It is a true honor to share Allen Robertson's accomplishment with you all. Allen lives in Westland, Michigan, is originally from Richmond, VA, and is on Karen Dennis’ board. He started with CalArk 22 years ago but has been driving big trucks for more than 30 years.

He started driving during his military career, which he began right out of high school. Allen was drafted into the US Army during Vietnam and retired from the army after putting in 20 years of service. He worked at various levels doing different jobs during his military career, including drill sergeant and military police desk sergeant. He never went to combat but stayed on alert as he was never far from the war. He spent most of his time doing training, special weapons training, and patrol. Allen said he would do "whatever was needed."

That is exactly the mentality Allen has, which we value here at CalArk as well; he will do whatever is needed. After the military, Allen held several other types of jobs including security guard, meat packing plant worker, janitor, and cook before seeing an ad by Schneider that said, "Stop dreaming and do it." That was the beginning of Allen’s long truck driving career.

Allen says he likes driving a truck because he has always been an outdoors person. He likes to travel, and he doesn’t mind the work. He believes in doing his best "whether the load is one mile or one thousand miles." Anyone who knows Allen will agree with his next statement: "I’m not perfect, but I sure try to be."

That attitude is evident from the awards and recognition he has earned with CalArk. Prior to his current 3.75 Million Miles achievement, Allen has also received his 100,000 to 900,000 mile awards, his 1 Million Mile Award, 5 Year Service Award, 100% On Time Delivery each year, Company Driver of the Year 2003, Company Driver of the Year 2004, 1.5 Million Mile Award, 2 Million Mile Award, 10 Year Service Award, Company Driver of the Year 2nd Runner Up 2006, Company Driver of the Year 2007, Company Driver Most Miles Driven 2008, Company Driver Most Miles Driven 2009, Company Driver of the Year 1st Runner Up 2009,  Company Most Miles Driven 2010, Company Most Miles Driven 2012, 2.75 Million Mile Award, Company Best Fuel Mileage 2013, 3 Million Mile Award, Company Best Fuel Mileage 2014, Company Driver of the Year 2014, 3.5 Million Mile Award, Company Driver of the Year 2016, and Company Driver of the Year 2nd Runner UP 2017. In addition to these awards and recognition, Allen has also represented CalArk in the Arkansas Trucking Association’s Truck Driving Championship for 5 years.

When Allen is not driving a truck, he has several hobbies he enjoys. He is a coin collector, plays the guitar, and knows a variety of music. He plays by ear, and if he hears something one time, he can play it. Allen also enjoys cooking, particularly hamburger steak with gravy, fried apples, meatloaf, and even homemade bread. When he is over the road, though, he opts for quick choices like Subway that are also healthy.

22 years with one trucking company is an impressive feat. When asked how he has stayed with CalArk for so long, Allen says we’ve been honest from day one. "Ms. Ann" was his first dispatcher, and she would do whatever Allen needed. He says CalArk has been there for him over the years and is his second home. He knows everyone, from the owner down.

When asked his advice for newer drivers to the industry and to CalArk, he says, "You have to take the good with the bad. And you will have bad days. But, with CalArk, when they can count on you it’s a good feeling. And you can count on them."

Allen, we thank you for your service to your country, to our industry, and to our company. We are proud of you and we look forward to seeing your future accomplishments as you continue to move the Wheels of American Business with us.