed Channel show that travels the globe featuring big trucks and the people who drive them. Robb is a real fan of trucks and truckers and his enthusiasm was obvious as he and his crew filmed at Chicago CACH, Cincinnati and Louisville Worldport operations.
While the crew was in Chicago, they toured the CACH operation and spent some time with several top Circle of Honor (COH) drivers and the mechanics who keep them on the road. It was obvious that the size and complexity of the CACH operation was a revelation to Robb. But he seemed most excited when they gave him a uniform and let him get behind the wheel. Robb managed to complete Safe Driving Day One by driving a quarter mile across the yard to hook up a trailer. This was shortly after talking to a COH driver with just over 6.5 million safe driving miles.
Then the crew headed for Cincinnati to meet up with Ron “Big Dog” Sowder, who has the longest safe driving record in the company – 49 years and still going. Ron drives every day from Dayton, Ohio, to Cincinnati and on to the Worldport operation in Louisville, Ky. The plan was to let Robb ride along.
But all that talk of trucks and trucking history took us momentarily off plan as Robb found out that the local automotive shop was rebuilding a 1976 Diamond Reo tractor. So we headed for the shop, which is housed in the original Cincinnati building, built in 1934. There Robb was like a kid in a candy shop talking about the rebuild project with Automotive Manager John Hollis and climbing aboard a dusty tractor to experience a little UPS history.
Finally, Robb was on his way to Worldport with Ron “Big Dog” Sowder. I can only imagine what those two were like on the road together. Robb loves trucking and Big Dog is about as close to living truck history as you can get around here.
At Worldport, it was fun to watch Robb as he realized just how big and diverse the world of UPS operations really is. “Honestly, this whole adventure is hurting my brain,” he declared at one point during the tour. At the end of the day, you could see that he really got it. “You people really do love logistics!” he proclaimed.
Every day many of us get into our vehicles and drive to and from work, run errands and visit family and friends. If you are like me, driving is just like any other routine. We know, but do not often think about the many distractions that can take our focus away from being safe while driving. We forget that there are other drivers out there who do get distracted and could be a danger to us.
Every day many of us get into our vehicles and drive to and from work, run errands and visit family and friends. If you are like me, driving is just like any other routine. We know, but do not often think about the many distractions that can take our focus away from being safe while driving. We forget that there are other drivers out there who do get distracted and could be a danger to us.
Now think about operating your vehicle for eight hours a day, making frequent stops to deliver and pick-up packages on time, all while having to back into tight spaces and drive through busy streets, no matter what the weather is like. UPS drivers do this every day and some have done this for 25 years or more without a single auto crash. These are the drivers who are inducted into the UPS Circle of Honor and this year, for the first time, three drivers from Puerto Rico join this elite group.
Joseph Arroyo from Carolina, Edward Bonilla from Cabo Rojo and Roberto Rosario from Bayamon were all hired and began driving in 1985 and have not had a single crash since. While some of us were going out to watch the movie The Breakfast Club or going out to try new Coke, (if you were born in the 80s or later, you can look these up) these drivers began UPS training that has kept them and our roads safe for many years since.
Their induction to the Circle of Honor represents UPS drivers everywhere as being the safest on the road. These drivers, like all UPS drivers, continue to show that safe driving is not an afterthought – it’s at the very heart of the UPS culture. Our drivers make a choice to be the best. The Circle of Honor is a testament to the daily dedication that our drivers display in keeping the roads safe for everyone.
There is no doubt that going 25 years without an auto crash takes something special. Some of us would say that they had a little bit of luck. But ask any UPS driver and they‘ll tell you that it’s not about luck – it’s about the training they receive before they begin their first delivery and the training they get every day thereafter. As drivers in our “newer” operations begin to reach this tremendous milestone, it reminds me how UPS’s dedication to safety extends across the globe. This inspires me to be aware and safe when I’m out in my car running my errands. Being safe in our vehicles is no routine and definitely no accident. Who better than UPS drivers like Roberto to remind us that, “My most important stop is when I return to my family at the end of the day.”
Every year, UPS is proud to announce the new “class” of Circle of Honor inductees – drivers who have steered clear of accidents for 25 years. The company goes to great lengths to alert local journalists of each local driver’s incredible accomplishments.
