SIDNEY — Continental Express Inc. honored its employees during its annual safety meeting on Saturday, Septe. 22, 2018. Addressing the drivers were speakers Jim Orr, Scottsdale Insurance, and Andrew Diesel, Marsh & McLennan Insurance, who both spoke about safe speeds; Mike Blackburn, with the Public Utilities Commission, who spoke on current trends and hot topics; and Jeff Francis of Phelan Insurance, who provided a semi-truck driving simulator for the benefit of their fleet safety program.
The highlight of the meeting was the recognition of three current drivers and six drivers who recently retired.
Kevin Hatton, of Troy, Ohio; Daniel Kleman, of Delphos, Ohio; and David “Ray” Lawrence of Fisher, Arkansas; all achieved 1 million consecutive, safe and accident free miles. All three drivers achieved a monumental and significant safety milestone. Each driver was presented with a trip to Las Vegas or the Bahamas, a generous cash gift and a plaque for his truck.
Drivers who recently retired were all given a plaque to commemorate their years of service. Honored were Fred Sextro, of Minster, Ohio, 32 years; the late Frank Macias, of Huber Heights, Ohio, 27 years; Ronald Brewer, of Versailles, Ohio, 25 years; Lionel Washington, of West Alexandria, Ohio, 23 years; John Meinerding, of Fort Loramie, Ohio, 14 years; and Rick Covey, of Covington, Kentucky, 14 years.
In addition to the million mile awards, numerous employees were honored with their safety awards from 1 to 27 years of safe driving.
A new custom-wrapped truck was unveiled honoring the U.S. Armed Forces as well as the military veterans serving in its fleet as drivers. Both sides are adorned with the Stars and Stripes, the POW- MIA banner, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the insignia of all five branches of service.
At the end of the meeting, there was a meal and a raffle consisting of many gifts donated by Continental customers and vendors.
Continental Express, Inc. is a refrigerated freight carrier serving primarily the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest and has been in business for over 34 years. The corporate office is based in Sidney, Ohio and has 5 terminals located in Louisville, Kentucky; Danville, Virginia; Gaffney, South Carolina; Forth Worth, Texas; and Sidney Ohio. Continental operates with 400 trucks and over 900 trailers, and employs 550 people. They believe that safety, service, and communication are the keys to running an efficient and successful business.
