UPS Honors Oklahoma Drivers for 25 Years of Safe Driving

OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced 17 elite drivers from Oklahoma are among 1,445 newly inducted worldwide into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.

Oklahoma boasts 117 active Circle of Honor drivers with a combined 3,320 years of accident-free driving. Charles Byrd of Enid, William Johnston of Davis and Wayne Sheppard of Altus are the state's senior safe drivers, each with 38 years of accident-free driving under their belts. There are 1,004 total UPS drivers in Oklahoma.

Globally, 7,878 active UPS drivers are members of the Circle of Honor. Collectively they've racked up more than 221,000 years and more than 5.3 billion safe miles during their careers. That's enough miles to travel to Mars and back 36 times.

"My thanks go to all of them for their dedication and focus, and for the countless lives they've saved," said Craig Wiltz, president, UPS Red River District.

Globally, the most seasoned UPS Circle of Honor driver is Thomas Camp of Livonia, Mich., with 52 years of driving without an accident. Ronald McKnight of Bronx, N.Y., is next in line with 46 years of safe driving. Sixty-two others have logged at least 40 years without an accident.

UPS's 102,000 drivers are among the safest on the roads, logging more than 3 billion miles a year and delivering more than 4 billion packages safely.

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 its safe driving honor program in 1928.

** NOTE: The following table lists local drivers by hometown and UPS center. If you're interested in interviewing a local driver, please contact Dan McMackin at dmcmackin@ups.com. Visit pressroom.ups.com for multimedia assets.

Following is a list of Oklahoma drivers inducted this year to the Circle of Honor.