Nationwide — Al Pringle, an African American Walmart driver from Temple, Texas, is making history by reaching an extraordinary milestone: three million miles on the road without a single accident or blemish on his record. To celebrate, Walmart employees, family, friends, and representatives from the Texas Department of Public Safety honored him on October 24, rolling out the red carpet in recognition of his dedication to safety.Pringle has been with Walmart for 25 years, though his career as a truck driver began back in 1985. “Next year will mark 40 years,” he shared with WFAA. Over the years, he has driven across the country as an over-the-road (OTR) driver, often spending weeks on the road at a time. Recalling some challenging moments, Pringle said, “I’ve been in a lot of close calls, especially in bad weather, sliding around on ice in the mountains of Colorado.” But despite these conditions, he’s maintained a spotless record, showing remarkable control and skill behind the wheel.
“Three million miles with a perfect record—that truck doesn’t do anything I don’t allow it to because I’m behind the wheel,” Pringle explained, noting that driving in Texas, free from snowy mountains, has been easier. His dedication to safety hasn’t gone unnoticed. Warren Hine, General Manager in Transportation, remarked, “When you think about three million miles safely driven, consider that most people won’t drive that far in a lifetime. And he’s done it all in an 18-wheeler, coming home safe to his family each week.”
Pringle’s commitment goes beyond simply clocking miles; he’s meticulous about safety. “Every time he stops, he checks all his equipment,” Hine added. “When he picks up a trailer, he inspects it thoroughly, and he’s a defensive driver on the road.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Pringle expressed gratitude. “I’d heard stories of people being celebrated like this, but being in the spotlight is something else,” he said. “I’ll remember this for the rest of my life. You’ve got to love what you’re doing, truly.”