2011
Grant HigginbottomDSR, NTH
For driver sales representative Grant Higginbottom, it took a few years of trial and error before he discovered that an occupation as a professional driver was his career calling. After he made the switch, however, there was no doubt that he had found a job he could enjoy for the long-haul.
Grant initially went to a technical school to be trained as a pipe welder and did that job for a while, eventually moving into factory work. But after three or four years of working in a factory, he realized that it just wasn't the right fit for him. The road, he said, seemed to be calling.
"I started out as a shipping department freight loader, but knew that I really wanted to be driving," Grant said. "I worked toward that goal, and here I am 23 years later driving and loving my job."
Asked what has helped him maintain a safe driving record for two million miles, Grant answers, “Constantly being aware of my surroundings and not taking risks while on the road. Everything can change in an instant — you can never put your mind on cruise control.”
While he believes he and his fellow drivers focus on safety first, he notes that others on the road may not have that same mindset and can make the trucker's job more challenging. Motorists, he says, could help make the roads safer for everyone if they would slow down and show each other more respect.
"People seem to be in such a hurry these days that they are putting themselves and others at risk as they rush from place to place, but the reality is they are only going to shave a few minutes off of their total travel time," he said. "Whenever a driver has any uncertainty regarding the conditions around them, they should slow down and stay alert. That's even more critical when it's raining, where there's construction or in heavy traffic where drivers are constantly braking."
Grant is very proud of his achievement and is happy to feel appreciated for his part in keeping the roads safe for all travelers.
"I think that anyone who chooses safety over taking chances behind the wheel has the potential to reach these miles," he remarked. "I am extremely careful because there is too much in life to enjoy that could be ruined by being reckless. It makes you feel good to know that hard work is rewarded; I think it makes you a better employee."
A resident of Tallahassee, Fla., Grant is based out of Con-way Freight's Tallahassee service center. He has been married for five years to his wife, Ana, and enjoys scuba diving, kayaking and gardening in his spare time.
