How To Become A Million Miler

What does it take to become a Million Mile Safe Driver?  One of our readers, Dean from Fargo, North Dakota asked if we had ever done an article about this subject.

Driving a Million Miles safely and without an incident is an amazing achievement.  So how does a Professional Truck Driver obtain this lofty goal? If you average around 100,000 miles a year, it will still take 10 years to even drive 1 million miles.

I talked to several Professional Truck Drivers who have achieved a Million Safe Miles and some who have achieved even more than that and asked them, “What does it take?”

Professional Truck driver Dave Packard from Austintown, Ohio has been driving for almost 30 years, 23 of which have been for R&J Trucking.  (He plans to retire from there.). Dave does local work with a 7-axle dump truck, so it has taken him longer to achieve his 1 Million Safe Miles.

Here is what Dave told me, “Today’s drivers are a lot different.  Your eyes have to be everywhere and focused on other drivers.  Watch all around you and slow down, have patience.  There are a lot more people on the road – so you have a lot more to watch out for.”

Tim Dean has been a company driver at Werner Transportation for 35 years.  Tim has 5 Million Safe Miles – and is only the second driver in company history to attain this achievement.  He was an America’s Road Team Member from 2009-2010.  Tim said, “You have to drive like everyone around you is your Mom.  The safety of everyone around me is MY responsibility.  Drive one mile at a time.”

Frank Langston from Munford, Alabama is a Fleet Owner leased to US Bulk.  Frank has been a Professional Truck driver since 1992.  He has accumulated 3 Million Safe Miles.  Frank’s advice? “Pay attention to your surroundings.  You will also need some luck to not end up in the wrong place at the wrong time.  You must also keep your equipment well maintained.”

Roger Kral has been a Professional Truck Driver for 61 years, 52 of which he has been driving for Kuhnle Brothers of Newbury, Ohio.  Roger has driven over 5 Million Safe Miles in his career. Roger’s tip, “Pay attention to other drivers and yourself.  Watch ahead and add in a bit of luck.”

Sage advice from some amazing Professionals! Interestingly, the common denominator seems to be, “Pay attention to what is going on around you and maybe add in a little luck.”