“Safety is part of the delivery!”

Ken and Donna Wheeler, Professional Truck Drivers, Old Dominion Freight Line

You could say Ken and Donna Wheeler are a dynamic driving duo!

Donna Wheeler left her job of 17 years, the last seven serving as operations manager, to drive a truck. Her husband, Ken was already driving a truck and loved his job. In fact, Ken has been driving for 24 years and has 2.7 million accident-free miles under his belt. Now, as part of Old Dominion Freight Line and the Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA), the married couple mentors and teaches the basics of truck driving safety to the motoring public around the state of Tennessee.

After nearly a decade in trucking, Donna says she has come to love the freedom of the highway, the great salary and benefits. Donna is proud to have more than 1.3 million miles accident free “by the grace of God,” she adds. She was selected along with eight others, including Ken, to be ambassadors of the industry. Donna and Ken have the distinct designation to serve as the first TTA Road Team Captain husband and wife team! Because they love the work and have succeeded in it, what was supposed to be two years in this role, has turned into five, and counting.

After serving in the military, Ken says he loves the independence of his trucking career.

As part of their route delivering general freight from Tennessee to Connecticut, Ken compliments Donna noting that, “I know she is a safe driver, and I can rest.”

The driving twosome as members of the Tennessee Trucking Association, were selected by their company to give safety lectures and demonstrations throughout the state. They bring their truck and demonstrate many aspects of safe driving to a variety of groups from kindergarten classes, civic groups, church groups, and senior citizens discussing topics, including blind zones, stopping distance and driving while under the influence. “Cell phones are worse than drugs,” Ken notes. “You can see the light on in the cars at night, which is the driver on a cell phone.”

Donna and Ken credit their company, Old Dominion as a great place to work. It offers great pay, benefits, flexibility, and is family oriented. The equipment is top notch, and they are offered a new truck every two years.

When asked about their favorite roads or attractions, Donna comments that “there’s nothing like coming back home after being on road for three weeks to my favorite state of Tennessee. Also, Utah is one of nicest places and is really pretty. Anywhere that is warm is great!”

As far as diversity in the industry, Ken says, “We need drivers, period. There are many women that have surpassed me in both years and driving experience. The opportunity for truck driving is readily available for anyone interested. After all, safety is part of the delivery!”

To learn more about Donna and Ken’s safety sessions, click the video below.