PRESS RELEASE: Trucking Moves America Forward Advocates for Infrastructure Investment to Build Better Roads and Bridges During 7th Annual Infrastructure Week

TMAF Joins 500 Groups to Urge Lawmakers to:#BuildForTomorrow

Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, is advocating lawmakers to invest in better and safer roads and bridges as part of its affiliation with the seventh annual Infrastructure Week, May 13-20, 2019.

“With 3.5 million truck drivers on our highways every day working to deliver America’s goods, it’s imperative that we have safe and modern roads,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and president of Jet Express, Inc. “A strong infrastructure network is critical to the success of the trucking industry and all of America. Our lives, businesses and economy depend on it. Our leaders must address the nation’s infrastructure gap and provide the proper funding to #BuildforTomorrow because, as the industry’s latest television commercial shows, life won’t wait.”

To help promote Infrastructure Week and its message, TMAF published an editorial in the publication Morning Consult titled, “The Time to #BuildForTomorrow is Now.” The op-ed can be found here. TMAF also published a blog post on their blog page through Medium, which can be found here.

Throughout Infrastructure Week, TMAF will be sharing messages about how strong infrastructure is critical to the success of the industry on its other social media properties, which include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

In addition, TMAF provided social media content for the industry to use throughout Infrastructure Week, including shareable images, in their monthly social media content calendar, which is available to members of the trucking industry. To join the list and start receiving free social media content, email info@truckingmovesamerica.com.

To learn more about TMAF’s free promotional offerings, click here. To visit the Resources section of our website and access our free content, click here.

PRESS RELEASE: TMAF Provides National Polling Results on Perception of the Industry, Celebrates Milestones During Five-Year Anniversary

TMAF’s Research Confirms Positive Shift of Trucking Industry’s Image Louisville, Ky. – March 28 – Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, announced the results of a national poll and detailed five years of progress, in a press conference during their fifth anniversary at the 2019 Mid-America Trucking Show. TMAF commissioned new research last month to determine perceptions of the industry from the motoring public. The results confirm that the industry has been successful in shifting public perception toward a more positive image. Key findings include:

  • 67% of American drivers have a favorable view of the trucking industry. This was nearly the same as 2015 at 68%.
  • 74% of American drivers believe the trucking industry plays a very important role in the nation’s economy, up from 71% in 2015.
  • 70% of motorists are overwhelmingly positive about the trucking industry’s safety record; the same in 2015.
  • 86% view trucking as a career versus a temporary job, the same as 2015.
  • A growing percentage of American motorists, 57%, believe that trucks move more freight than railroads or airplanes, an increase from 49% in 2015.
  • Though a small percentage of motorists have seen, heard or read information about TMAF, of those who have, 83% have a more favorable view of the industry.

The online survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, surveyed 800 American adults with driver’s licenses from February 14-18, 2019, and it compared results from a replicated survey from 2015. A breakdown of the research findings, including verbatim responses, can be found at TruckingMovesAmerica.com. Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and president of Jet Express, Inc., said, “TMAF was founded five years ago to help shift the public’s perception of the trucking industry, which had suffered from an outdated and tarnished reputation. We’re proud of the milestones we’ve accomplished in five years. Our latest poll shows that more Americans recognize that truck drivers are hardworking professionals who work diligently to safely deliver our goods on time. Motorists have a much more positive view of the industry now, describing truck drivers as the  ‘backbone of our country.’ Americans also understand the industry plays a very important role in the country’s economy.” “As we enter our fifth year of operation, we will extend our message more broadly through our outreach and education efforts to reach more of the motoring public and aim to shift public perception even further,” Burch added. During the press conference, a video highlighted TMAF’s accomplishments over five years since its inception, including:

  • 200 donors
  • 3,410 subscribers
  • 240 trailer wraps on the road, reaching a total of 38.4 billion Americans each year
  • More than 344 million advertising impressions
  • More than 200 earned media placements totaling 162 million impressions
  • 16, 276 Facebook followers; 4,586 Twitter followers; 1,100 Instagram followers
  • 24 blog posts

TMAF’s 2018 accomplishments are showcased in their newly released 2018 Annual Report titled “Miles in a Movement: Advancing the image of the trucking industry.” To view the report, visit the website or click here. An infographic that summarizes the report is included online. Highlights of TMAF’s accomplishments in 2018 alone include:

  • 35 million billboard impressions and 385K social media impressions during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
  • 47 earned media stories and placed 11 op-eds, resulting in 35.5 million print impressions.
  • 254 million radio listener impressions.
  • 16,000 Facebook followers; 4,500 Twitter followers
  • 116% growth on Instagram; 79% growth on LinkedIn.
  • Mascot Safety Sammy traveled across the U.S. and helped TMAF reach more than 130,000 attendees at events.

