2010
Oscar RamosDSR, LHG
Since he was a small boy with a neighbor who was a professional driver, it was always Con-way Freight DSR Oscar Ramos’ dream to drive a big truck. He credits his late father-in-law, Jose Ortiz, with giving him the opportunity that he had always hoped for. As a professional driver himself, Jose not only taught Oscar how to drive, but also the importance of always presenting himself as a professional while on the job.
“I actually started driving a passenger car six months after I got my CDL,” Oscar said. “Not long after my first time getting behind the wheel of a truck, I was driving my first load from Texas to Florida — my truck has been my office ever since.”
It has always been very important to Oscar to be a safe driver. He believes that the two most important things a driver can do to stay safe behind the wheel are to get enough rest and always be aware of what other drivers are doing. Being unable to control other motorists, drivers need to be extra aware of their own actions.
“People are always on their phone or using navigation systems and, when distracted, they have a tendency to drift into other lanes,” Oscar said. “You get used to your route when you drive the same one over and over, but you have to make sure that you are always staying just as alert as if you were driving it for the first time.”
Oscar attributes his exemplary driving record in part to his participation in professional truck driving competitions. Motivated to join by fellow DSR, Juan Rodriguez, Oscar keeps a safe driving record so that he will be able to participate each year.
“If you are safe and careful when you drive, you are rewarded with the opportunity to go to truck driving competitions,” Oscar said. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn so much from the people that I have met there. When I started driving I was given the CB handle, “Rookie,” I have kept it even after being a professional driver for 35 years because I still learn something new every day.”
Finally he adds, “If I can reach two million miles, anyone can. You just have to be very careful when driving. Having 20 years and two million miles of safe driving for one company means a lot to the company and a lot to me and I am thankful that I have been able to do it.”
A resident of Harlingen, Texas, Oscar is based out of Con-way Freight’s Harlingen service center. He has been married for 35 years to his wife, Rose Marie, and has three children: Mary Belle, Iric and Oscar Jr.; and one granddaughter: Angelina. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing.
