Tupelo UPS Driver Reaches Milestone

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)- They’re big, brown and make sure your packages make it to your doorstep.

That’s right, we’re talking about the UPS man.

Three drivers from close to home have spent 25 years on the road without getting in an accident.

“We’ve got our lights working, flashers working, everything looks good here,” said Ken Finney, as he prepared to hit the road Friday morning.

It’s routine for Ken Finney to make sure his truck is in tip top shape to hit the road.

“Everything looks good here, the doors operational, we’re good to go,” said Finney.

Driving one of these big brown trucks is no easy task.

“We’re in the traffic everyday. We log a lot of miles and try to stay out of peoples way, and sometimes that’s hard to do,” said Finney.

For Finney, it’s like second nature. Which is why he’s one of nearly 1,600 new drivers now proudly sporting special patch. Finney’s part of the “Circle of Honor.”

“Growing up I see all this stuff about guys making into the “Circle of Honor” and you wonder if you’re going to make it, and I made. They can’t take it away from me now,” said Finney.

The prestigious honor means Finney has spent 25 years of driving with UPS, without being in an accident.

“I like it. I mean, it says I’ve done something,” said Finney.

Most days run about 12 hours long. Long hard hours on the road.

“We leave here at nine in the morning and like last night, I got back at 9 p.m.

Each step on deliveries is a step of pride. For Finney, driving for UPS is a passion. He’s been on the same route for 20 years and says his customers, are more like family.

“The most rewarding part is the kids. Kids will come up to me and say hi and and just talk to me. It’s rewarding,” said Finney.

A passion that comes with its road bocks when hustling down the highways to make sure your packages get to you in time.

“Keep your head up and eyes moving. As far as driving goes, you’ve got to watch,” said Finney.

Not only is Finney dealing with the traffic issues, but he has the occasional face off with man’s best friend. He’s got the battle scars to prove it.

“I was fighting for my life. Within a split second they was attacking me. One had my leg and one had my arm,” said Finney.

Facing the dangers daily, Finney reminds everyone on the road to drive safe.

In the mean time, he’s hoping to spend more years making deliveries accident free.

Another driver from Tupelo and one from Columbus were also inducted into the “Circle of Honor.”

Finney drives anywhere from 100 to 130 miles a day.