On the Road to One Million Safe Miles
Post Date - Jan 24, 2025
At Ascend, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our Roadmap to Millions program celebrates the incredible achievements of our drivers as they work toward the remarkable milestone of one million safe miles. This accomplishment is about more than the number of miles traveled; it’s a reflection of the care, precision, and dedication our drivers bring to every mile. To honor their success, we’ve developed unique ways to celebrate these milestones, including customized Ascend gear, personalized truck badges, and even a special dinner with our leadership team. Every mile tells a story, and today, we’re proud to highlight one of these exceptional drivers, Richard Neisler, who has recently achieved over 375,000 safe miles.
For Richard, truck driving wasn’t just a career choice—it was a calling. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved watching the big rigs pass by on the highway. I used to dream about being behind the wheel of one of those trucks,” he shared. That childhood dream became a reality when Richard joined Ascend in 2007, and he’s been on the road with us ever since.
Now at 377,000 safe miles, Richard is well on his way to reaching the prestigious milestone of one million safe miles. His success, he says, comes from staying vigilant and maintaining a mindset of constant learning. “The key is to keep your eyes moving and stay aware of your surroundings,” Richard explained. “You’ve got to give yourself space—plenty of room between you and other vehicles. It’s all about being proactive, not reactive.”
When it comes to challenges, Richard emphasizes the importance of caution in tough conditions, especially on icy roads. “If there’s ice, I slow down and focus. I watch the taillights of the car ahead of me, and if I feel it’s unsafe, I’ll pull over. There’s no load worth risking your safety for,” he said.
Richard is quick to credit the Ascend team for his safety success. “The equipment at Ascend is top-notch. They keep everything well-maintained, and their trucks are equipped with advanced safety features. Plus, the safety team is always there to support us—it’s like having a second set of eyes on the road,” he added.
As part of the Roadmap to Millions program, drivers like Richard are celebrated company-wide, with recognition from Ascend leadership and a sense of pride that comes from knowing their commitment to safety doesn’t go unnoticed. For Richard, it’s not just about reaching the milestone—it’s about staying focused on every mile. “Never stop learning. Every mile teaches you something new. Stay humble, stay patient, and always put safety first,” he advises other drivers on their own journeys.
Richard’s story is a testament to what’s possible with dedication, vigilance, and the right support system. With over a third of his journey completed to a million safe miles, his unwavering commitment serves as an inspiration to drivers everywhere, proving that dreams and discipline can truly go the distance.
The Roadmap to Millions program is our way of recognizing and celebrating the hard work of our drivers. Whether it’s with a truck badge to display their milestone, a custom jacket to mark their success, or a moment shared over dinner with Ascend’s leadership team, we’re proud to honor our drivers for their extraordinary achievements.
Every mile traveled is a step closer to something remarkable, and at Ascend, we’re here to support our drivers every mile of the way. Here’s to the incredible milestones they’ve reached and the safe miles yet to come!