Preview of MATS: Join Us As We Celebrate TMAF’s Five Year Anniversary at MATS

TMAF was launched five years ago at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) and we’re excited to celebrate our anniversary with you!

During MATS, from Thursday, March 28 to Saturday, March 30, stop by TMAF’s booth,#40569 in the North Wing Lobby, to show your industry pride and grab a photo with our industry mascot Safety Sammy. We”ll also have window clings, handheld fans and more!

Members of the media are invited to join us at 11 AM on Thursday morning for TMAF’s press conference, which is being held in Room C101. TMAF leaders will unveil our latest poll results on the image of the industry and share about our growth and success over the past five years. To RSVP or learn more, contact info@truckingmovesamerica.com.

During MATS, don’t forget to upload your photos with Safety Sammy to your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages. Use the hashtag #SafetySammy for a chance to be featured on TMAF’s social media channels.

P.S. — Make sure you follow TMAF on Instagram: @truckingfwd. Safety Sammy will be taking over the TMAF Instagram later this month as we count down the days until MATS. You won’t want to miss it.

PRESS RELEASE: Trucking Moves America Forward Shines a Light on Industry’s Charitable Work Coast to Coast During Holiday Season

From Hurricane Relief Efforts to Clothing Donations, the Industry Shows Pride in Giving Back

Washington, D.C. – December 20 –Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, is sharing the industry’s honorable charity efforts during this holiday season after an industry-wide call for submissions through email and social media.

“From participating in efforts to feed the hungry and support our veterans, to collecting and delivering toys, shoes and other donations for those in need, the trucking industry has always taken great pride in giving back to the communities we serve,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and president of Jet Express, Inc. “Our trucking companies, drivers and employees united to donate their time, money and supplies, to help others. TMAF is proud to share a collection of efforts of the organizations and companies who supported those in need this year this holiday season.”

Below is a list of trucking companies and industry organizations, consisting of all sizes and ranging in states from coast to coast, that are making a difference in American communities:

