A United Parcel Service (UPS) driver in Atlanta retired after driving six million miles in a career that spanned 43 years with no record of an accident.
Jimmy Howard was 22 years when he started his career as a driver with UPS in 1975. He went from driving a delivery truck to a tractor-trailer and drove hundreds of miles every day.
Howard, now 66, told Fox5 on the last day of his job that he never thought he would have such a long career with UPS and that it was a rewarding experience.
He started with driving for daily deliveries and then graduated to the company’s feeder routes. Towards the end of his career, he was driving nearly 525 miles per day from Atlanta to Mississippi.
Howard’s driving record remained accident-free even in his personal life. He considers it to be a “lot of luck” and said that there were other contributing factors.
“A lot of luck, but I think God’s been with me most of the way,” he said. “And great training from our management staff.”
Rokeia Gravley of Fox5 Atlanta shared a tribute video clip for Howard on his Facebook page. He said, “The salute you get after 43 years of service and a perfect driving record at UPS!”
Many people applauded Howard on Gravley’s post.
Howard’s wife, Tammy Olivia Howard shared her feelings about his retirement day on her Facebook.
“I know it is a bittersweet time as you drive your last run and last few miles of the 6 million you have driven in your 43+ years with UPS. I know they are going to miss you,” she said.
Tammy said there'll never be another driver like her husband. “Time to celebrate the next stage of your life. You have earned it!!! I love you with all my heart,” she said.
Family and friends sent their blessings to Howard on Tammy’s wall.
