2009
J.B. RossDSR, XIN
While he started out as a welder, J.B. Ross found himself drawn to a career as a professional driver after working for his brother-in-law’s moving company. That eventually led to a job at Con-way Freight.
“I like working at Con-way Freight because it’s a good, stable company, and they’ve always been good to me,” said J.B.
When asked what he likes most about driving, after more than 20 years behind the wheel, he answered, “I just like being outside, and it’s something different every day. You may be running the same route, but there’s always something new so it never gets boring.”
One of the biggest challenges J.B. faces on the road is distracted motorists.
“Nowadays people are always on their cell phones or computers,” said J.B. “I see several people a day with laptops on the steering wheel instead of paying attention to what they’re doing. I once even saw a guy driving with his knees, with a sandwich in one hand and a cell phone in the other.”
J.B. says staying alert at all times is what has kept him accident-free for 21 years.
“I always try to stay aware of everything around me, and constantly check my mirrors,” said J.B. “You’ve got to really pay attention to what you — and the other drivers — are doing at all times.”
Asked what tips he would share with motorists to help them be safer, he answered, “Always turn your lights on in bad weather, and pay attention to what’s ahead of you as far as you can see.”
While he is proud of reaching the milestone of two million miles, it is not something J.B. had set as a goal for himself.
“I feel good about it, but I’d never really thought about it before, it’s just part of the job,” he answered.
J.B. is a resident of Martinsville, Ind., and has two children, Thomas and Sonja, and six grandchildren: Jacinda, Nicole, Blake, Harley, Chris and Destiney. He was previously honored by the Indiana Motor Truck Association with a Master Truck Driver Award.