  • American Trucking Associations’ America’s Road Team helped deliver the items necessary for the Snowball Express event hosted by the Gary Sinise Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps America’s veterans, first responders and their families. America’s Road Team transported the items for the event from Dallas, Texas to Orlando, Florida.
  • American Trucking Associations’ Share the Road program participated in the Wreaths Across America convoy from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery carrying more than 3,900 wreaths to be placed on the graves of America’s fallen heroes. The convoy made stops in communities along the trip to Arlington, met with Gold Star Families, and showcased the important role trucking plays in honoring America’s fallen service members. ATA staff joined Share the Road truck drivers Nate McCarty and Ralph Garcia of ABF Freight to help disperse wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Albany, New York-based Bestpass collected items for “Goodnight Bags,” for a local human services agency. The “Goodnight Bags,” which include items such as small blankets, flashlights, sketch pads, color pencils, crayons and stuffed animals, help make a child’s stay at The Equinox Domestic Violence Shelter as homey as possible. Bestpass also provided support and donated services for other causes through its #BestpassGives community outreach program.
  • CFI, out of Joplin, Missouri, donates to several charities, including Salvation Army, Bethany House, and Wilmer’s Initiative to Spread Hope. This holiday season, CFI donated 51 Christmas trees to local schools, senior centers and Children’s Haven. CFI also donated to Wreaths Across America.
  • Goodyear, Arizona-based Contracted Driver Services donated blankets to The Honey Foundation, which provides blankets, jackets and socks to local homeless shelters during the holiday season.
  • Employees of DriverFacts, based out of Anaheim, California, give back through a variety of ways, including serving annually in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky at Big Creek Missions; making visits to Veterans Centers, Adult Day Care Centers, Convalescent homes, work in schools, and delivering food boxes and helping weatherize homes; helping to raise funds for Wreaths Across America at an annual banquet in Washington D.C. and participating in their local wreath laying ceremony and raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Gold Rush Cure Foundation.
  • Garner Trucking, based out of Findlay, Ohio, participated in the 13th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive coordinated with The University of Findlay, and provided two trucks, trailers and drivers to accommodate the food hauling of over 97,400 pounds of food. Garner Trucking also delivered a truckload of wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery and Maine for Wreaths Across America, and employees donated coats to a local Coats for Christmas campaign and adopted a veteran and his family for the holiday season through the Salute a Veteran for the Holidays program.
  • Defiance, Ohio-based Keller Logistics Group serves as a donation processing center for Soles4Souls, a global nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty through the distribution of shoes and clothing. To date, Keller Logistics Group has collected and processed 16,867 pairs of shoes. Keller Logistics Group also supports veterans through the Keller Assists Veterans in Crisis program, which has raised $181,173 in donations, and by helping deliver wreaths to cemeteries across Ohio for Wreaths Across America Day.
  • Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), based out of North Canton, Ohio, participated in Project North Pole through the Domestic Violence Project, Inc. and helped support a few specific families at one of the local shelters. KAG also hosted a holiday party for their cleaning crew. Additionally, a KAG Dispatcher collects toys and donates them to the Midland County Probate & Juvenile Court Foster Care Program and Midland County Foster Closet.
  • Load One, LLC, based out of Taylor, Missouri, donated winter jackets to students in need at a local elementary school. Load One transported the jackets from Chicago, Illinois and used their warehouse to sort the jackets before delivering them to the school.
  • San Diego, California-based Lytx partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of San Diego. Lytx employees participated by providing gifts for ten families that they “adopted.” Employees could select tags hanging from a tree in the Lytx lobby with the families’ “wish lists” items and return the wrapped presents under the tree. Lytx employees also served lunches to those in need at Father Joe’s Village, San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, which provides care to nearly 1,800 individuals daily.
  • The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) raised $35,000 for its Trucks and Toys program, which helps connect children in need at local charities with holiday gifts provided by trucking industry professionals. This year, MTA members were able to donate over 3,000 toys to charities throughout the state of Minnesota. MTA members also raised $11,000 to donate to a local state senator’s Annual Stock the Shelves event, which collects funds for Hunger Solutions Minnesota. 
  • The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund, which includes the American Truck Dealers (ATD), provided financial assistance to employees from three commercial truck dealerships in North Carolina and South Carolina who sustained personal property damage from Hurricane Florence.
  • Omnitracs, based out of Dallas, Texas, partnered with a variety of charities, including Wreaths Across America Foundation; Omnitracs pledged $25,000 to purchase 2,500 wreaths for wreath-laying ceremonies across the nation. Omnitracs’ individual offices also supported local charities. The team in Minnetonka, Minnesota held a food drive and donated 499 pounds of food and made a monetary donation to its local food shelf. The Omnitracs’ team in Oakville, Ontario partnered with The Mississauga Food Bank and raised $1,032.78 through an online giving page and donated 187 pounds of food.
  • Pilot Flying J, based out of Knoxville, Tennessee, donated $2 million to more than 20 nonprofit organizations that support veterans and those in need throughout the communities they serve, including Hire Heroes USA, Boys and Girls Club of America and Feeding America.
  • Commercial Vehicle Driving instructors from Florida’s Pinellas Technical College (PTC) delivered a trailer full of wreaths to Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg. The wreaths were placed at the headstones of fallen heroes during the Wreaths Across America Day.
  • Prime Inc., based out of Springfield, Missouri, hosted a dodgeball tournament to raise money and toy donations for Toys for Tots.
  • R&M Freight, based out of South Hampton, New Hampshire, a member of the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association, donated their trailer at the Newington Mall for the Marine Toys for Tots Program, which was filled with donations.
  • SH 130 Concession Co., which operates and maintains Segments 5 & 6 of SH 130 from Mustang Ridge to Seguin, Texas, partnered with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department’s Brown Santa program, which distributes hundreds of toys across the county in Central Texas. SH 130 Concession Co. provided over 70 toys, books and games that will go to families needing a little extra help this holiday season.
  • Knoxville, Tennessee-based Skyline Transportation, Inc. donated a tractor, trailer and drivers in support of the Mission of Hope Christmas Campaign, which delivers food, hygiene, new clothing and new toys to families in Appalachia. Skyline also helped deliver wreaths for Wreaths Across America. This year, Skyline delivered 200 boxes, just under 2,000 wreaths, from Maine to the Knoxville National Cemetery.
  • TransLand, based out of Springfield, Missouri, transported toys and helped package eggs and food for distribution for a local non-profit, Crosslines, which distributes holiday food and brand-new toys to thousands of neighbors in need. TransLand participated in Wreaths Across America, delivering a truckload of wreaths from Maine to national cemeteries in Illinois. Employees at TransLand also adopted a family of five to ensure they have a Merry Christmas.
  • The Texas Trucking Association’s Emerging Leaders Council coordinates an annual donation event for Toys for Tots. The council arranged the pickup and storage of toys from locations across the state, distributing more than 100 boxes and picking up donations from over 300 pickups. Participating member companies include: Canal Cartage, Gulf Intermodal Services, Point 2 Point, Scopelitis, Apex Capital, Central Freight, Walport, VOLVO, Refrigerated Transport Inc., The Fuentes Firm, CKJ Transport, Premier Refrigerated Warehouse, Great West, Mondics Insurance Group, Utility Trailer of Dallas, Bruckner Truck Sales of Dallas, Craddock Moving and Storage, Edward Jones of Plano.
  • Tri State Truck Center, Inc., based out of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, hosted their annual Haulin’ 4 Hunger Program, which provides fresh meals to almost 13,000 food insecure community residents.
  • The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and its member companies were instrumental in the delivery of the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s The Wall That Heals, as well as Wreaths Across America remembrance wreaths this holiday season.

