PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced 13 elite drivers from Oregon are among 1,445 newly inducted worldwide into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.

Oregon boasts 72 active Circle of Honor drivers with a combined 2,025 years of accident-free driving. Joseph Chambers of Wilsonville is the state's senior safe driver, with 38 years of accident-free driving under his belt. There are 1,535 total UPS drivers in Oregon. 

Globally, 7,878 active UPS drivers are members of the Circle of Honor. Collectively they've racked up more than 221,000 years and more than 5.3 billion safe miles during their careers. That's enough miles to travel to Mars and back 36 times.

"My thanks go to all of them for their dedication and focus, and for the countless lives they've saved," said Tom Cuce, president, UPS Northwest District.

Globally, the most seasoned UPS Circle of Honor driver is Thomas Camp of Livonia, Mich., with 52 years of driving without an accident. Ronald McKnight of Bronx, N.Y., is next in line with 46 years of safe driving. Sixty-two others have logged at least 40 years without an accident.

UPS's 102,000 drivers are among the safest on the roads, logging more than 3 billion miles a year and delivering more than 4 billion packages safely.   

Founded in 1907, UPS has a rich history of safety and training. The company issued its first driver handbook in 1917 and began recognizing safe drivers in 1923. In 1928, UPS recognized its first five-year safe driver, Ray McCue, with UPS founder Jim Casey presenting him a gold and platinum watch. UPS formally established its safe driving honor program in 1928.

** NOTE: The following table lists local drivers by hometown and UPS center. If you're interested in interviewing a local driver, please contact Dan McMackin at dmcmackin@ups.com. Visit pressroom.ups.com for multimedia assets.

Following is a list of Oregon drivers inducted this year to the Circle of Honor. 

Driver Hometown UPS Work Location
Allen, Michael Warren Portland Hub
Conachan, Kenneth Happy Valley Portland
Draper, Roy Burns Burns Center
Ervin, Robert Tigard Tualatin
Evers, Edward Hillsboro Portland Hub
Fast, Lavern Dallas Salem
Frazier, Bryan Ashland Medford
Henry, Jeffrey Portland Mt. Tabor
Johnston, Steven West Linn Portland Hub
Kam, Gregory Bend Bend
O'Hollearn, Kevin Portland Willamette
Ovesen, Claus Salem Salem
Winchester, John Portland Mt. Tabor
CONTACT: Dan McMackin
         dmcmackin@ups.com

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