2009
Rudy De La CruzDSR, ULA
While many Con-way Freight drivers tried out other job options prior to deciding to pursue a professional driving career, DSR Rudy De La Cruz’s former career definitely sets him apart — Rudy used to box professionally.
After nine years of boxing and the birth of his first child, Rudy decided to pursue a career a little more suited to life as a family man. He started out working on the dock at a company where one of his brothers worked before transitioning to driving, which he has now done for 28 years.
When asked what he likes best about driving, Rudy replied, “Driving really gives me a lot of time to think, to have fun with the beauty of life and to listen to some good music. It’s pretty peaceful and tranquil inside the truck, which I like.”
He credits his accident-free driving record to always being aware of his surroundings.
“You need to pay attention to other vehicles and be able to anticipate what is going to happen in front of you in the next two to three seconds so you can react,” he said. “Motorists have so many distractions today, primarily electronic, so you can’t predict what someone is going to do, which is why you always need to be aware.”
Asked how he gets ready to get behind the wheel, Rudy answered, “I prepare for the whole day — or in my case night, since that’s when I drive — and for the entire trip. I study the weather patterns so I know what to expect and focus on the big picture, so I can see what’s in front of me. That’s what works for me.”
A resident of La Puente, Calif., Rudy is based out of Con-way Freight’s Los Angeles service center. He has been married for 33 years to his wife, Beatrice, and has two children: Victoria, 33; and Rudy Jr., 31; and three grandchildren: Jazlyn, 13; Adriana, 8; and Michael, 7. His hobbies include hunting, camping, boating and fishing.
