Mark Mieczkowski is a humble and dedicated PITT OHIO linehaul driver in Baltimore, Maryland. His humility is what made him initially apprehensive about participating in this interview. He doesn’t believe he deserves any recognition for doing the job the way he’s supposed to do it, and that is safely. When his wife Elizabeth said, “Do it for Baltimore,” Mark realized his 3 million miles of safe driving was a terminal accomplishment just as much as his own.
Working anywhere else, driving for any other company, never crossed Mark’s mind.
Mark’s dad was a truck driver who taught him the value of hard work. Every summer between the ages of 7 and 12, Mark would join his dad on the road. After earning his CDL license, Mark joined the Air Force in 1984. He held a few more jobs before starting at PITT OHIO in 1989, including a job as a car hauler around Virginia and Maryland. Deep down, he knew he wanted to be a PITT OHIO truck driver, just like his dad.
The steady work is what appealed to Mark initially. He realized that even when times were tough, there was always a need for truck drivers. Truck drivers play an important role to our economy. Later, Mark realized that being home daily with a local job meant better sleep in an even better bed.
In addition to his affinity for hard work, Mark credits his father with teaching him how to drive and didn’t hesitate to mention fellow driver Bill Nearhoof as well. A true mentor, Bill was a great trainer because he took the time to not only teach Mark how to do the job, but how to do it well. It’s the atmosphere at the terminal, the family environment, that Mark found hard to put into words. Admittedly he didn’t understand it at first, but reminiscing about those early days reminded Mark what a great company PITT OHIO is and has always been.
Safety has been PITT OHIO’s priority since day one in 1979. It started with hiring the best drivers. PITT OHIO owners would interview the applicant in person before making the final offer to join the PITT OHIO team of drivers. “The focus on safety has continued because of the high standards set over 45 years ago and because of our continuous proactive safety training,” said PITT OHIO President, Chuck Hammel. He continued, “We are known for the emphasis we place on safety and for the way we care about our drivers and staff. We are intentional with our culture – a culture we’ve built with safety as our foundation and with drivers like Mark Mieczkowski.”
“There’s just something different about PITT OHIO and especially being a linehaul driver for this company. When the owner himself understands every angle of the business, he has a true respect for the men and women on the road representing his company,” said Mark.
Mark’s wife Elizabeth, said “You watch your husband work in a tough job, so you want to make sure he is okay every day. As a PITT OHIO wife for 26 years, I’ve watched Chuck Hammel put his drivers first time after time. I am team PITT OHIO.”
That’s how it’s done at PITT OHIO. Everyone feels a part of the team and a part of the PITT OHIO family. Elizabeth doesn’t refer to herself as a “drivers’ wife,” but a “PITT OHIO wife” instead. Expressing their pride for the job Mark does and the company he works for came naturally to both of them.
“How could you not want to work for someone who resembles the same manners, values and morals as you do?” asked Mark. “I am a 3 Million Mile Safe Linehaul Driver because Chuck Hammel has created a company where everyone can accomplish this same achievement.”
Congratulations, Mark, on your 3 million miles of safe driving! We are proud to welcome you into the elite group of linehaul drivers who have reached this incredible milestone.
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