2011
Terry CressDSR, NCH
The desire to drive trucks professionally came at an early age for Driver Sales Representative Terry Cress. He began his career in the trucking industry working on freight docks after graduating high school. In 1988, Terry was hired by Con-way Freight, where he was able to earn his commercial driver’s license and get behind the wheel. Twenty-two years later, Terry still enjoys the time he spends driving his truck.
“I have always loved the freedom of being out on the road,” Terry said. “Driving a big truck is something that I wanted to do even when I was a kid. I guess I was lucky that the opportunity came about at the right time and I’m even luckier that I still enjoy what I do today.”
Terry says the biggest thing that has helped him maintain an accident-free driving record has been staying well rested and alert. This includes getting enough sleep prior to his shift, frequently checking his mirrors, staying below the speed limit and being prepared to react appropriately to aggressive and inattentive drivers.
“You have to expect the unexpected,” Terry explained regarding his attitude toward other motorists. “On the highway it’s really important to watch out for the drivers who wait until the last second to pass you and then cut you off in order to make their exit ramp. People don’t understand how dangerous this can be because it takes trucks a lot longer to slow down than cars.”
Terry also believes that he has stayed safe for so many miles by remaining calm and in control of his truck no matter how quickly the driving circumstances change around him. “If you end up in an unsafe situation, you can’t panic and jam on your breaks. You have to make sure that you have control of your vehicle and then react in a way that will avoid making the situation worse,” he said.
Terry warns other motorists not to tailgate behind trucks, especially during the day when the drivers cannot see a car’s headlights and may not know that someone is close behind them. This can be hazardous if the truck has to slow down or stop suddenly when reacting to other drivers in front of them.
Terry was very proud that he was able to attain such a remarkable achievement. “It feels good because reaching two million miles has been a goal of mine for quite some time,” he said. “My hope is to reach four million by the time I retire.”
A resident of Concord, N.C., Terry is based out of Con-way Freight’s Charlotte, N.C., service center. He has two children: Ashley, 26; and Jessica, 24. His hobbies include riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, hunting, and fishing.
