TMAF Supports 2017 Infrastructure Week Advocating for Better Roads and Bridges to Move Economy Forward

Trucking Industry Group Joins National Movement to Spread Message That It’s #TimeToBuild

Washington, D.C., May 15, 2017 – Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide image and education movement, is pleased to announce it will be an official affiliate of Infrastructure Week in 2017. Infrastructure Week, May 15-19, is a series of events, education, and advocacy efforts aimed at highlighting infrastructure as a key policy issue nationwide, and 2017 will mark the third year TMAF has supported the effort.

“When poor infrastructure slows down trucking, it slows down all of America,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express, Inc., and chairman of American Trucking Associations. “With our 3.5 million drivers traveling 279.1 billion miles annually to deliver the goods that our towns and cities need to thrive, trucking is directly impacted by poor roads, bridges, and tunnels. That’s why we’re proud to once again support Infrastructure Week and bring this issue to the forefront of national policy conversations.”

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Poor conditions of our nation’s roadways result in America’s businesses paying billions of dollars a year in additional freight transportation costs, which increases shipping delays and raises prices on everyday products. TMAF advocates for infrastructure spending that improves the highway networks most critical to the movement of freight and interstate travel, while also prioritizing the safety of the motoring public. TMAF supports action from lawmakers at the state and federal levels to close the nation’s infrastructure investment gap. Truck drivers depend on structurally sound and safe roads to deliver America’s goods safely.

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As part of its contributions to the week’s activities, TMAF will be promoting infrastructure-focused messages on its social media properties. It also has a featured blog post on the Infrastructure Week website.

TMAF is joining more than 150 organizations in all – from the public, private, and non-profit sectors – to raise awareness around the need to invest in the infrastructure that makes up the backbone of the United States. The theme of this year’s Infrastructure Week is: It’s #TimeToBuild.2017TMAF-twitter1024x512-020-infrastructure

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About Trucking Moves America Forward

Trucking Moves America Forward aims to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future. To learn more, visit www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com.

Also join and follow TMAF through social media, on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Trucking Moves America Forward Celebrates Third Anniversary, Announces Milestones and Plans

 

Industry movement provides update at 2017 Mid-America Trucking Show

Louisville, Ky. – March 24, 2017 – Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide image and education movement, today provided an update on its continued efforts to promote a positive image of the trucking industry. TMAF announced recent achievements and provided a preview of its 2017 plans during a press conference at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS). The press conference marked the three-year anniversary of TMAF, which was publicly launched at MATS in March 2014.

The press conference was led by TMAF Executive Committee members, Elisabeth Barna, chief operating officer of American Trucking Associations, and Wendy Hamilton, senior manager, sales marketing, at Pilot Flying J. Barna and Hamilton provided an update on the movement’s latest successes, citing the recently released 2016 TMAF Annual Report, “Reaching New Heights.”

“In just three years, TMAF has made impressive strides in our goal to alter the image of the trucking industry, from educational campaigns to earned media and member engagement,” said Barna. “We owe that success – and our gratitude – to our supporters, from drivers and companies to owner-operators and those who contribute to the industry by providing in-kind services and in so many other ways.”
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TMAF’s Annual Report highlights the movement’s accomplishments in 2016, including growing its member database, expanding social media presence and increasing visibility through paid and earned media. In 2016, TMAF:

  • Grew its online database to 2,900 subscribers
  • Secured 44 earned media stories and 16 op-eds in national, regional and community news outlets – resulting in 38.8 million total impressions
  • Surpassed 12,000 followers on Facebook and reached nearly 3,000 on Twitter
  • Launched 3 new digital platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram and Medium
  • Reached a potential in-person audience of more than 130,000 at trade shows and other events

Barna also announced that TMAF has today distributed 149 trailer wraps, surpassing its goal to put 100 wraps on the road. The organization is working toward a new goal of selling 200 trailer and tank wraps. A TMAF-wrapped truck will be on display at MATS in the main parking lot for the duration of the conference.tmaf-1

TMAF unveiled a new generation of wrap designs, including 3-D designs and new messages. The wrap designs will depict the vital goods delivered by trucks, reminding passing motorists of trucking’s necessity.

Hamilton announced the production of
a new TMAF branding video this year. The video, which tells the story of trucking, will add to TMAF’s growing bank of free online resources, available at truckingmovesamerica.com.

