In The News
Trucking Moves America Forward celebrates NTDAW
WASHINGTON — Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide education and image movement, is honoring professional truck drivers in celebration of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) September 11-17, with a dedicated educational campaign.
"Our nation's professional truck drivers work tirelessly for us every day, delivering the products and supplies that keep our lives moving — and they do it consistently and safely. For that, and much more, we owe them our gratitude during NTDAW and throughout the year," said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF, president of Jet Express Inc., and incoming chairman of American Trucking Associations.
"We are so pleased to extend our education campaign this year, which is aimed at showcasing the necessity of truck drivers."
"It's easy to take for granted the fact that the trucking industry is critical to our daily lives and our economy," said Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. "While we need to celebrate 3.4 million drivers each and every day, this week is a specific reminder that these hardworking professionals strive to go the distance and deliver the goods, and most achieve accident-free milestones each year."
For a second year, TMAF is pleased to unveil a targeted advertising campaign created to inform, educate and inspire. The "Amateur/Professional" campaign depicts professional truck drivers in three informal or amateur scenarios — such as a baker, explorer or swim coach — showcasing their human and family sides.
Beginning today, TMAF billboards will be seen along major city highways and freeways for the first time. The TMAF billboard images, which portray #TruckingLife in the swim coach scenario, can be viewed for the next four weeks along major driving thoroughfares in Dayton, Ohio; Dallas; Missoula, Montana; Kansas City, Missouri; and Knoxville, Tennessee.
A combination of print and digital advertisements in those markets, as well as Indianapolis, will serve to remind consumers that professional truck drivers not only keep our country moving, but they are also our friends, family and neighbors who strive to arrive safely to their delivery destinations. To view these advertisements and the market locations, visit www.truckingmovesamerica.com/2016-advertising.
Also during NTDAW, an op-ed campaign will include editorials from TMAF leadership and professional truck drivers published in daily newspapers and industry trade publications, such as the Tennessean, Overdrive Magazine and the Daily Caller. These editorials aim to educate and inform the general public on the responsibilities of the driver and their commitment to safety.
TMAF will also be encouraging friends and followers to #ThankATruckDriver and celebrate professional truck drivers through its social media content; visitors will find #TruckingTrivia, shareable images and more on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout the week. Trucking professional and photographer Shannon Royce will "take over" the TMAF Instagram account for a couple of days.
To learn more and join the movement, visit www.truckingmovesamerica.com.
The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at [email protected].