2009
John Ressler DSR, XPB
Working as a professional truck driver was something DSR John Ressler always knew he wanted to pursue. His father was a driver, and John knew it was a job he could work hard at and make a good living to take care of his family.
He began driving 30 years ago, and joined the Con-way Freight family in 1987. John is based out of the Pittsburgh service center, located in North Huntingdon, Pa., and drives linehaul to Columbus, Ohio. He has been accident-free for the entire 22 years — a pretty impressive accomplishment.
John says the biggest challenge he faces maintaining a safe driving record is staying alert. He credits his achievement with being persistent. Asked what he thinks other motorists should be doing to keep everyone safe, John said, “Give trucks some room, be sure to allow room for error when driving and, most importantly of all, put down your cell phones!”
What’s the strangest thing he has seen in all of his years of driving? “A woman trying to put on a pair of pants while driving, instead of stopping on the side of the road. I don’t know what she was thinking!” he said.
Previous to reaching two million miles of accident-free driving on Jan. 24, 2009, John received safety awards commemorating reaching five, 10, 15 and 20 years of safe driving. And, of course, he also received an award for reaching his first million miles.
John lives in Irwin, Pa., with his wife of 29 years, Teresa. They have three children: Anna, 29; Kelly, 18; and Jonathan, 15. He is also the proud grandfather to two grandsons, ages 11 and 2. In his free time he enjoys riding ATV quads.
Reflecting on his most recent achievement, John said, “After years of good attendance and honest, hard work, it is a nice reward to receive in front of my coworkers.”