Hamilton concluded the press conference by announcing the addition of a new, special member of the TMAF team. The newest team member, to be unveiled in April, will further assist TMAF’s efforts to spread the positive message of trucking in 2017.

“We’re so proud of everything TMAF has achieved since MATS last year, but there is always work to be done,” concluded Hamilton. “We are working to gain even more pledges at this year’s conference, and you’ll see TMAF at trade shows, in the news, online and on the road throughout 2017.”

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About Trucking Moves America Forward

Trucking Moves America Forward aims to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future. To learn more, visit www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com. Also join and follow TMAF through social media, on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and Medium.

Trucking Moves America Forward Applauds Industry Efforts During the Holidays

Industry companies across the country are taking part in charitable activities

Washington, D.C. – Dec. 20, 2016 – As the end of the year approaches, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, proudly recognizes the trucking industry’s work to deliver the holidays through major charitable contributions and the tireless work of its 3.5 million professional drivers.

“The holidays are a time when all of us – friends, family, neighbors, communities – come together and share special moments, and I couldn’t be more pleased to highlight the integral role trucking has in making this happen each year,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express, Inc., and chairman of American Trucking Associations. “We’re also proud of the support TMAF has received, through people visiting our online store and purchasing our special edition TMAF holiday ornaments – because when people see those TMAF-branded items, it’s a symbol of both the endless charitable work our members do and their 24/7 commitment to Moving America Forward year-round.”

TMAF is proud to highlight the trucking-industry companies large and small, coast to coast, that are making a difference in their communities:

  • Knoxville, Tennessee-based Pilot Flying J has supported Wreaths Across America since 2012, and this year fundraised to sponsor a special section of the Arlington National Cemetery. The company has also given gifts to more than 140 children and elders for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program in Knoxville. Additionally, after the recent deadly wildfires in the Gatlinburg area, in just one day, Pilot Flying J raised nearly $20,000 in donations for the American Red Cross efforts while also filling a rental truck with supplies for those who lost their belongings in the devastating fires.
  • American Trucking Associations, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, delivered and helped distribute more than 3,500 wreaths to veterans’ graves in Arlington National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America. ATA’s Share the Road truck hauled the wreaths from Maine to Arlington, making stops along the way to participate in dozens of ceremonial events honoring America’s fallen heroes. ATA staff also donated preferred gift cards to Doorways for Women and Families, a local nonprofit targeting homelessness and domestic violence.
  • The Christopher Truckers Development & Relief Fund, out of Knoxville, Tennessee, is working again this season to assist semi-truck drivers with their living expenses during a medical crisis. This November alone, 41 drivers submitted applications for help; and since 2008, the fund has paid nearly $1.5 million on behalf of 1,699 drivers.
  • Brenny Transportation, out of St. Cloud, Minnesota, raised $3,400 this year to benefit local causes, including a shelter for battered women and children, the homeless, veterans, children in the hospital, a local foodbank, and adults with disabilities.

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  • In Seaford, Delaware, Trinity Logistics partnered with a local food bank and Perdue to feed 250 families a Thanksgiving meal. This month, Trinity is partnering with local organizations to provide presents and essentials for seven families in need as part of its Trinity Christmas Families program.
  • TransLand, out of Springfield, Missouri, has been a sponsor of the Dallas County Toys for Tots motorcycle toy run since 2010. Additionally, the company has adopted a family this year, supplying it with gifts, household goods, and food for Christmas, while donating time and equipment to transport more than 14,000 new toys to thousands of children in Greene County.

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  • Each year, New York-based Bestpass partners with the Trucking Association of New York to sponsor a local family in need during the holidays. Additionally, the Bestpass team is working to help feed the poor and hungry this January by volunteering at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
  • Dart Transit Company, based in Eagan, Minnesota, is participating in programs such as Toys for Tots and Wreaths Across America. Dart is delivering the wreaths to Arlington and several other veterans’ cemeteries across the country in its brand new fleet of military-themed trucks and trailers, which the company unveiled this Veterans Day.

