54 Elite Local Drivers Added to UPS "Circle of Honor"

UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced 54 elite drivers from Texas are among 692 nationwide newly inducted into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.

Texas boasts 291 active Circle of Honor drivers with a combined 8,108 years of accident-free driving. Deatrice Underwood of Dale and Clarence Kronenberger of Spring are Texas’ senior safe drivers, with 36 years each of accident-free driving.

Nationwide, 4,582 active UPS drivers are members of the Circle of Honor. Collectively they’ve racked up 129,632 years and more than 5 billion safe miles during their careers, or the equivalent of 10,000 trips to the moon and back.

"UPS puts a premium on safe driving methods and training and these drivers reflect that commitment,” said Carolyn Walsh, president, UPS West Region. I’m very proud of these drivers. To go at least a quarter of a century without an accident is a testament to how seriously our drivers, and trainers, take safety.”

Nationally, the most seasoned UPS Circle of Honor driver is Ron Sowder of UPS’s Kentucky District, with 46 years of driving without an accident. Thomas Camp of the Michigan District is next in line with 45 years of safe driving. Eight others have logged at least 40 years without an accident.

UPS’s 112,450 drivers are among the safest on the roads, logging more than 2.5 billion miles a year and averaging less than one accident for every million miles driven. There are 5,510 total UPS drivers in Texas.

UPS has invested approximately $53 million in 2008 on safety training and employs its own comprehensive driving course called "Space and Visibility.” New UPS tractor-trailer drivers receive 80 hours of classroom and on-the-road training, and UPS delivery truck drivers receive 20 hours of classroom and on-the-road defensive driving training before operating equipment. Delivery drivers also are required to complete three safety ride evaluations during their first 22 days on the job.

Founded in 1907, UPS has a rich history of safety and training. The company issued its first driver handbook in 1917 and began recognizing safe drivers in 1923. In 1928, UPS recognized its first five-year safe driver, Ray McCue, with UPS founder Jim Casey presenting him a Gold and platinum watch. UPS formally established the Circle of Honor in 1955.

More information on UPS’s commitment to safety is available at www.pressroom.ups/safety.

Following is a list of drivers in Texas inducted this year into the Circle of Honor with 25 years of safe driving.

UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.