This year, 48 separate press releases were sent to thousands of local reporters across the United States and abroad. We take pride in our safety training. And we take pride in honoring our people for their accomplishments.
Every year, UPS is proud to announce the new “class” of Circle of Honor inductees – drivers who have steered clear of accidents for 25 years. The company goes to great lengths to alert local journalists of each local driver’s incredible accomplishments.
This year, 48 separate press releases were sent to thousands of local reporters across the United States and abroad. We take pride in our safety training. And we take pride in honoring our people for their accomplishments.
Media outreach is one way we honor our people. That outreach includes a national press release, local releases by state, an audio news release for all U.S. radio stations along with video footage of our senior-most safe drivers Ron “Big Dog” Sowder and Ginny Odom, who have over 80 years of safe driving between them. We make that footage available for all TV stations to use in news broadcasts.
The blogosphere is another way we communicate the achievements of our drivers. Twitter, Facebook and the UPS blog, UPSide, all feature the unique accomplishments of our service providers.
This recognition has been honored by the American Trucking Association with their “Good Stuff” award. That award is given to organizations that help burnish the reputation of the trucking industry. The UPS Circle of Honor is all about “Good Stuff.” And we love sharing the accomplishments of our finest with the rest of the world.
Ron Sowder of UPS’s Ohio Valley District is the company’s top safe driver. He has driven accident free for 49 years and amassed over 4 million miles. Ron credits his success to staying alert, keeping a positive attitude on the roads and exercising his skills. The skills Ron is referring to are the cornerstone of the safe driving methods UPS teaches all of its drivers. The following are some that Ron uses every day:
When starting up at an intersection, look left, right and left again.
When stopped in traffic, leave a car length of space from the vehicle ahead. This allows space to get by cars that stall as well as a cushion to turning vehicles.
Make eye contact with other drivers by using horns, lights and signals.
As a rule of thumb, use rearview and side mirrors once every five to eight seconds.
Ron, who is affectionately called “Big Dog,” has a daily 312-mile roundtrip route from West Carrollton, Ohio, to Louisville and back and he has done it for 49 years without a crash. Compare that to your daily commute!
We’re also celebrating UPS’s top female safe driver, Ginny Odom, who drives out of our Florida District and has a “daily commute” of 600 miles. Ginny’s route is from Orlando to Cordele, Ga., and back. She has driven accident free for 36 years and credits another of UPS’s safe driving staples, keeping a space cushion from the vehicle in front of you.
The group of elite drivers is recognizable by a UPS Circle of Honor patch that they wear on the sleeve of the iconic UPS brown uniform. So if your regular driver comes by, keep an eye out for that patch and say congratulations to a true safe driving professional.
UPS Freight Driver Clarence Jenkins led his company drivers into the Columbus (Ohio) Convention Center this past week at the National Truck Driving and Step Van Championships and led them across the finish line Saturday night in a competition that saw 415 drivers with a combined 53 million accident-free miles vying for top honors in this “Super Bowl of Safety.”
Thirteen UPS and UPS Freight drivers, all state champions and none more seasoned than Jenkins, were among those competing in nine separate divisions, testing drivers in on-course maneuvering skills, pre-trip inspections and written exams covering safety regulations and responsibilities.
UPS Freight Driver Clarence Jenkins led his company drivers into the Columbus (Ohio) Convention Center this past week at the National Truck Driving and Step Van Championships and led them across the finish line Saturday night in a competition that saw 415 drivers with a combined 53 million accident-free miles vying for top honors in this “Super Bowl of Safety.”
Thirteen UPS and UPS Freight drivers, all state champions and none more seasoned than Jenkins, were among those competing in nine separate divisions, testing drivers in on-course maneuvering skills, pre-trip inspections and written exams covering safety regulations and responsibilities.
Three years ago, the American Trucking Associations’ awarded Jenkins its highest individual honor, the Darmstradtler Professional Excellence Award, for lifetime commitment to safety and the trucking industry.
Now, carrying a 34-year unblemished safety record into the fray and the holder of a record 14 West Virginia State Driving Championships, Jenkins brought the crowd to its feet with his second-place finish in the Sleeper Division. Twenty-two years ago, in St. Louis in the same competition, he captured a National title in the 5-axle division. It appeared he had successfully turned back the hands of time as he bid to become the first UPS driver to ever win two National Championships. Unfortunately, a brief mental error cost him the title by the narrowest of margins on the final day of competition.