To learn more about TMAF and join the movement, visit https://live-trucking-moves-america.pantheonsite.io/.

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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 https://live-trucking-moves-america.pantheonsite.io/. Also join and follow TMAF through social media, on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and Medium.

PRESS RELEASE: Trucking Moves America Forward Celebrates America’s Truck Drivers During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Industry Launches Advertising and Digital Campaign to #ThankATrucker

Washington, D.C. – September 7, 2018 Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, today announced their plans for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 9-15, 2018. During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, TMAF will launch an advertising and digital campaign to thank the professional truck drivers on our road, as well as educate the public about the important contributions that truck drivers make and encourage them to #ThankATrucker.

“During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we thank the professional truck drivers who travel 4.5 billion collective miles each year to safely deliver the essential goods that help us live,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and president of Jet Express, Inc. “This week, we celebrate the drivers – the faces of our industry – and remind the public to appreciate and #ThankATrucker.”

TMAF is recognizing our nation’s 3.5 million dedicated truck drivers through many communications channels this year. Billboard advertisements will appear along interstates throughout the country to thank truck drivers while educating motorists. The billboards, which feature actual award-winning truck drivers from different states, depict the critical need for truck drivers in America, and how life’s essentials, such as food, gas or medicine would not be possible without truck drivers making those deliveries.

The billboards will appear on highways in Baltimore, Md.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Reno, Nev.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Des Moines, Iowa; Conway, Ark.; Little Rock, Ark.; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas, Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; Dayton, Ohio and Buffalo, N.Y.

As part of the advertising campaign, TMAF will also thank drivers over the radio airwaves, including on iHeartRadio, Road Dog Trucking Radio on Sirius XM and Westwood One’s Red Eye Radio. You can listen to the radio spots at the TMAF website.

As part of this year’s digital campaign, TMAF will share messages thanking drivers across its social media properties, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. The social media content will demonstrate the important and fun fall activities and events that America enjoys – all brought to us by a professional truck driver.

In addition to the advertising and digital campaign, TMAF published an op-ed titled, “Celebrating truck driver’s contributions to our country,” on Foxnews.com. The op-ed will appear Saturday, September 8 here.

All campaign images can be viewed at: https://live-trucking-moves-america.pantheonsite.io/2018-advertising/.

PRESS RELEASE: Trucking Moves America Forward Advocates for Infrastructure Investments During Infrastructure Week

Industry Unites to Spread Message: The future won’t wait. Neither can we. It’s #TimeToBuild

Washington, D.C. – March 14, 2018 –Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, announced it is once again an official affiliate of Infrastructure Week, which will take place May 14-19. Infrastructure Week is a series of events, education, and advocacy efforts aimed at highlighting infrastructure as a key policy issue nationwide. This year’s message is, “The future won’t wait. Neither can we. It’s #TimeToBuild.”

“Strong infrastructure is critical to the success of the trucking industry and economic security of all of America,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and president of Jet Express, Inc. “TMAF is proud to unite with a diverse coalition of transportation and infrastructure groups to bring awareness to the role that infrastructure plays in our daily lives, especially as the President and Congress work towards passing an infrastructure bill. Closing the nation’s infrastructure investment gap must be a top priority.”

