National truck driver appreciation week

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week kicked off. Truck driving companies are taking the time to recognize their drivers. On Delmarva, Perdue Farms is honoring the drivers who kept a solid safe driving record during their career at the company. One truck driver in particular, Gary Cornelius, has reached over two million miles of safe driving. This means that Gary has been accident free in the 30 years he has been driving for Perdue.

Perdue truck driver, Gary Cornelius says, “I like driving, it’s a good job, I like it.”

Tim O’Hea the Perdue Transporation Service Manager says, “our drivers are the unsung heroes of the road you wouldn’t have all the stuff in your house all the products the food if it wasn’t the drivers delivering to the warehouses.”

Perdue drivers drive anywhere from 350 to 500 miles per 11 our shift. They make deliveries from the Eastern Shore to as far as the Midwest. Perdue officials say that there are a lot of factors that go into keeping an accident free record. Before the truck leaves on it’s delivery the driver makes sure to do a ten point safety check where he inspects lights, brakes, and checks for the tires as well.

Officials say it’s steps like those that help with the truck maintenance, but also prevents future accidents.

Gary will be receiving a two million mile jacket, a plaque, and an award dinner for reaching this milestone.