A United Parcel Service (UPS) driver in Atlanta retired after driving six million miles in a career that spanned 43 years with no record of an accident.
Jimmy Howard was 22 years when he started his career as a driver with UPS in 1975. He went from driving a delivery truck to a tractor-trailer and drove hundreds of miles every day.
His driving record is laudable, especially considering the Atlanta traffic, reported Fox5Atlanta.
Atlanta UPS driver retires after 43 years with no accidents https://t.co/ZunyUVLTVw pic.twitter.com/lESMrPQYBk
— David Cooper (@DCooper07) March 31, 2019
Howard, now 66, told Fox5 on the last day of his job that he never thought he would have such a long career with UPS and that it was a rewarding experience.
He started with driving for daily deliveries and then graduated to the company’s feeder routes. Towards the end of his career, he was driving nearly 525 miles per day from Atlanta to Mississippi.
Howard’s driving record remained accident-free even in his personal life. He considers it to be a “lot of luck” and said that there were other contributing factors.
Happy retirement Jimmy! ???? After four decades of his career with us and an amazing driving record, you will surely be missed. Howard has driven more than 6 million miles in his career and credits good luck and training for never being in a single accident. https://t.co/QwLrFxGpuz
— UPS (@UPS) April 1, 2019
“A lot of luck, but I think God’s been with me most of the way,” he said. “And great training from our management staff.”
Howard said he’ll miss his co-workers and others he met during the span of his career.
Rokeia Gravley of Fox5 Atlanta shared a tribute video clip for Howard on his Facebook page. He said, “The salute you get after 43 years of service and a perfect driving record at UPS!”
UPS driver retires after driving 43 years, over 6 million miles with no accidents https://t.co/NjiCv1xsoO pic.twitter.com/HeV3acmCRr
— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) April 1, 2019
Many people applauded Howard on Gravley’s post.
One user said, “Awwwwww that would’ve made me cry! Congrats.”
Another said, “Congratulations to him. He is blessed and I’m sure he’s got some great stories.”
Howard’s wife, Tammy Olivia Howard shared her feelings about his retirement day on her Facebook.
“I know it is a bittersweet time as you drive your last run and last few miles of the 6 million you have driven in your 43+ years with UPS. I know they are going to miss you,” she said.
Tammy said there’ll never be another driver like her husband. “Time to celebrate the next stage of your life. You have earned it!!! I love you with all my heart,” she said.
I am so very proud of you Chris Howard!! I know it is a bitter sweet time as you drive your last run and last few miles…
Family and friends sent their blessings to Howard on Tammy’s wall.
“This is awesome! To be the only one ever do have done what you’ve done Chris !!! That’s really something! Congratulations!!” one person said.
From The Epoch Times
