Con-way Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of
Con-way Inc. today held a special recognition event to honor Independent Contractor, Jon Smith, for surpassing 4 million miles of professional driving for the company.
Similar to small business owners, independent contractors own or lease their trucking equipment and work as their own bosses. Con-way Truckload partners with solo and team independent contractors around the country, providing benefits, educational resources, equipment maintenance support and other specific services and programs. Currently, there are 245 independent contractors within the company’s full fleet of professional drivers.
Smith began as a company driver with Con-way Truckload in 1984 and transitioned to an independent contractor in 1996. “I wanted the freedom of owning my own business,” said Smith. “As an independent contractor, your success is totally on you, which, over the past 4 million miles, gave me a real sense of accomplishment. Con-way Truckload has been a good partner for me over the past 30 years, but I own my success and I’m proud of it.”
“Jon’s accomplishment speaks volumes to his dependability and loyalty as a professional driver,” stated Saul Gonzalez, president of Con-way Truckload. “This is an astonishing milestone that sets a standard for other drivers to aspire to. We are proud of, and thankful for, his commitment.”
When asked if he had any words of advice, gleaned from 4 million miles of experience, Smith noted: “Stay ahead of your truck care and maintenance, and keep current on trucking industry and economic news so that you can plan your work in advance and stay flexible.”
To put Smith’s feat in perspective, it would take a person driving 24 hours a day at an average speed of 65 miles per hour, 2,640 days to reach 4 million miles. Smith has averaged more than 133,000 driving miles per year for the past 30 years.
Jon, better known by his handle, “Smitty,” lives in Joplin with his wife, Tina. They have four children and 10 grandchildren. When he’s not on the road, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.
