2011
Hugh MacDonaldDSR, XOI
Driver sales representative Hugh MacDonald credits his father-in-law with launching his career as a professional driver while in his early twenties. Now, even after 34 years in the trucking industry, Hugh still enjoys being behind the wheel.
“My wife’s father had a job in the transportation industry while we were dating, he helped me get a job driving and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since,” said Hugh. “I really enjoy driving, that’s why I’ve stuck with it. I have the freedom of being my own boss while on the road and I’m lucky not to be stuck inside an office all day.”
Hugh says the biggest challenge that he is faced with while on the road is handling the often quickly-changing weather conditions on his Canadian route in the greater-Ottawa area. This is especially true during the winter months when road conditions can deteriorate unexpectedly due to snow and ice.
“Staying safe is all about taking your time and driving appropriately for the current weather,” he said. “The more prepared you are for the road conditions before leaving for your run, the better you are able to react when something unexpected happens.”
One thing that Hugh wishes he could stress to other motorists is that it takes trucks considerably longer to slow down and stop than passenger vehicles. “People don’t seem to understand that they’re putting themselves in danger when they quickly merge in front of trucks so they won’t be stuck behind them,” he adds.
While reaching two million miles was never a specific goal for Hugh, he is certainly proud of the accomplishment. “It feels great to have been able to reach this milestone and to be recognized for a job well done,” he said.
A resident of Almonte, Ontario, Hugh is based out of Con-way Freight’s Scarborough, Ontario service center. He has been married for 37 years to his wife, Susan, and the couple has two children.