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  • Each year, Joplin, Missouri-based Contract Freighters, Inc. meets or exceeds its goal of raising $40,000 for its Truckloads of Treasures program, which has presented more than $745,000 in employee and independent contractor-raised donations to local organizations since 1993. CFI also supports an effort to provide coffee to American troops at home and overseas, as well as Wreaths Across America, through in-kind donations.
  • For the second year in a row, Phoenix-based Stewart Transport is partnering with a local school, Imagine East Mesa, to support homeless families through its Adopt a Family program.

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  • Delano, Minnesota’s Otto Transfer, Inc. is participating in a “Stop for Safety Day,” in which its 25 employees, including 19 drivers, build six high-end bikes for local children who asked for bikes for Christmas but whose families cannot afford one. The company then works with a local charity to deliver the bikes on Christmas Day.

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  • National Carriers, Inc., out of Irving, Texas, is participating in the distribution for Wreaths Across America; also, this marks the third year the company will actively support The Family Place, the leading organization in the Dallas area for victims of family violence.
  • Memphis, Tennessee-based FedEx Freight is marking the 12th anniversary of its Trees for Troops program, in which it joins forces with the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation – and generous tree farmers across North America – to deliver more than 18,000 real Christmas trees to service members and their families at nearly 65 bases in 17 countries.
  • Omaha, Nebraska-based Hill Brothers Transportation, Inc. is again helping with the transportation and storage needs of “Operation Others” – gathering and delivering more than 800 meals for families in need. The company also delivers food and books to homes that teachers with Omaha Public Schools flag as being in need.

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  • Keller Logistics Group, based in Defiance, Ohio, in addition to its year-round programs raising money for veteran families, adopt-a-highway efforts, and others, is a dedicated truckload carrier volunteer helping deliver hundreds of memorial wreaths to cemeteries across Ohio as a part of Wreaths Across America.
  • Pottle’s Transportation, based in Bangor, Maine, has participated in Wreaths Across America for nearly a decade and this year its convoy from Maine to Arlington, Virginia will include a Gold Star dad and an Army veteran Pottle’s driver. For the second year, the company is collecting donations for area animals through the Furry Friends Food Bank and for the third year is participating in the Anah Shrine Temple’s “Fez”tival of Trees in Bangor.

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In addition to these efforts and partnerships, trucking is the only industry that can say it directly ships to every community in America. No time of the year is this more important than during the holidays, when trucking will deliver the food, holiday gifts, and everyday necessities that will help to make this season brighter for all families.

To learn more and join the movement, visit www.truckingmovesamerica.com. To enquire about a TMAF holiday ornament, email TMAF@trucking.org. And visit www.shopTMAF.com to order TMAF-branded gear before the holidays.

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About Trucking Moves America Forward

Trucking Moves America Forward aims to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future. To learn more, visit www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com. Also join and follow TMAF through social media, on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Trucking Moves America Forward Cites Latest Accomplishments

From donations and member engagement to policy initiatives, the industry image movement continues to grow and meet new milestones

Washington, D.C. – Dec. 6, 2016 – Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, today held a telephone press conference with industry and trade media to discuss TMAF’s latest results and success from the latter half of 2016 – including its recent national recognition as a finalist for the 2016 Platinum PR Awards. Speakers also addressed TMAF’s future plans to continue strengthening the movement.

“Since our last public update this past spring, we’ve hit new, positive milestones on so many fronts – from expanding our reach with a member database topping three thousand, building our donor base, and further engaging with lawmakers, the industry, the media, and the public,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express, Inc., and chairman of American Trucking Associations (ATA). “Our progress is a testament to all that our donors and supporters have done throughout the year, signaling a bright future ahead for TMAF.”

Burch also lauded the success of TMAF’s trailer wraps program. The wraps – or “moving billboards” – are seen by as many as 16 million people, per wrap, per city. With more than 140 wraps sold so far, TMAF is asking for the industry’s help to reach its goal of putting 200 wraps on the road.

Next, Elisabeth Barna, COO and executive vice president of industry affairs for ATA, spoke to TMAF’s role in sharing the trucking industry’s story and changing perceptions in the media and on Capitol Hill. She cited TMAF’s participation in Infrastructure Week in May of this year, joining other sectors of the transportation industry in advocating for better roads and bridges in front of decision-makers and the public.

“To keep our efforts moving forward, TMAF needs support from organizations throughout the industry,” said Barna. “We are building a true grassroots movement one step at a time. We are seeing examples of our efforts working, and we are thrilled.”

