WHITE PINE, Tennessee - November 18, 2004 - Richard G. Ford, a professional driver for Roadway Express, has achieved a career milestone of driving four million miles without a preventable accident. That is equivalent to circling the earth's equator 160 times and a unique accomplishment in the trucking industry.
Ford's career as a driver spans 33 years, with 31 years driving for Roadway Express. He is domiciled at the White Pine facility and is a member of Local 519 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Richard started his career on September 17, 1971, with Pilot Freight Carriers out of Kernersville, N.C. He began driving for Roadway Express in March of 1973, and is now the third active 4 million mile driver at the White Pine facility.
"Safety has always been a core value for Roadway. Richard's strong commitment to be engaged in serving our customers and working safely demonstrates the pride he has in his work and his company," stated Bob Stull, President of Roadway Express. "He is a member of an elite group of professional drivers, who provides leadership to our company and the industry."
Ford was recognized for his commitment to safety with a police escort and reception at the White Pine facility. He also enjoyed a dinner celebration where he received a plaque, jacket and tractor emblazoned with his achievement to drive while he is a Roadway employee.
"We are very proud of Richard's outstanding accomplishment. He is a consummate professional, who exudes leadership and is a tremendous example for all drivers to emulate," said White Pine Relay Manager, Rob Bulick. "As Roadway continues to evolve as a successful company, engaged employees like Richard set the bar for all of us to reach."
Ford and his wife of 36 years, Ruth Ann (Harr), reside in Talbott, TN. They have 3 daughters; Renee Ford Keller, Rhonda Ford Grooms and Rebecca Ford, all of Morristown, TN. He also has two sons-in-law, Travis Keller and Kevin Grooms, and one grandson, Hayden Keller, who is 8 years old. The Richard Ford family is a member of First Baptist Church of Morristown. He is the son of Mrs. Fairy Ford and the late Gurney Ford of Elizabethton, TN, and the son-in-law of Mrs. Cora Harr and the late Elbert Harr of Watauga, TN. In 1970 Richard's in-laws loaned him the $600 he needed to enroll in the Ryder Truck Driving School in Atlanta, GA. He attended the school on weekends while working full-time for the Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN. Ford is a collector of model semi-trucks and an avid reader. He restored a 1949 model antique Chevy pickup truck into a street rod. He enjoys gardening and church work, especially within his Sunday school class.
