A diverse group of trucking stakeholders announced the launch of an industry-wide image and education campaign last week at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
Dubbed “Trucking Moves America Forward” (TMAF) was described as an education initiative designed to” inform policy makers, motorists and the public about the benefits of the trucking industry to help build a ground swell of political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry.”
“Today’s modern truck drivers are skilled professionals and devoted family men and women, trained to focus on safety, efficiency and reliability while operating the safest and most sustainable trucks we have seen to-date,” said Steve Ponder, chairman, Trucking Moves America Forward and vice president of Great West Casualty Company.
“Trucking is an important industry to our country, nearly every consumer good touches a truck along its journey and we are excited to share what makes trucking so special with the American people,” he added.
In addition to Ponder, other trucking executives such as TMAF vice-chairman Kevin Burch (Jet Express) spoke about “Trucking Moves America Forward” along with professional driver Allen Boyd and technician Herschel Evans. Innovative creative materials and resources – including an advertising campaign – are available online at www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com
“Trucking Moves America Forward is an on-going movement,” said Kevin Burch, TMAF vice chairman and president of Jet Express. “Trucking is critical to the American economy, injecting more than $642 million dollars into this country annually, and each person in the industry plays an important role in telling that story.”
“We plan to share those stories in the coming year and beyond with various initiatives,” said Mike Card chairman, fundraising for TMAF and president of Combined Transport, Inc. “The entire industry is excited as this campaign encompasses every sector within the industry and we welcome everyone’s support.”
Along with ACT 1, an initial founding member of the movement, other supporters include: Allison Transmission, American Trucking Associations (ATA), Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, Bulldog Hiway Express, Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants, Combined Transport, Inc., Cummins Inc., Daimler Trucks North America, Dana Holding Corporation, Detroit Diesel Corporation, Eaton Corporation – Roadranger, GE Capital, Goodyear, Great West Casualty Company, Hahn Transportation, Inc., Hendrickson, International, J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Jet Express, Inc., Kenworth Truck Company, Longistics, Love’s Travel Stops, Mack Trucks, Inc., Meritor, Michelin, Motor Carrier Service, Inc., Old Dominion Freight Lines, Omnitracs Inc., Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), Pegasus, Peterbilt Motors Company, Randall Reilly, Tennant Truck Lines, Tennessee Express, Inc., TransTech, Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), TRW and Volvo Trucks.