Wendy Hamilton, senior manager of sales marketing at Pilot Flying J, then spoke about how TMAF has successfully bolstered its online community and engagement through digital and social media.

TMAF surpassed 10,000 Facebook likes this past summer and increased its Twitter following by 25 percent. Meanwhile, the movement added a LinkedIn page for sharing business and jobs news, as well as an Instagram handle, which was part of a handle “takeover” during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) in September; that week, professional driver and photographer Shannon Royce shared her pictures of beauty on the road, increasing TMAF’s Instagram following by 70 percent.

“Whether through our ‘#ThankATruckDriver’ call-to-action during NTDAW – which generated more than 800 Facebook shares – or our latest round of videos that highlighted the essentiality of our industry by capturing opinions of industry professionals at MATS, GATS, and NTDC, we’ve seen yet again that trucking is a very active and proud group of professionals, friends and family,” said Hamilton.

TMAF Co-Chair Steve Ponder concluded the conference by citing TMAF’s targeted advertising campaigns and earned media placements.

During NTDAW, TMAF communicated the economic value of trucking and a positive image of drivers through its “amateur/professional” campaign, which portrays truck drivers in family situations, drawing on the human and family side of the truck driver. The ad buy yielded more than 8 million impressions and included billboards and newspaper print and digital ads in major trucking corridors, such as Missoula; Dallas; Kansas City, Missouri; Knoxville; Dayton and Indianapolis. Additionally, since March, TMAF’s earned media placements include 66 news stories, seven editorials authored by Burch and professional drivers across the country.

“Part of our efforts are to demonstrate not just the economic value of trucking, but to improve the image of drivers – proving that drivers are family members, neighbors, and community members just like anyone else,” said Ponder. “This theme was highlighted again throughout 2016 and shone through in a big way with our robust earned and paid media campaigns.”

To learn more and join the movement, visit www.truckingmovesamerica.com.

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About Trucking Moves America Forward

Trucking Moves America Forward aims to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future. To learn more, visit www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com. Also join and follow TMAF through social media, on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Trucking Moves America Forward Celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Billboard, Print and Digital Advertising Encourages Everyone to #ThankATruckDriver

Washington, D.C. – Sept. 12, 2016 – Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, is proud to once again honor professional truck drivers in celebration of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW), Sept. 11-17, with a dedicated educational campaign.

“Our nation’s professional truck drivers work tirelessly for us every day, delivering the products and supplies that keep our lives moving – and they do it consistently and safely. For that, and much more, we owe them our gratitude during NTDAW and throughout the year,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express, Inc., and incoming chairman of American Trucking Associations. “We are so pleased to extend our education campaign this year, which is aimed at showcasing the necessity of truck drivers.”

“It’s easy to take for granted the fact that the trucking industry is critical to our daily lives and our economy,” said Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. “While we need to celebrate 3.4 million drivers each and every day, this week is a specific reminder that these hardworking professionals strive to go the distance and deliver the goods, and most achieve accident-free milestones each year.”

For a second year, TMAF is pleased to unveil a targeted advertising campaign created to inform, educate and inspire. The “Amateur/Professional” campaign depicts professional truck drivers in three informal or amateur scenarios – such as a baker, explorer or swim coach – showcasing their human and family sides.

Beginning today, TMAF billboards will be seen along major city highways and freeways for the first time. The TMAF billboard images, which portray #TruckingLife in the swim coach scenario, can be viewed for the next four weeks along major driving thoroughfares in Dayton, Ohio; Dallas; Missoula, Montana; Kansas City, Missouri; and Knoxville, Tennessee.

A combination of print and digital advertisements in those markets, as well as Indianapolis, will serve to remind consumers that professional truck drivers not only keep our country moving, but they are also our friends, family and neighbors who strive to arrive safely to their delivery destinations. To view these advertisements and the market locations, visit www.truckingmovesamerica.com/2016-advertising.

Also during NTDAW, an op-ed campaign will include editorials from TMAF leadership and professional truck drivers published in daily newspapers and industry trade publications, such as the Tennessean, Overdrive Magazine and the Daily Caller. These editorials aim to educate and inform the general public on the responsibilities of the driver and their commitment to safety.

TMAF will also be encouraging friends and followers to #ThankATruckDriver and celebrate professional truck drivers through its social media content; visitors will find #TruckingTrivia, shareable images and more on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout the week. Trucking professional and photographer Shannon Royce will “takeover” the TMAF Instagram account for a couple of days.