To contribute to the week’s activities, TMAF published a blog on the Infrastructure Week website, which can be found here.

TMAF will be promoting messages on the need for stronger infrastructure on its social media properties, which includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Medium. TMAF is also running 30-second radio advertisements on WTOP News in Washington, Red Eye Radio and Nemo Radio. The radio spots can be found here.

PRESS RELEASE: Trucking Moves America Forward Announces Accomplishments in Industry Image Building on its Fourth Anniversary

Mascot Safety Sammy to Make First Appearance at Mid-America Trucking Show 

Washington, D.C. – March 14, 2018 –Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, today discussed its accomplishments in shifting the industry’s perception and promoting it more broadly during their 2017 year in review. TMAF also previewed its attendance at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) and announced that the mascot, Safety Sammy, will make its first appearance at the show this year. The press conference marked the four-year anniversary of TMAF, which was publicly launched at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in March 2014.

During the press conference, TMAF leaders, including Kevin Burch and Steve Ponder, co-chairs of TMAF, and Elisabeth Barna and Wendy Hamilton, executive committee members of TMAF,

introduced the newest member of the TMAF executive committee, Steve Bryan, President and Founder of Vigillo. The group’s remarks detailed the movement’s continued efforts to humanize and personalize the industry while promoting its significant economic importance to America. TMAF’s 2017 Annual Report, which is titled “The Many Faces of Trucking,” will be made available at MATS.

“As MATS approaches and we celebrate our fourth anniversary, it’s amazing to think of how much progress we have made since inception,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and president of Jet Express, Inc. “Through our public relations, social and digital media, marketing efforts, and more, TMAF continues to grow and gain even more support throughout the industry and public. We’re excited to share our progress in our 2017 Annual Report, and we’re looking forward to continuing to share our message nationally on trucking’s significant and positive contributions to America.”

TMAF leaders highlighted the movement’s accomplishments since March 2017, including raising more than one million dollars; the introduction of the industry mascot, Safety Sammy; the expansion of their trailer wrap program, which now has 190 tractor-trailer wraps appearing on trucks throughout the country; the state association billboard campaigns and the creation of a new educational video, “The Delivery,” which is shown at events across the country.

Further, in 2017, TMAF:

  • Generated 17.4 million billboard impressions and 26.6 million radio listeners during NTDAW 2017.
  • Generated 54 earned media stories and placed 13 op-eds in national, beltway and local publications that led to 83.9 million total media impressions.
  • Grew the email database to 3,517 subscribers.
  • Expanded social media presence to over 13,500 followers on Facebook, over 3,600 on Twitter, and saw 100% growth on Instagram.
  • Launched its blog through Medium to enlist industry authors and writers to share their personal stories.
  • Reached a potential in-person audience of more than 170,000 at trade shows and other events.

An infographic that summarizes the 2017 Annual Report can be found here.

At MATS, the industry mascot, Safety Sammy will make its first official appearance at the show. The mascot will be available during the start of the show each day at the Red Eye Radio booth and stage. Safety Sammy will also traverse the show floor with its big smile and flashing lights, and stop at several booths to greet attendees and take pictures. Attendees are encouraged to upload their images with Safety Sammy to their social media accounts and use the hashtag #SafetySammy.

PRESS RELEASE: Trucking Moves America Forward Applauds Trucking’s Charitable Work this Holiday Season

TMAF Shares List of Companies Giving Back this Year after Industry-Wide Call for Submissions

Washington, D.C. – December 18 –Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, proudly recognizes the trucking industry’s charitable work to give time and support to local communities. TMAF compiled a list of organizations and companies who submitted their good works after a call for submissions through email and social media.

“During this holiday season, it’s the ideal time to show gratitude to those in the trucking industry who are giving back to their communities while continuing to move America forward,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and president of Jet Express, Inc. “TMAF is proud to highlight the many organizations and companies who donate their time and support to those less fortunate and those in need. From natural disaster relief efforts, to feeding the hungry, we are pleased to highlight the charitable contributions.”

