Gordon Meals Service’s David Astley was amongst 69 worldwide truck drivers not too long ago acknowledged at a corridor of fame induction in Florida
It was simply after Expo ’86 and a possibility for David Astley to now not work a graveyard shift whereas getting free coaching for his Class 1 driver’s license on the identical time. Little did he know he was about to embark on a flawless trucking profession that might earn him worldwide recognition.
Lately, Astley and his spouse returned from an all-expenses paid journey to Florida the place he was amongst 69 inductees into the Worldwide Foodservice Distributors Affiliation (IFDA) Truck Driver Corridor of Fame.
Greater than 130,000 meals service distribution drivers are at the moment on the highway, however solely these with the perfect security information and longevity of service qualify for the IFDA Truck Driver Corridor of Fame. To be eligible, the motive force should have at the very least 25 years of employment with an IFDA member firm with no chargeable accidents throughout that timeframe and should not have any shifting violations throughout the final 5 years.
“Given the present driver shortages and provide chain disruptions, it is an honor to acknowledge these skilled truck drivers who’re fairly actually driving the financial system,” stated Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “The IFDA Corridor of Fame supplies a everlasting recognition of the talents and dedication these drivers convey to their career — enabling our member corporations to soundly and effectively ship meals and provides to skilled kitchens throughout the nation.”
Astley’s honor displays his 34-year profession at Gordon Meals Service (GFS) the place he begins his days at its distribution heart on Annacis Island, only a quick drive from his North Delta dwelling.
Whereas many years of secure driving usually are not unusual in a passenger automobile, what Astley has completed is impressively given he drives a truck and a 53-foot reefer trailer on Metro Vancouver roads and highways. It additionally consists of frequent stops at long-time GFS prospects, comparable to Starbucks, in crowded strip mall parking tons the place designated spots for giant supply vehicles might be scarce.
It was considered one of his bosses who nominated him for the award when he was reminded he has by no means been in an accident.
“I give it some thought as me simply doing my job. I’ve a household and I would not need somebody creaming in behind me in a type of massive vehicles. You would kill any individual in considered one of them,” stated Astley.
At 56, he begins his 4, 10-hour shifts every week at 4 am on his personal.
“I get to exit and do my very own factor. Have lunch if you need to and train. That is the one of many issues that I appreciated about it, since you’re getting up and shifting, not sitting in an workplace and observing 4 partitions,” added Astley.