To learn more and join the movement, visit www.truckingmovesamerica.com.

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About Trucking Moves America Forward

Trucking Moves America Forward aims to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future. To learn more, visit www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com. Also join and follow TMAF through social media, on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Trucking Moves America Forward Named Finalist for Platinum PR Awards

Industry Movement Recognized in ‘Branding’ Category

Washington, D.C. – Aug. 17, 2016 – PR News this week named Trucking Moves America Forward a finalist for the 2016 Platinum PR Award. Each year, PR News’ Platinum PR Awards honors top public relations campaigns ranging from crisis management and social media to word-of-mouth marketing. The finalists for the Platinum PR Awards set industry standards for excellence across all areas of PR.

The key goals of the 2015 TMAF communications campaign included enhancing the public’s awareness of the industry’s essentiality and safety, showcasing pride within the trucking community, raising $1 million to support image marketing and grassroots advocacy campaigns, and increasing membership and member engagement.
The campaign employed marketing, advertising, media relations and digital strategies to meet those goals, including:
  • telling the stories of truck drivers who log millions of accident-free miles each year;
  • reaching out to lawmakers to advocate for a long-term highway bill;
  • humanizing truck drivers as friends, family and neighbors with a critical job to do; and
  • elevating trucking industry pride and positioning TMAF as the vehicle to show that pride.
The strategic approach consisted of engaging the member database through digital distribution of TMAF updates and marketing materials; developing op-eds with American holidays for news hooks and placing them in publications across the country; creating effective social media content and videos; implementing targeted ad campaigns to engage lawmakers and the motoring public; and adding an e-commerce section to www.truckingmovesamerica.com. The campaign results that led to TMAF’s recognition, included the following:
  • Member Database: TMAF increased its email membership database to 2,100, encouraging visitors to subscribe via the website and download helpful materials.
  • Media Coverage: TMAF distributed news through press releases and secured coverage in 50 media outlets, including 26 op-eds in local publications.
  • Digital Communications: 2015 was an exceptional year for TMAF in the digital space, including:
    • Facebook: A 199 percent increase in fans and more than 2 million impressions.
    • Twitter: A 118 percent increase in followers and more than 1 million impressions.
    • Videos: TMAF filmed and produced a series of videos highlighting industry professionals’ personal pride in their jobs, their safety records, and the importance of trucking to the U.S. economy.
  • Paid Advertising: TMAF implemented two targeted advertising buys in 2015. A lawmaker campaign yielded 165,870 impressions in print ads, a click-through rate of 0.15 percent on website-banner ads, and nearly 1 million impressions from 26 radio spots; a consumer campaign during NTDAW reached a total circulation of more than 1.5 million readers in major daily newspapers.
Story Partners, a Washington, D.C. public relations firm that manages the advertising, marketing and digital communications for TMAF, submitted the entry. The winners in each Platinum PR Award category will be announced on Oct. 19 in New York City.
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About Trucking Moves America Forward
Trucking Moves America Forward is a long-term industry-wide movement established to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future.

Trucking Moves America Forward Recognizes 35 Companies and Individuals for Displaying TMAF Trailer Wraps

Industry Rallies to Promote Trucking with ‘Moving Billboards’

Washington, D.C., May 25, 2016 – Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) today recognized 35 organizations and individuals who purchased one or more TMAF-branded wraps for display on their company trailers, signifying a growing enthusiasm within the industry to educate the motoring public on trucking’s essentiality to business and commerce.

“Trucking truly does move America forward, but we need to do a better job of promoting that message,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express, Inc., and first vice chairman of American Trucking Associations. “By putting more of TMAF’s bold trailer wraps on the road, we hope to do our part in proudly demonstrating that trucking is the backbone of this country.”