“It is what it is,” said Jenkins, with a shrug of his shoulders as he sought out his wife in the crowd.
“It is hard to outline my emotions regarding Clarence,” said UPS Freight Vice President Phil Warren, whose duties include overseeing UPS’s participation in the various state and National competitions “It was wonderful seeing Clarence in the finals and heartbreaking to watch him come so close to that second National title that he’s been chasing for more than 20 years.”
Warren had no problem, however, describing his overall feelings. “You heard it many times this week — you are watching ‘the best of the best.’ Our drivers, who have all made a commitment to safety, each performed magnificently this week.”
Following Clarence, UPS’s next top finisher was Paul Savill, this year’s Ohio 4-axle champion, who settled for fifth place in his division here.
This year’s company team also included UPS small package driver David Sharp, who captured his third straight Nevada championship in 2010; UPS Freight’s Steve Newsome, who won his fourth South Carolina championship in the past six years; UPS small package’s Jeff Kalinowski, two-time Illinois Step Van title holder; and West Virginia UPS Freight driver John Hodges, who brought 30 years of accident-free driving into this, his second appearance at the National competition.
Other team members were small package driver Randall Stromlund from NV, and UPS Freight drivers Shaun Flageolle, CO, Jerry Guenon, UT, Bobby Johnson, NC, Roger Nicolson, GA, Scott Raper, MO, and Vernon Smith, NV.
Columbus, Ohio plays host to this year’s National Truck Driving Championships. For UPS and UPS Freight, our team of competitors includes former National Champion and 14-time West Virginia State champion Clarence Jenkins.
Columbus, Ohio plays host to this year’s National Truck Driving Championships. For UPS and UPS Freight, our team of competitors includes former National Champion and 14-time West Virginia State champion Clarence Jenkins.
Thirteen company drivers, all state champions, will go head-to-head with 400 of the nation’s best drivers competing in nine classifications in what is billed as the “Super Bowl of Safety” for professional drivers.
“These drivers represent the best our industry has to offer. Their commitment to safety and their driving skills are unmatched. To say the best professional drivers in America will be in Ohio this week is not an exaggeration,” said David Quinn, UPS Freight – Safety Director.
The competition includes an on-course test to grade drivers maneuvering skills, testing for equipment inspections and written exams covering safety policies and regulations.
Leading our team this year is Clarence Jenkins, a UPS Freight driver from Charleston, WV with 34 years of accident-free driving. Clarence’s accomplishments include a record 14-state championships and a National title in 1988. In 2006 he received the Neil Darmstradtler Professional Excellence Award, which is the American Trucking Association’s highest individual honor. The award is for lifetime commitment to safety and promoting the tucking industry.
This year’s veteran team also includes UPS small package driver David Sharp, who captured his third straight Nevada championship this year and was named the state’s Grand Champion after registering the highest score for all competitors in the competition. Also, UPS Freight’s Steve Newsome, who won his fourth South Carolina championship in the past six years, and sixth overall, UPS small package’s Jeff Kalinowski, who successfully defended his Illinois Step Van title he won for the first time last year; UPS Freight’s Paul Savill, from Cincinnati, making his second straight appearance in the Nationals; and West Virginian UPS Freight driver John Hodges, who brings 30 years of accident-free driving into his second appearance into the National competition.
Other members of the team include small package driver Randall Stromlund from NV, and UPS Freight drivers Shaun Flageolle, CO, Jerry Guenon, UT, Bobby Johnson, NC, Roger Nicolson, GA, Scott Raper, MO, and Vernon Smith, NV.
Here in Atlanta, school breaks have begun and summer is off to a hot start. This week’s traffic has been lighter and many newly licensed teens are taking to the road, to celebrate summer with pools, parties and freedom. Woo Hoo! But, new drivers equipped with cell phones, iPods, friends and good times, can spell danger on the road….
Each year, nearly 3,500 teenagers die nationwide in car accidents – making it the leading cause of death for 15-19 year olds. This alarming statistic makes the need for teen safe driving programs so incredibly important.
For most teens, getting behind the wheel means fun and freedom. But, driving is serious business. At UPS, each of our 100,000 drivers has gone through intensive training in order to keep them and the communities we serve safe.
