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TCA looking for additional drivers, carriers for wreaths transport

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Calling all professional truck drivers and motor carriers.

The Truckload Carriers Association needs your help with one of the most honorable projects the industry has ever chosen to support.

Over the years, the industry, led by the Truckload Carriers Association, has become an enthusiastic supporter of the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America and this year has stepped up its call for members of the trucking industry, and especially professional truck drivers, to participate in WAA’s signature event, National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 13.

And as the Wreaths Across America Day has attracted more publicity, donations for wreaths have increased, but so has the need for more trucks and drivers to haul them.

For the first time this year, carriers and drivers can go online at www.truckloadofrespect.com to choose a load.

At the site, participants can select a route to haul wreaths or donate money to support the cause. There is also a “sponsor a load” section for companies who may want to contribute funds so an owner-operator can participate without forfeiting revenue. For an owner-operator, that means the full cost of fuel and tolls will be covered by the sponsor.

Participants can sort by origination point, state, number of stops, and can even select a particular local cemetery. Although TCA may have to make final adjustments to the routes, at least carriers will have a general idea of the dates, times, routes and resources that will be needed.

Response has been wonderful this year, as carriers and drivers have signed up to haul 70 percent of the loads necessary to move the wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, and to other national cemeteries across the country.

“Now we need to secure equipment and drivers for those remaining 30 percent to ensure that all wreaths arrive in time for ceremonies on Dec. 13,” said TCA President Brad Bentley.

The Truckload of Respect website can also be used to purchase wreaths.

Because of the special 150th anniversary of Arlington National Cemetery, TCA’s goal is to help WAA raise enough money to sponsor 230,000 wreaths — close to 87,000 more than last year —which would cover every grave marker at the Cemetery.

Individuals and companies are asked to sponsor one wreath for $15, or a box of eight wreaths for $120. In addition, for $40 (includes shipping and handling), professional truck drivers can purchase a “Trucking Patriot Pair” — one wreath to attach on the grill of their truck and a corresponding wreath to be laid at Arlington on National Wreaths Across America Day — and join the rolling tribute of drivers honoring veterans.

For complete information on the TCA effort, visit www.truckloadofrespect.org.

The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at [email protected].

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