Clearfield County truck driver reaches 4 million accident-free mile milestone

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Every day, millions of semi-trucks travel America’s highways to keep the country running and families fed, and in Clearfield County, one truck driver has reached a special milestone.

Doug Phelps is an XPO truck driver and has just surpassed four million accident-free miles. That’s the equivalent of 160 times around the world and took just under 40 years.

“I never thought I would get this far,” Phelps said.

In May 1985, Doug Phelps got behind the wheel of a semi-trailer and never looked back. Now, 39 years later, he is being honored for his achievement.

“Good luck and lots of attention,” Phelps said.

Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, they celebrated this career milestone, but Phelps says he was simply following in his father’s footsteps.

“All the kids around us were watching us get on that big truck and I was driving home on that big truck. And from that moment on, I knew that was what I wanted to do,” Phelps said.

Phelps travels to Bellville, Ohio daily to deliver urgently needed items.

“Different weather, different climate. Every day is different. Every day brings change. Every kilometer is different,” Phelps added.

But as most people know, it is difficult to travel four million miles without an accident.

“We work in inherently dangerous environments, you know, on the roads every day. And safe driving with that level of professionalism and attentiveness needs to be appreciated, you need to set an example for other drivers out there of what successful, safe driving looks like,” said Ryan Graham, XPO Service Center Manager.

Phelps added that with all his experience he has a message for everyone on the road.

“I see people speeding through traffic and then driving to Walmart. Were you in that much of a rush? I think people just need to slow down a little bit and enjoy life,” Phelps added.

Phelps was the third rider in XPO history to reach this milestone.