2010
Mark TomondiDSR, XCN
Con-way Freight DSR Mark Tomondi began his career in retail management before transitioning into a job as a delivery driver for a major soft drink corporation. He next tried over-the-road driving but ultimately came to work for Con-way Freight.
“My favorite thing about driving for Con-way Freight is that I’m back at my terminal daily,” said Mark. “I like that I get to go home every day, no matter if my route is linehaul or pickup and delivery.”
Mark says what he enjoys the most about his career as a professional driver is the quiet solitude that comes along with the job. He credits proper preparation and defensive driving for his reaching two million accident-free miles.
“I find that no matter where you are, be it city streets or highways, you have to be very aware of what’s around you,” said Mark. “I like to think I’ve developed a sixth sense over the years, kind of a situational awareness, so I always know what’s going on around me. I can tell when someone is getting ready to make a move, especially when I’m approaching an exit. At this point, I can almost predict what other drivers are going to do.”
Mark has a set routine he follows every night to help him relax and prepare for his run, which includes a thorough inspection of his equipment. He has also instilled a commitment to safe driving in the next generation.
“I taught my kids how to drive, and one of the biggest things I told them was to constantly check their mirrors,” said Mark. “I also told them they need to minimize distractions and really focus on what they’re doing.”
While achieving the milestone of two million miles is a goal Mark has been working toward, he is still a little shocked with how much attention he has received since reaching his two-millionth-mile.
“I didn’t realize that not many people have done it, and I didn’t know there would be all this hubbub,” said Mark. “But I guess it’s tough to do, especially when you realize that even something as minor as a scratch or a broken mirror would cause you to have to start all over again at zero. To have driven two million miles without anything happening is remarkable.”
A resident of Cincinnati, Mark is based out of Con-way Freight’s Cincinnati service center. He has been married for 16 years to his wife, Lesley, and has four children: Sara, Lindsey, Sam and Christina; and five grandchildren: Christian, Camden, Michael, Ryder and Madelyn. His hobbies include golfing and riding motorcycles.
