Back on the Road winner gets a Volvo

Robert Snyder and his daughter, Savannah, stand next to the Volvo VNL 670 he won through Arrow Truck Sales’ Back On The Road competition.

Robert Snyder’s run of tough times ended March 26 when he was announced as winner of Arrow Truck Sales’ Back On The Road 2010 campaign, presented by Volvo Trucks North America.

Snyder, of Dunnellon, Fla., receives a 2007 Volvo VNL 670, courtesy of Volvo, a one-year work agreement with Heartland Express and other products and services.

“My dad isn’t like most fathers, husbands, or even like most guys who are going through hard times,” wrote his teenage daughter, Savannah Snyder, who nominated him for the award. “He constantly puts everybody before himself. Money is tight and our family is struggling.”

Financial problems began for Snyder, an 18-year driving veteran, when fuel became expensive and later with the onset of the recession. He became an owner-operator seven years ago, but was leased to a fleet that failed to pass along an adequate fuel surcharge.

As loads became scarce the last few years, Snyder found his career no longer provided for him, his daughter, and his disabled wife.

One breakdown away from losing his livelihood, Snyder has continued driving his 14-year-old truck with more than 1.5 million miles.