National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is September 11-17, a time to show respect and gratefulness to all our professional truck drivers for the work that they do. Drivers, thank you for every single mile you safely drive to advance our nation’s supply chains. Every day, you positively impact our company, the economy, and consumers everywhere. You continually keep our roads safe and go above and beyond.
As we celebrate NTDAW, we asked a few of our most tenured drivers about their careers and experiences at Ruan. Check out their responses below!
What motivates you to come to work each day?
Scott Winslow | 27 years of service | Muscatine, IA: I like the rapport with the people I interact with at the customer’s place of business. Some I’ve known for over 20 years!
Garry Hayes II | 28 years of service | Ankeny, IA: I enjoy driving and interacting with my coworkers.
Marvin Trout | 39 years of service | Ankeny, IA: I like my job and have been treated so well throughout my years at Ruan.
How would you describe your position with Ruan?
Craig Wilson | 16 years of service | Sioux Falls, SD: There is never a dull day. I always come to work and learn a different aspect of the company. I like change and am always excited to learn or see something new.
David Lee | 32 years of service | Fair Oaks, IN: I like my position at Ruan. Ruan treats you like a person, not just a driver.
What do you enjoy most about working for Ruan? 
Marvin Trout | 39 years of service | Ankeny, IA: I get to work with a brand-new tractor, use great equipment, and socialize with a good team.
Vernon Hoffman | 27 years of service | Canby, OR: Work availability, good pay, and my coworkers.
What is your favorite memory during your time at Ruan?
Kenneth Hood | 32 years of service | Ankeny, IA: The family time at Ruan picnics and interactions with my coworkers!
Jon Robbins | 30 years of service | Indianapolis, IN: Meeting some very good friends during some of the early days at service manager meetings and going fishing with them on Lake Michigan.
Garry Hayes II | 28 years of service | Ankeny, IA: Being able to work together with my stepdad, and training my dad made for great memories. Additionally, my son, Garry Hayes III, works in the shop in Des Moines, IA.
Craig Wilson | 16 years of service | Sioux Falls, SD: Working with my dad for six years. He got me into this business, and I was happy to make memories with him while he was at Ruan.
David Lee | 32 years of service | Fair Oaks, IN: All the different places I’ve been that I probably would have never seen if it wasn’t for truck driving!
What makes Ruan unique?
Robert Schroud | 33 years of service | Madison, WI: It’s a large company with a small company atmosphere at the local level. All of our dedicated account's team members allow for a better balance between work and home.
Garry Hayes II | 28 years of service | Ankeny, IA: The opportunity to work in different operations!
Marvin Trout | 39 years of service | Ankeny, IA: Being able to build strong relationships with my team. I have been able to go to coworkers’ weddings and see their children grow up. It has been very rewarding.
What advice would you share with those considering joining the trucking industry?
Jon Robbins | 30 years of service | Indianapolis, IN: Be professional, think about safety, and drive your company equipment like you own it.
James Kerns III | 27 years of service | St. Joseph, MO: You need to be willing work hard!
Through teamwork, safety focus, exceptional performance, and commitment to our customers, our truck drivers have made Ruan the company it is today. To all of our professional truck drivers: we appreciate you! Thanks for all you do.