Al Weddle has been with YRC Freight for 57 years, the longest tenure of any employee at YRC freight.
From YRC Drive On Magazine
Al Weddle has always been behind the wheel because it's what he loves to do. He began his career with Watson brothers in Phoenix Arizona, and he has been with YRC Freight ever since. Eventually he move to Albuquerque New Mexico, and he is there today, working as a line haul driver.
When asked why he has done this job for so long Al replies that it's just what he likes to do. Born into a family of truck drivers, it comes naturally to him. His father was a driver as well as his uncle, and later his own two sons became drivers.
Al’s love of the open road spills into his personal life as well. When he’s not driving for work, you can find him driving on vacation and spending time with his wife after 53 years marriage.
Although he loves life on the road, he explained that there are still some tough things that come along with it. Traffic and animals are the worst, he says and weather is most bad at night. His advice to drivers is to stay alert at all times.
According to Al, things are pretty much the same on the road now as they were back when he started except for the fact that things are a lot more crowded now. Al says he has just a few pieces of wisdom he would pass along to newer drivers. He reminds them to keep their eyes on the road. After all, just one second of distraction can be disastrous. “Get enough rest and don't fight it, it's much better to pull over and get a few minutes of rest rather than take the chance of getting in an accident. Watch out for those other people and be a good defensive driver.”
Remembering the advice his father passed down to him, Al says when you're on the road, you just have to remember to give yourself room, rest and be patient. Then you'll be just fine.
Al Weddle embodies the spirit shared by YRC Freight; hard work, determination and focus on safety and exceptional customer service. Employees like Al are the ones who contribute everyday to the legacy of YRC Freight.
