New Orleans Driver Achieves 2 Million Miles Award

Walter Riley takes things one mile at a time

It's been said that when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony, you're on the road to happiness. Walter Riley is that kind of consistent person. He uses the same safety philosophy at work that he does at home. "I don't take chances, I focus. I take the habits I learned at work and use them at home," said Walter (pictured). Last fall, the New Orleans driver achieved his two Million Miles safe driving award after 30 years of commercial trucking. "Walter is part of a driving group that's set the bar at the New Orleans terminal," explained Jeff Gamber, terminal manager. "He keeps an even keel and never steers away from his time-proven methods of safety inside and outside the truck. He's also driver mentor to the new hires and is always willing to help."

Walter is always looking ahead and taking in his surroundings to get the big picture -- whether he's at work on the road, or spending time hunting at his family's camp. On the road, the most common kind of unsafe behavior he sees is people speeding, in a hurry and agrees that cell phone usage has gotten out of hand. Walter likes to concentrate. "I don't even listen to music while driving." 

According to Gamber, the New Orleans terminal has significantly reduced its Key Performance Indicator (KPI) monthly count, which is a good thing, and it's largely due to the driver's safety efforts. And it's starting to show in the "scorecard." In addition to Walter's two Milllion Miles, the terminal recently celebrated three Million Miles safe driving as well as three other drivers reaching One Million Miles individual awards.

The New Orleans terminal delivers liquid hydrogen throughout the United States and Mexico. The product is used in the petroleum chemical industry as well as forklift fueling, glass manufacturing and electronics.  

Roland,Rachel H.