2011
Howard KurigerDSR, NKX
Since he was a child, Con-way Freight Driver Sales Representative Howard Kuriger loved trucks and pursued his lifelong passion as an adult when he became a Marine and was trained to drive professionally. After military life, Howard knew that he had found the right career and joined the trucking industry.
“I love the experience of going from one place to another,” Howard said. “When I was a kid, I always liked being around big machines and trucks. I told my dad, a preacher at the time, that I wanted to be a trucker when I grew up. I kept my dream and did it.”
During his 30 years of driving, Howard developed three rules that helped him achieve two million accident-free miles. His safe driving is a result of keeping a consistent routine, always taking his time and doing each job to the best of his ability.
“A safe following distance is the biggest thing if you want to keep a safe record, so it’s important not to be in a hurry when you are driving,” Howard adds. “When I get stuck in a crowd of aggressive drivers on the highway, sometimes I will get off of the ramp for a few minutes just to remove myself from a stressful, potentially dangerous, situation.”
When asked what motorists can do to stay safe, Howard responds, “In the rain, drivers need to turn on their headlights, otherwise they can be very difficult to see.” He continues, “When driving a large truck, there are positions where we can’t always see other vehicles on the road. Drivers need to know that just because they can see us, doesn’t mean that we can see them.”
Howard is grateful to have stayed accident-free for two million miles. He attributes much of his determination, perseverance and success to his parents.
“My parents taught me the importance of ‘sticktoitiveness,’ that even when things get tough, you have to stick with it and not give up. I owe them in part for this award,” Howard said. “This award is like winning the Super Bowl; it means that I have done a great job. I followed my dream and not everyone can say that.”
A resident of Seymour, Tenn., Howard is based out of Con-way Freight’s Knoxville, Tenn., service center. He has nine children and eight grandchildren. In his spare time, Howard enjoys riding his motorcycle.
