Peter Pan Driver Celebrated for Achievement

Springfield, MA — Longtime Peter Pan driver Joseph Anderson, who recently entered his 37^th year of employment with the company, was celebrated at the company’s annual S.T.A.R. Awards at the Sheraton Springfield Hotel on April 5, 2011.  Mr. Anderson will also be saluted by his family, friends and co-workers for having achieved Three Million Miles of Accident-Free Driving at an upcoming luncheon in his honor.   He will also receive a proclamation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, commending him for this distinction, and a brand-new Peter Pan Coach is scheduled to be unveiled with a special bus wrap: “Three Million Miles of Accident-Free Driving –Joseph Anderson” which will be used in daily service, publicly attesting to Mr. Anderson’s accomplishment.

Joseph Anderson is the fourth Peter Pan motorcoach operator to reach this milestone, and shares this distinction with Edward Hope, Robert Guistimbelli, and his brother,  Everett Anderson, who completed his own Three Million Miles of safe driving in 2008.  The Andersons are believed to be the ONLY brothers who have achieved Three Million Mile status nationwide, and both are still actively employed as motorcoach operators at Peter Pan’s Springfield headquarters.  Three million miles translates to at least 36 consecutive years of driving without an accident; or the equivalent of 180 times around the world, and 18 trips to the moon without an accident–an amazing feat!

A native of Alabama who moved to Springfield in 1959, Mr. Anderson was hired by the late Chairman, Peter L. Picknelly in 1974, after honorable service in the Army.  Known for his quiet, pleasant and easy-going attitude, Joe Anderson is one of only a handful of professional motorcoach or commercial truck drivers nationwide to become a three million mile safe driver, according to officials at the National Safety Council.  During his tenure with the company, he has been one of Peter Pan’s most dependable drivers, and he has received its highest honor: the Peter C. Picknelly Founder’s Award for excellence.

The company also annually recognizes its one million (12+ years) and two million (24 + years) accident-free drivers. Each million miles of accident-free driving translates into 12 consecutive years of operating a Peter Pan coach without an accident. Recognition of million mile drivers is a significant achievement, as even small “fender-benders” are considered accidents.

According to Peter Pan President Peter Picknelly, “Joe Anderson is one of the best of the best.  As one of our consistently most responsible, respected and dedicated drivers, he has received every award the company gives to our drivers. National Safety Council records indicate that very few drivers nationwide have ever achieved this status over the past 50 years, and we are very gratified that we have four drivers who have managed to attain this astonishing level of excellence.”

Picknelly said, “Peter Pan makes overall safety and the training and track record of our drivers a priority. Our company is honored to have a professional of Joe’s caliber behind the wheel and we are extremely proud of his achievement.”

Mr. Anderson and his wife of over 44 years, Idell, reside in Springfield.

Peter Pan serves over 100 communities throughout the northeast corridor with daily express scheduled service, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC.

You can meet more of our million mile drivers here!