Illinois Teamster Honored for Important Accomplishment, Commitment to Safety

In an era where distracted driving constantly threatens safety on the roads, it is always an important accomplishment when our Teamster brothers and sisters reach a milestone for safe driving. Roy Lincoln, a 47-year road driver out of YRC Freight in Chicago Heights, Ill. has gone above and beyond in his own safe driving accomplishment: 5-million accident-free miles driven.

To put that number into perspective, that’s like driving to the moon and back more than ten times. Lincoln is only the third driver in the entire YRC organization to reach this milestone.

“Roy is a fantastic role model to all of our 710 drivers, particularly the new drivers just starting out. He definitely knows the ropes and is always happy to help drivers on the path to success. His dedication to safety is truly an inspiration, and I am proud to call him my brother.”  -Mike Cales, Secretary-Treasurer Elect of Local 710

“Roy is a fantastic role model to all of our 710 drivers, particularly the new drivers just starting out,” said Mike Cales, Secretary-Treasurer Elect of Local 710. “He definitely knows the ropes and is always happy to help drivers on the path to success. His dedication to safety is truly an inspiration, and I am proud to call him my brother.”

Lincoln was honored at a ceremony yesterday at the terminal surrounded by fellow Teamsters and supporters. Leaders from YRC spoke to Roy’s achievement, along with IBT Central Region Freight Coordinator Michael Hienton, who presented a letter and signed tractor-trailer model from General President James P. Hoffa.

“I know your job is demanding, and more importantly, I know that without truckers, America stops,” wrote Hoffa. “Your accomplishment is particularly impressive given how few have matched this driving milestone. This excellence demonstrates your commitment to your craft.”

In honor of reaching this milestone, one car seat was donated to the Illinois State Police Department for every 100,000 miles Lincoln has driven – That means 50 families in the state will receive a car seat on his behalf.

Lincoln is joined by three more drivers at the Chicago Heights barn who have reached 4-million accident-free miles: Jim Banner, Stanley Collins, and Rich Allee, who is a close friend of Lincoln’s. There are only 28 drivers throughout the YRC organization that have reached the 4-million milestone.

Lincoln credits his inspiration to his father, who was a 4-million mile safe driver himself. When asked how many more years he plans on driving, Lincoln smiled and said, “Until I can’t pass the physical.”

Teamsters Local 710 serves members across the entire Midwest and is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and Northwest Indiana.