Trucking industry launches image campaign

LOUISVILLE (March 26, 2014) — A coalition of trucking industry players, including the “Big 3” tire makers, is supporting an industrywide image and education campaign — called “Trucking Moves America Forward” — whose aim will be to build “political and grassroots support” for the industry's interests.

"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 of Trucking Moves America Forward and vice-president of Great West Casualty Co.

"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," Mr. Ponder said.

The initiative, supported by a diverse group of industry influencers, including leading executives, professional truck drivers and technicians, was announced at the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville. The organizers did not disclose its funding or budget to support the campaign.

Information about the initiative, including examples of an advertising campaign, is available online at www.TruckingMovesAmerica.com

"Trucking Moves America Forward is an on-going movement," said Kevin Burch, vice-chairman of Trucking Moves America Forward and president of Jet Express.

"Trucking is critical to the American economy, injecting more than $642 million into this country annually, and each person in the industry plays an important role in telling that story."

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 Corp.; Detroit Diesel Corp.; Eaton Corp. – Roadranger; GE Capital; Goodyear; Great West Casualty Co.; Hahn Transportation Inc.; Hendrickson, International; J.J. Keller & Associates Inc.; Jet Express Inc.; Kenworth Truck Co.; Longistics; Love's Travel Stops; Mack Trucks Inc;, Meritor; Michelin Americas Truck Tires; Motor Carrier Service Inc.; Old Dominion Freight Lines; Omnitracs Inc.; Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association; Pegasus; Peterbilt Motors Co.; Randall Reilly; Tennant Truck Lines; Tennessee Express Inc.; TransTech; Truckload Carriers Association;, TRW; and Volvo Trucks.