Here in Atlanta, school breaks have begun and summer is off to a hot start. This week’s traffic has been lighter and many newly licensed teens are taking to the road, to celebrate summer with pools, parties and freedom. Woo Hoo! But, new drivers equipped with cell phones, iPods, friends and good times, can spell danger on the road….
Each year, nearly 3,500 teenagers die nationwide in car accidents – making it the leading cause of death for 15-19 year olds. This alarming statistic makes the need for teen safe driving programs so incredibly important.
For most teens, getting behind the wheel means fun and freedom. But, driving is serious business. At UPS, each of our 100,000 drivers has gone through intensive training in order to keep them and the communities we serve safe.
Since the spring of 2009, UPS has been sharing our safe driver training with teens in a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, called UPS Road Code. UPSRoad Code is a national four-session program that teaches safe driving techniques. The UPS Foundation has given Boys & Girls Clubs of America a three-year, $2 million grant to bring this program to teenagers across the U.S.
UPS employees volunteer their time and the expertise that comes with thousands of miles of road experience. The combination of UPS driving know-how along with state-of-the-art driving simulators gives new drivers an advantage.
We talked to Tiffany, a 16 year-old who attends Carver High School in Atlanta. She prepared for her summer break by participating in UPS Road Code. Here’s what she said about getting ready for the road:
Even though I am not a licensed driver yet, I know that the skills that I acquired during UPS Road Code have taught me how to keep myself and others safe on the road. Using the driving simulators was my favorite activity during the program. It definitely gave me a sense of what it’s like to be out on the road and to experience both the expected and unexpected challenges that may occur.
You have to be alert and pay attention to everything in order to be safe out there. The simulators gave me a full view of the road and that was pretty cool. While I couldn’t feel the rumble of the car, the simulators did a good job in helping me get a sense of all that happens. I believe the skills I learned during Road Code will help me be safer when it is me behind the wheel of an actual car. I also think there were things I could teach my peers or superiors or at least things to remind them about. Like, always buckle your seatbelt when you get into the car.
Simple, but until it becomes a habit, people forget . . . and we all know what can happen when you don’t wear your seatbelt.
Can you imagine driving 70 years without an accident? No fender benders, no mailbox topplings, no intersection collisions, no icy slides into ditches, no distracted driving. No accidents at all. Not one. Ever.
The other day, two UPS drivers—Rudy Morgan and Randall Mastin—both from Virginia, retired. Between them, they had driven professionally, day in and day out, for more than 70 years without an accident. If driving safely could make you rich and famous, these two guys would be rock stars.
Can you imagine driving 70 years without an accident? No fender benders, no mailbox topplings, no intersection collisions, no icy slides into ditches, no distracted driving. No accidents at all. Not one. Ever.
The other day, two UPS drivers—Rudy Morgan and Randall Mastin—both from Virginia, retired. Between them, they had driven professionally, day in and day out, for more than 70 years without an accident. If driving safely could make you rich and famous, these two guys would be rock stars.
Most people believe they are above average drivers. In a variety of surveys when people are asked about their driving skills, most people check the above average box. Sometimes they even bold it, check it twice or put in an exclamation mark or two.
I guess I am not most people; I’m not checking that box. I would like to believe that I’m at least an average driver. But above average? No.
I work with people who are not only above average, but who are exceptional drivers — those folks in the brown trucks, UPS drivers. Their professionalism and safety records constantly remind me that I am not above average when I’m behind the wheel and that I need to keep improving to be a better driver.
“Expect the unexpected” is the advice I most hear from these drivers who reach the UPS Circle of Honor, 25 years or more of safe driving. So by heeding their advice and not overestimating my abilities, I can be a safer driver. Maybe someday I will even be confident enough to check that above average driver box.
Since the spring of 2009, UPS has been sharing our safe driver training with teens in a partnership with 
Most people believe they are above average drivers. In a variety of surveys when people are asked about their driving skills, most people check the above average box. Sometimes they even bold it, check it twice or put in an exclamation mark or two.
I work with people who are not only above average, but who are exceptional drivers — those folks in the brown trucks, UPS drivers. Their professionalism and safety records constantly remind me that I am not above average when I’m behind the wheel and that I need to keep improving to be a better driver.
@UPS