Below is a list of trucking companies and industry organizations of all sizes that are making a difference in American communities from coast to coast:

  • American Trucking Associations once again participated in the Wreaths Across America convoy from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, delivering more than 3,500 wreaths. ATA also began raising money and awareness for the newly established Trucking Cares Foundation.
  • American Truck Dealers (ATD) members assisted with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey by providing more than 50,000 hot, fresh meals throughout the week for evacuees, first responders and volunteers. They provided drivers and trucks to transport food from Orlando, Fla., to Houston, delivered more than 20,000 pounds of smoking wood and diesel fuel for the refrigerated trucks and brought technicians for onsite repairs.
  • Celadon Trucking and Celadon Logistics, out of Indianapolis, Indiana, participated in an annual toy drive hosted by the local television station, WRTV Channel 6. Celadon provided drivers and trucks to coordinate the necessary logistics and transportation to ensure the donated toys were collected and delivered to the campaign center to distribute to children in need throughout Central Indiana.
  • CFI, out of Joplin, Missouri, is transporting remembrance wreaths for Wreaths Across America. CFI is also delivering coffee donations to military airfields. Earlier this year, CFI hosted their annual Truckloads of Treasures fundraiser, raising over $43,000 for various charity groups.
  • Dart Transit Company, out of Eagan, Minnesota, is transporting Christmas wreaths through Wreaths Across America for the 8th year in a row. They are also delivering toys through the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program and collecting food donations for a local food shelf.
  • Defiance, Ohio-based Keller Logistics Group is working with Soles4Souls, a global not-for-profit institution dedicated to fighting poverty through the distribution of shoes and clothing. They are also delivering memorial wreaths to cemeteries throughout Ohio.
  • Members of DriverFacts, out of Anaheim, California, give back in many ways, including through partnering with local groups to provide toys and food to families in need, raising money for community programs, and volunteering to help after unfortunate events occur, such as Hurricane Harvey. DriverFacts owners and employees also participate in the Wreaths Across America laying ceremony at their local cemetery.
  • Garner Trucking, out of Findlay, Ohio, is participating in several community events, including a holiday charity walk and a coat drive. Members are also honoring fallen veterans by sponsoring a local wreath laying in conjunction with the national Wreaths Across America event, which Garner Trucking is also participating in at Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Members of Helmbolt Express, out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, volunteer at the South Dakota Special Olympics and provide support for charity groups and the homeless.
  • Huff Contractors, Inc., out of West Harrison, Indiana, participated in the “Team Up for Texas” mission in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, delivering food, water and other supplies.
  • Every year since 2011, employees of Porter Construction, Inc. based in Norfolk Nebraska, donate toys to Toys For Tots. They also gave and collected donations for a local food shelter.
  • The Minnesota Trucking Association, out of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, started the Trucks & Toys program more than 20 years ago to brighten the holidays for children in need throughout Minnesota. All money donated throughout the year is used to purchase toys for children. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the children. This year, members raised over $31,000 and donated a total of 3,113 toys to charities throughout the state of Minnesota.
  • Since Hurricane Harvey, the National Automobile Dealers Association Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund, raised $2.5 million for relief efforts to provide financial assistance to dealership employees and their families impacted by the hurricanes, floods and wildfires this year.
  • OOIDA, out of Grain Valley, Missouri, sponsors an annual campaign to raise funds to provide comfort packages to armed forces stationed overseas and for those who need assistance at veterans’ facilities in the United States. Since 2007, over $560,000 has been raised to send packages to over 50,000 troops.
  • Pilot Flying J gives back to the local communities in which they operate, trucking affiliated non-profits, veteran organizations and various humanitarian organizations during the holidays. One example is through partnering with Food Donation Connection (FDC) to combat hunger in areas where Pilot Flying J is present by donating food items to local non-profits and food bank agencies. They aim to surpass their 2017 goal with more than 200,000 pounds of food donated in 2018.
  • West Lebanon, New Hampshire-based Roadvision Systems partners with two groups, Girls On The Run and 1% For The Planet. They also support charities, including Operation Roger Truckers Pet Transport, which provides transportation for animals in need.
  • Schneider National, based out of Green Bay, Wisconsin, participates yearly in Wreaths Across America through their special Ride of Pride fleet.
  • Stewart Transport, based out of Phoenix, Arizona, sent volunteers with Champions for Christ Ministries to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, bringing a truckload of necessities.

In addition to these efforts and partnerships, trucking continues to contribute to every community in America, delivering the food, holiday gifts, and daily necessities that help to make this season brighter for all families. Earlier this month, professional truck driver Larry Spiekermeier, an owner-operator of Montana-based Whitewood Transport, delivered the Christmas tree to the U.S. Capitol this year and highlighted the importance of trucking’s role during the holiday season in a Fox News op-ed, as well as on Fox and Friends and Fox Business.

