Our industry does a lot of good – not just for the economy, but for other causes as well. If you doubt either point, consider three programs in the coming weeks.
Two trucking events will raise money for Special Olympics. This great cause serves more than 1.7 million persons with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries.
Last year at the Great American Trucking Show, the Trucking Challenge of the Genders raised $11,500 for the charity. This spirited event returns to Dallas on Aug. 27, pitting last year’s winner, Ingrid “Half Pint” Bell of Zionville, N.C., against Ed “Big Ed” Hutchison of Edmond, Okla., in a driving skills showdown.
A more established effort that benefits Special Olympics is the World’s Largest Truck Convoy, Sept. 24. Three thousand truck drivers and law enforcement representatives are expected to participate via separate convoys in 35 states and two Canadian provinces. The 2004 convoy had 1,136 participants and raised more than $224,000.
Finally, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2005 takes place Aug. 21-27. There’s a lot to appreciate, as American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves points out: “With trucking delivering nearly 70 percent of the freight moved in this country, and with over 80 percent of our communities depending solely on trucking to deliver their food, clothing, and other necessities, it is an important job, and the men and women who do it deserve our thanks.”
I hope every fleet owner will find some way to show appreciation for owner-operators and company drivers this month. And to all our readers, thanks for a job well done.
–Brad Holthaus, Publisher
