4 Million Miles and Counting
With lights flashing and sirens blaring, motorcycle officers from the Shelby County Sheriff's Department escorted the tractor and trailers through the busy Memphis traffic.
On his way back from his run to Mount Vernon, Illinois, Roadway linehaul driver Arthur Cage had picked up this escort several miles west of the Roadway facility.
The officers, he knew, were helping him celebrate a very important day in his life and career: the achievement of 4 million miles of safe driving.
Arthur made the turn into the facility and parked near the relay office. The awaiting crowd began clapping as Arthur got out of his tractor.
District manager J.D. Peeples noted that Arthur is only the 9th driver in Roadway's history to achieve 4 million miles of safe driving. "This is a tremendous individual accomplishment," said J.D. "And we are so proud of him."
Members of Arthur's family were on-hand to share the moment, including his brother and Memphis dockworker, Melvin Cage. "He's a good driver because he cares about the other people on the road, about his equipment, and about doing his job the right way," said Melvin.
Arthur knew exactly where he'd achieve 4 million miles-in Charleston, Missouri, 152 miles from Memphis. "When I passed that mile marker I said, 'I got it!'" said Arthur. "I drove two miles to a weigh station, got out, got on my knees and said, 'Praise the Lord, I did it!'"
Arthur credits his use of the Smith SystemTM and his love of driving for his safe career. "I think I'm a good driver because I enjoy what I'm doing," he says.
What's next for Arthur? Well, how about 5 million miles? "That's my personal goal," said Arthur. "If I could do that, it would be the greatest thing in the world!"