TMAF would like to thank the following individuals, companies and organizations: Admiral Transport Corporation, American Trucking Associations, Baylor Trucking, Bill Graves, C.B. Wilson Transport and Truck Repair LLC, Carbon Express, Inc., Erb Transport Inc, Excargo Services Inc, Fox Valley Technical College, Garner Transportation Group, Georgia Motor Trucking Association, Goggin Warehousing, Horizon Freight Lines, Inc., Illinois Trucking Association, John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center, Jet Express, Inc., Jung Truck Service, Keller Trucking, Kenan Advantage Group, Inc., K-Limited Carrier, Ltd., Load One, Milwaukee Area Technical College, MTC Truck Driving School, Pinellas Technical College, Pottle’s Transportation, LLC, Regency Transportation, Inc., Steelman Transportation, Texas Trucking Association, TCW Inc., Titan Transfer, Inc., TransLand, U.S. Legal Services, Holland, Waukesha County Technical College and Werner Enterprises, Inc.

“Reaching our goal of putting 100 TMAF-branded trailer wraps on the road in one year was a major achievement, and we could not have done it without the generosity and enthusiasm of these trucking companies and individuals,” Burch added. “Each of these moving billboards sends an important message about our industry – and we owe a special thanks to Holland and Load One for putting 20 and 14 trailer wraps, respectively, on the highways.”

TMAF first announced its trailer decal wrap program in July 2015, calling it a major education initiative to inform the motoring public on the trucking industry’s benefits and mission. With seven million trucking professionals working nationwide, the full trailer decal wraps provide an opportunity for the motoring public to learn not only about the industry’s contribution to America’s economy, but how important trucking is to their everyday lives. Each of these ‘moving billboards’ is seen by as many as 16 million people per city. TMAF’s goal is to put another 200 wraps on the road by March 2017.

Available to members of the trucking industry are 53-foot trailer wraps, tank truck wraps, and 28-foot pup wraps. To order a wrap today, contact TMAF@trucking.org.

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About Trucking Moves America Forward

Trucking Moves America Forward aims to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future. To learn more, visit www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com.

 

Also join and follow TMAF through social media, on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

TMAF Announces Its Continued Support for Infrastructure Week

For Second Consecutive Year, Industry Group Joins National Movement to Show ‘Infrastructure Matters’

Washington, D.C., May 16, 2016 – Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide image and education movement, announced it will be an official affiliate of Infrastructure Week 2016 – a series of events, education, and advocacy efforts aimed at bringing infrastructure to the forefront as a critical issue impacting all Americans.

“We’re proud to support Infrastructure Week once again because the trucking industry knows firsthand how important safe, state-of-the-art roads are to making our jobs possible,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express, Inc., and first vice chairman of American Trucking Associations. “We are committed to safety for our drivers and everyone they share the road with – and, as any driver will tell you, well-built roads, bridges, and tunnels are key to helping us fulfill that commitment.”

TMAF will join hundreds of organizations from the public, private, and non-profit sectors in raising awareness around the need to invest in the infrastructure that makes up the backbone of the United States. This year’s theme is “Infrastructure Matters,” and throughout the week, affiliates will demonstrate how infrastructure matters to the country, the U.S. economy, quality of life, safety, and communities; they will also urge leaders from the public and private sectors to address the country’s trillion-dollar infrastructure investment gap.

“We often speak about everything that trucking brings communities – the food on your shelf, the medical supplies for hospitals and the supplies in your schools – but what some may not realize is that our jobs rely on infrastructure to make that happen,” said Burch. “Infrastructure Week aligns with our priorities and is yet another opportunity to join powerful voices in telling our story and how it affects all Americans.”

Last year’s Infrastructure Week brought nearly 30 mayors and dozens of state legislators, business executives, and labor leaders to participate in events on Capitol Hill; in addition, affiliates met with more than 300 members of Congress and their staffs, while Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx also addressed the issue.

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About Trucking Moves America Forward

Trucking Moves America Forward aims to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future. To learn more, visit www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com.

 

Also join and follow TMAF through social media, on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Marking Its Second Year, Trucking Moves America Forward Demonstrates Successes in its Mission to Shift Industry Image

At Mid-America Trucking Show, industry movement announces milestones; requests continued support

 

Louisville, Ky. – March 31, 2016 –Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide image and education movement, is making significant strides in its mission to change the perception of the trucking industry. TMAF announced its achievements from the past year during a press conference at the 2016 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), the same venue where the organization publicly launched in March of 2014.

Leading off the press conference in Louisville, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express, Inc., and first vice chairman of American Trucking Associations Kevin Burch, cited several successes achieved by a wide range of education and communications efforts, particularly seeing 100 TMAF-wrapped trailers on the road.