The TMAF holiday ornament featuring the Safety Sammy mascot was released earlier this year. To show one’s industry pride and to purchase an ornament for just $10, email TMAF@trucking.org. Visit http://www.shoptmaf.com/ to order TMAF-branded gear before the holidays.

To learn more and join the movement, visit https://live-trucking-moves-america.pantheonsite.io/.

TMAF: TMAF Honors America’s Truck Drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Billboard, Radio and Digital Marketing Complete 2017 #ThankATrucker Campaign

Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2017 — Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) honors America’s professional truck drivers this year with an education and marketing campaign comprised of messages of gratitude for their service.

“Truck drivers are 3.5 million strong, and their committed and safe work every day to deliver our nation’s most critical freight, is unbeatable,” said Kevin Burch, co-chair, Trucking Moves America Forward, chairman of ATA and president of Jet Express. “We celebrate them all year, but this week provides an important opportunity to say thank you to our country’s professional truck drivers.”

TMAF is celebrating our nation’s truck drivers by saluting them with the message of #ThankATrucker along with images of drivers and their families on billboards on interstates throughout the country. Billboard images will appear in Dallas, TexasDayton, OhioMinneapolis, Minn.Des Moines, IowaNashville, Tenn.Jackson, Tenn.Billings, Mont.Reno, Nev.Phoenix, Ariz.Jackson, Miss.Columbia, S.C.Little Rock, Ark. and Albuquerque, N.M. from September 11-October 9, 2017.

TMAF will thank drivers over the radio airwaves on Redeye Radio Network on Westwood One, the Road Dog Channel on SiriusXM radio and iHeartRadio during the week of September 11, 2017.  WTOP News in Washington, DC will air TMAF spots during the am and pm drive time during that week.

To view all the advertisements including the highway billboard locations, visit https://live-trucking-moves-america.pantheonsite.io/advertising-2/2017-advertising/.

This year’s digital campaign will aim to educate the public online on the essential-to-life items as well as the everyday delights that a truck driver provides America’s families. The online campaign will be found on TMAF’s FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn channels.

TMAF has been educating the motoring public and convening the industry for three and a half years, to the story of the trucking industry, promoting its essentiality and ultimately aiming to shift the perception of the industry. In May, TMAF announced the creation of an industry mascot to further extend the positive, friendly and safe image of the industry. Safety Sammy will help promote trucking throughout the nation to industry and public events.

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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. Join and follow the TMAF conversation through social media, on FacebookYouTubeTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn. 

TMAF: TMAF Announces Industry Mascot’s Name at Great American Trucking Show

TMAF invites attendees to take selfies with Safety Sammy, the mascot

Dallas, TX, Aug. 26, 2017 –  Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry movement founded more than three years ago, to celebrate the trucking industry’s contributions to communities nationwide, revealed the name of the new industry mascot. On the Red Eye Radio stage at this year’s Great American Trucking Show (GATS) in Dallas, TMAF co-chair, Kevin Burch unveiled Safety Sammy as the official name of the truck mascot.

“We are thrilled to officially announce the industry mascot’s name here at GATS, one of the trucking industry’s premiere events,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express, Inc., and chairman of American Trucking Associations. “Our mascot brings to life the great aspects of trucking, offering the more human aspect of the trucking industry. Safety Sammy represents the safety we strive for each and every day on the road. We’re looking forward to taking Sammy coast to coast, to tell the vital trucking story.”

TMAF first unveiled the mascot at the Pilot Travel Center in Knoxville, Tenn. in May. Over four months, the mascot’s naming has included public participation from TMAF’s grassroots support network. Five finalist names were selected from among nearly 2000 entries from the public, and over 2,000 people have voted for their favorite. Safety Sammy beat out four finalist names: Axle, Bob Tail, Seymour S. Miles and Wheels.

For companies and organizations interested in promoting Safety Sammy at your next event, please email info@truckingmovesamerica.com.

TMAF has been building a groundswell of industry professionals for three and half years.  It aims to change the perception of the trucking industry by promoting its economic contributions to America and the tireless work of truck drivers to deliver safely, and on time, America’s freight. Through news stories, digital campaigns and grassroots efforts, TMAF continues to educate and promote the industry.

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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.