Outstanding Individuals and Teams Honored for Their Exceptional Effort and Dedication
JOPLIN, Mo. – February 21, 2012
Con-way Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), today announced the winners of its Drivers of the Month recognition for January 2012.
“These drivers have all shown exemplary commitment to the highest levels of safety and service for our customers, and they couldn’t be more deserving of this honor,” said Saul Gonzalez, chief operating officer, Con-way Truckload. “We congratulate and thank them for their dedication and professionalism.”
The following drivers were recognized by the company:
Company Driver of the Month: John Mathes
While John Mathes was in the military he learned how to drive a variety of vehicles. Once his military career was complete, he continued to drive professionally and joined Con-way Truckload in 2006. He advises drivers to be aware of surrounding vehicles and imagine each car on the road is carrying a loved one. Mathes lives in Walters, Okla., with his wife, Heidi, and their daughter.
Contractor Driver of the Month: Jon Smith
Jon Smith became a truck driver by helping out a friend. “Driving was something to do during the winter time when my buddy needed an extra hand,” he remarks. Since joining the company in 1984, he has driven more than 3.7 million miles. Smith resides in Joplin, Mo., with his wife Tina. Together they have four children and 10 grandchildren. When he’s not traveling or driving he enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Company Team of the Month: Steven and Billie Gratz
Steven and Billie Gratz enjoy traveling together, interacting with different people, and seeing the country. Steven experienced driving while in the Marine Corps and knew it was something he wanted to pursue once his service was complete. He started driving professionally in 1992 and Billie in 2010 when they joined Con-way Truckload. “I always planned to drive with Steven when my daughter graduated from school,” Billie says. The couple resides in Vermilion, Ohio, with Billie’s daughter, Nicole.
Contractor Team of the Month: Kathryn Wheeler and James Fisher
Kathryn Wheeler and James Fisher strive to be safe on the road, even if that means shutting down and pulling over during inclement weather. “Life is more important,” they add. Kathryn and James, who joined Con-way Truckload in 2008, reside in Coshocton, Ohio. When they are not on the road they enjoy spending time with their five children and 10 grandchildren.
Regional Driver of the Month: Randy Simon
Randy Simon was an insurance adjuster for 21 years before joining Con-way Truckload in 2007. Having driven all over for much of his career, the move to professional driving was an easy decision. Simon has been driving professionally since 1987 and loves the adventure it brings. When back home in Jackson, Mich., he spends his time playing golf.
The following 12 drivers achieved the significant career milestone of one million miles driven during the month of January:
Toby Bogard of Crossville, Tenn.; James Dials of Battletown, Ky.; David Garver of Everton, Mo.; Alonzo Hazel of Arden, N.C.; Jan Jameson of St. Peter, Ill.; David Linz of Goshen, Ohio; Sheryl Nelson of Tulsa, Okla.; William Yamasaki and Ricardo Trevino of El Paso, Texas; Lawrence Tillman of Harker Heights, Texas; Kenneth Wigington of Durant, Okla.; and Jimmy Williams of Salisbury, N.C.
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About Con-way Truckload
Joplin, Mo.-based Con-way Truckload is an operating company of Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) and a leading provider of expedited, time-definite full-truckload transportation services across North America. Formerly Contract Freighters, Inc. (CFI), Con-way Truckload today employs over 3,000 drivers with a fleet of more than 2,700 tractors and 8,000 trailers operating throughout the United States as well as internationally in Mexico and Canada. The company provides full-truckload transportation serving the transcontinental shipping needs of commercial and industrial businesses as well as sister company Con-way Freight. For more about Con-way Truckload, visit us on the Web at www.con-way.com/truckload or call (800) 641-4747.
Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) is a $5.3 billion diversified freight transportation and global logistics company.