“After a successful first year, we knew there was still much that needed to be done to work toward changing perceptions and building a more positive image of the trucking industry, and I’m happy to say we’ve exceeded expectations to date,” said Burch. “I want to sincerely thank all of our members and supporters for helping us come this far since launching TMAF here at MATS two years ago.

“I’m especially proud to announce today that we now have achieved our goal of putting more than 100 TMAF-branded trailer wraps on the road,” said Burch. “These ‘moving billboards,’ each seen by as many as 16 million people per city, are sending a message every day that our industry is more than just large vehicles on the highways; we’re moving America forward by transporting the products and freight that make life possible, serving as an essential provider to our communities and adding value to our economy.”

The TMAF-wrapped truck will be parked in the front North Pavilion during the duration of the conference.

Leaders of TMAF and professional drivers presented an overview of the movement’s other major accomplishments through its consistent and dedicated marketing, education and recruiting efforts throughout 2015. To date, TMAF is pleased to announce the following achievements:

  • more than 100 trailer wraps purchased;
  • more than 180 donors;
  • more than 2,100 subscribers;
  • 34,455 YouTube views (a year-over-year increase of 136 percent);
  • 7,674 Facebook likes (a year-over-year increase of 329 percent);
  • 1,870 Twitter followers (a year-over-year increase of 210 percent);
  • in earned and owned media more than 20 million impressions, which includes 12 press releases issued and 50 news stories (24 news stories and 26 thought leadership editorials);
  • more than 3.3 million advertising impressions
  • and more than 2 million impressions due to in-kind donations from media outlets including Transport Topics, Landline Magazine, Sirius XM Radio and more.

Todd Spencer, executive vice president and board member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), spoke on behalf of industry owner-operators.

“There is a lot that we can celebrate today – and I’m especially encouraged by the way in which TMAF has supported the rights of drivers while connecting our entire industry,” said Spencer. “I look forward to seeing TMAF continue to expand, because whether you’re an owner, driver, supplier, or other industry professional, the movement helps shine a positive light on one’s career and contributions.”

Professional truck driver Don Logan with FedEx Freight and an America’s Road Team Captain, also spoke about the important role TMAF has played in improving the image of truck drivers across our nation’s roads and highways.

“Millions of people contribute to the story of the trucking industry and, as drivers, we recognize that we are the face of the industry,” said Logan. “We take that responsibility seriously, and that’s why we’ve seized the opportunity – with the help of TMAF’s many resources – to show how safety on the road, respect for fellow drivers, and commitment to our communities are central to our professional roles.”

Also at MATS, TMAF will encourage industry professionals to join the movement by signing the TMAF Ambassador’s Pledge. Those who take the pledge, at one of the participating show booths – American Trucking Associations, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Pilot Flying J, Kentucky Trucking Association, Tennessee Trucking Association and American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) – will be entered into a raffle to win an iPad mini or TMAF-branded merchandise. The drawing will take place on Friday, April 1 at 5 p.m. in front of the trailer featuring a TMAF wrap, in the North Pavilion area.

TMAF continues to expand its presence online via www.truckingmovesamerica.com, offering the industry valuable resources. The site’s member resources section provides downloadable videos, advertisements, speeches, editorials, press releases, fact sheets and more for those who sign up. These materials can also be obtained by contacting info@truckingmovesamerica.com.

The site also now includes the TMAF e-store, shoptmaf.com, where hats, polo shirts, t-shirts, tumblers, and other TMAF-branded items such as backdoor decals are available for purchase to demonstrate one’s pride in trucking.

Throughout 2016, TMAF’s goals will be to continue to activate and engage the industry through education sessions, speeches, marketing and public relations strategies; support local and state advocacy efforts focused on improving highway infrastructure and the operational environment; develop strategies for the public message by aligning with research measurements; continue to build pride within the trucking industry to make trucking an attractive career option; and encourage fundraising at all levels of contributions, big and small.

There is also a goal to see an additional 200 trailer wraps on the road.

Said Burch: “There is much more work to do, and we need your support. Every donation counts. Every Facebook Like counts. Every trailer wrap on the road counts. Every positive news story counts. Every in-kind donation or service counts.  It’s a movement that cannot happen without you.”

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About Trucking Moves America Forward

Trucking Moves America Forward aims to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future. To learn more, visit www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com.

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