2010
Gary BakerDSR, UBF
Con-way Freight Driver Sales Representative, Gary Baker, began driving trucks while in high school at a farm that harvested produce. When he turned 18, he obtained his CDL and was offered a full-time driving position at the farm. He has enjoyed the freedom of his professional driving career for the past 32 years.
“What I like most about driving is that in a way you are your own boss,” Gary said. “You have to learn how to make your own judgment calls and the best decisions based on your schedule for the day.”
Gary says that the biggest challenge in maintaining a safe driving record is learning to be patient. When a driver is in a hurry, or aggravated by the surrounding traffic, the likelihood of causing or becoming involved in an accident increases substantially.
Some advice that Gary offers motorists for staying safe on the road is to never assume that you know what other drivers are going to do; always stay alert and keep your eyes moving.
When asked how he has successfully achieved two million accident-free miles, Gary responds, “I would say that what has kept me safe is never taking shortcuts in preparation for a run. I always do a complete pre-trip inspection of my equipment and give myself plenty of time to get where I need to be.”
A resident of Bakersfield, Calif., Gary is based out of Con-way Freight’s Bakersfield service center. He has been married for 31 years to his wife, Tracy, and has three children: Kristen, Ashley and Matthew. In his spare time, Gary enjoys hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles and horses.
