2010
Marshall FulbrightDSR, NCH
Driver Sales Representative Marshall Fulbright says driving a truck for a living was something he wanted to do since he was a young boy. When he turned 21 he finally got his chance when a good friend offered to teach him the rules of the road — more than 30 years ago. Today, Marshall is based out of Con-way Freight’s Charlotte, N.C., service center, and has been there since the day it opened.
“My first day was actually March 22, 1987, although the company didn’t officially open for business in Charlotte until April 1,” said Marshall. “At the time everyone joked around and said it was an April Fool’s Day joke. But we’re still here, 23 years later.”
In his career, Marshall has tried his hand at everything from over-the-road to pickup and delivery. He currently drives a linehaul route to Richmond Hills, Ga., and says the view from his “office window” can’t be beat.
“I love the fact that I am always on the move,” said Marshall. “I get to look at different views all day and see flowers, trees and all the beauty of nature. I like that I’m not stuck in the same spot all day. And, I have to say, I still really enjoy my job.”
Marshall says that constantly checking his mirrors and paying attention to traffic both in his vicinity and in the distance helps him stay aware of his surroundings and allows him to quickly react to any situation. Staying positive and having a good attitude helps too, he says.
“There’s definitely a problem with people driving when they’re angry or upset,” said Marshall. “The roads would be a lot safer if people weren’t so preoccupied when they get behind the wheel. I used to fly a private plane and I was taught that when you’re in the air, the only thing you should be focusing on is flying that plane safely, not your problems at home or at work. I think it should be the same thing when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle.”
When asked about what reaching two million miles of accident-free driving means to him, Marshall says he is proud and thankful to have achieved such a milestone.
“My supervisor had mentioned to me a year or so ago that I was only 130,000 miles away from reaching two million miles, so it was something in the back of my mind,” said Marshall. “However, it was never something I was specifically trying to reach. I just come to work every day and try to be as safe as I can be for myself, my family and everybody else on the highway. With that said, awards are nice, and it’s great to know that the company appreciates it.”
A resident of Taylorsville, N.C., Marshall is based out of Con-way Freight’s Charlotte, N.C., service center. He has been married for 29 years to his wife, Julie, and has one daughter: Erin, 20.
