2009
Steven Ruesken DSR, XSW
DSR Steven Ruesken got his start in the trucking industry as a loader back in 1978.
“Part of my job was to drive semis and load them with bulk flour, and that’s what got me into driving,” said Steven. “Back in 1987, I had a good friend tell me Con-way Freight was opening a terminal, so I applied and was the fourth driver they hired in Effingham.”
Steven says the key to reaching a milestone such as two million miles of accident-free driving is to be alert and prepared to drive both offensively and defensively at all times.
When asked what he thinks motorists can do to help prevent accidents, he replied, “They should pay attention when a truck driver is using their turn signals. That’s the truck driver’s biggest problems; people do not respect our signals.”
During his free time, Steven still spends a lot of time driving — practicing for the Illinois State Truck Driving Championships.
“I have a good friend named Wayne Coverdale from the Con-way Freight Fort Wayne service center that talked me into competing in the truck driving championships, and now that I’m in it, I can’t get out of it,” joked Steven. “I like them because you get to meet so many new people, and see people you’ve met at past competitions. It’s like a family get together — you relax, tell jokes, get to know each other, and we really keep in touch.”
Steven is based out of Con-way Freight’s Salem, Ill., service center and is a resident of Effingham, Ill. His route takes him from Salem to Springfield, Mo. He and his wife, Rita, have two children: Kollin, 12; and Kory, deceased. Outside of work, Steven enjoys raising farm animals.
