Celebrating 1,000,000 Safe Miles: Doran Skaggs' Journey with Ascend

Post Date - Apr 15, 2025

At Ascend, we take immense pride in celebrating the extraordinary achievements of our drivers who exemplify dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Today, we’re honored to spotlight a true veteran of the road, Doran Skaggs, who has surpassed 1,000,000 safe miles—a milestone that reflects not only his experience but also his passion for trucking and commitment to excellence.

For Doran, reaching this milestone is a significant achievement, but it represents only a fraction of his journey. With 27 years of driving experience—19 of them with Ascend—Doran has traveled countless miles, witnessing the evolution of the industry while continuing to adapt and excel. “In reality, it’s been so many more miles over the last 27 years of driving,” he shares. “I’ve learned to adapt to different safety equipment and guidelines. It’s been a challenge, but adaptable.”

Beyond the miles, Doran’s journey has been filled with unique experiences that have made his career all the more rewarding. One of his most memorable moments on the road was visiting the underground caves in Missouri, where he had to drive more than a mile beneath the surface to make a pickup. It’s moments like these that remind him of the incredible places trucking can take you.

When it comes to advice for fellow drivers aiming for their own milestones, Doran emphasizes patience, attentiveness, and continuous learning. “The best thing I can pass on to anyone starting out or in the truck driving industry is be patient, take your time, and always pay a lot of attention to what’s going on around you,” he advises.

Over the years, Doran has met many people and built lasting relationships, always carrying the mindset that learning never stops. “I often tell others that I try to learn something new every day and don’t ever think you know it all, because it makes you careless,” he says. This wisdom has helped him maintain a long and successful career, and it’s something he hopes to pass on to others.

Looking ahead, Doran’s future goals are clear: to finish his career strong, remain healthy, continue driving safely, and make his last few years on the road truly memorable. “Obviously, I want to finish my career with good health, safety, and efficiency, while setting somewhat of a legacy for others,” he shares. And when the time comes, he looks forward to retiring, spending more time with his family, and reflecting on a career well-lived.

Doran’s remarkable milestone is a testament to his dedication, professionalism, and passion for trucking. At Ascend, we are incredibly proud to have him on our team, and we celebrate his achievements as an inspiration for both new and seasoned drivers.

Stay tuned for more stories from our Roadmap to Millions series as we continue to highlight the incredible drivers who make Ascend a leader in safety and excellence on the road.