With National Truck Driver Appreciation Week fast approaching, there’s no better time than now to thank two stand-out drivers and show our appreciation for the work they do to ensure essential goods and services are delivered today … and everyday … without delay.

Throughout its more than 25-year history, Service Transport (STI) of Greer, SC, has established a deserved reputation for providing on-time service and safe, reliable freight transportation. Through it all, the company has offered faster transit times and exceptional customer service. One of those providing exceptional customer service is Philip Strickland.

Truck driving is in Philip’s blood! With his father, sister and ex-brother-in-law all drivers, Philip heeded the call and has been driving for 43 years – the last 16 with Service Transport.

Philip leaves his home every Sunday and stays on the road until Friday – trying to find places to stop, eat and sleep along the way. The current environment has made this more difficult, so he finds himself now making reservations and planning ahead for his next stop. Along the way, he is grounded to his work, helping others and delivering essentials to those who need it. “I love what I do and only wish other drivers on the road understood how to drive around truckers, commented Philip. “I’m grateful for the camera in my vehicle as it has shown how other people drive and has protected me along the way. I’m also appreciative of the recognition truck drivers are now receiving. It’s nice that people are finally realizing how important truckers are and giving us the respect we deserve.” Thank you, Philip.

Over land, on water, in the air – or in any combination – Lynden helps customers get the job done in challenging areas such as Alaska, Western Canada and Russia, or anywhere in the world they are needed. Lynden has built a reputation of superior service to diverse industries including oil and gas, seafood, mining, construction, retail and manufacturing.

A stand-out member of the Lynden team providing superior service is Ron Calkins. For more than 35 years, Ron has been driving, most recently enjoying the easy flow of traffic due to COVID. “The equipment we have is better now, but the traffic is worse. Although the traffic initially became lighter, it’s now starting to pick up,” Ron commented.

Although he misses the personal interaction, Ron does his best when dealing with people face-to-face. “I continually try to maintain my six-foot distance, wear a mask and be careful wherever I go. I’m thankful to Lynden, which has done a great job providing everything we need.” Like Philip, Ron is finding people becoming more courteous and cautious. “I just hope it lasts,” Ron added. “Whether we’re in a pandemic or not, I wish people would understand how dangerous it is to cut in front of a big truck, forcing us to slam on our brakes. Less traffic has given us more space on the roads; I would like that to continue.”

To Philip and Ron, thank you! SmartDrive appreciates you and all of your fellow drivers.