HOLLAND, Mich. — Professional driver Robert “RB” Wolford has logged his three-millionth consecutive mile without a single accident while driving for Holland.
The three-million-mile safety record is a remarkably rare industry accomplishment placing Wolford among an elite group of professional drivers, according to Tamara Jalving, YRC Wordwide vice president of safety.
To lend some perspective to this milestone, driving 3 million miles is equivalent to making six round trips to the moon, or circumnavigating the globe at the equator over 116 times — all without a single accident. Wolford is one of 34-active Holland drivers having reached this milestone.
“We are tremendously proud of “RB” and his safety achievement,” Jalving said. “His record represents decades of unwavering professionalism behind the wheel and a concentrated safety focus. His dedication to safety helps to make our highways safer and helps Holland deliver award-winning quality service to our customers. We congratulate ‘RB’ and thank him for his continued commitment to safety.”
Wolford grew up with trucking in his blood. He’s a third-generation truck driver, inspired by his grandfather, father and uncle. A member of the Holland Safety Committee and a driver mentor, he believes in sharing safety knowledge.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have good, safety-minded mentors in my career. I’m proud to be a driver mentor for Holland,” he said. “I’m a firm believer in giving back. No one knows how to do it right from the get-go. It’s important to do your part, be safety-minded and lead by example.”
Wolford has participated at the Michigan state truck driving championships eleven times (always placing in the top three).
He was chosen Rookie of the Year at his first Michigan truck driving championship in 2008. Wolford twice qualified for the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), the “Superbowl of Safety,” and competed for the first time in 2008 against the best of the best professional drivers in the United States in the Straight Truck class and again in 2017 in the flatbed class. Just to qualify for NTDC, drivers must earn first place in their class at their state competition and remain accident-free, regardless of fault, for one year prior.
The Michigan Trucking Association honored Wolford as its September 2019 Driver of the Month.
Holland celebrated Wolford’s three-million-mile safety achievement at the Detroit, Michigan, service center with an award ceremony where Wolford was presented with a commemorative 3-million-miler jacket, a plaque, tractor decals and a personalized 3-million-miler ring. Coworkers, his wife, aunt and 82-year old uncle “driver mentor” and additional family members traveled significant distances to attend the celebration.
Wolford received a surprise two car police escort with flashing lights and sirens as he neared the Detroit terminal in recognition of his safety milestone.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
