2009
Tim LeeDSR, NBM
DSR Tim Lee started out working on oil rigs, but in the back of his mind he knew that working as a professional truck driver was something he eventually wanted to pursue. When the oil industry began to slow down in the 1980s, Tim, who had been driving part-time, decided to switch to a full-time career as a driver.
Tim began working for Con-way Freight in 1989 and has now driven professionally for almost three decades. He is based out of the Birmingham, Ala., service center, and typically drives 580 miles a night on his linehaul route to Knoxville, Tenn.
When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Tim said, “Just being on the open road, getting out and meeting new people. I like that I am working partly outside and that I am not cooped up inside all day.”
Tim says that the biggest problems he sees on the road are motorists who are distracted and impatient.
“You see people doing things like driving while eating and talking on a cell phone,” said Tim. “They just need to pay attention to driving. Also, a lot of people are in such a hurry that they go way too fast. I think one of the biggest causes of accidents is people who get frustrated because they are in a hurry and then drive too fast.”
Tim lives in Odenville, Ala., with his wife, Karen, and two children: Kristopher, 11, and Octavia, 6. He enjoys yard work and fishing in his spare time.
He is modest when asked about his impressive achievement.
“It does take some work to get to two million miles,” said Tim. “But really I just focus on going to work, trying to be safe and coming home to my family.”
