In The News

Women In Trucking salutes the women behind the wheel on ESPN

PLOVER, Wis. — Viewers of the 2010 uDrove Humanitarian Bowl might be surprised to only see women in a 30 second commercial promoting the trucking industry. The Women In Trucking Association, through the support of Frito-Lay North America, Freightliner LLC, Walmart, and Internet Truckstop filmed the ad to honor the “women behind the wheel.”

The commercial features a white Freightliner tractor-trailer (driven by Walmart driver, Allyson Hay). It continues as photos of women posed by their trucks appear with the words, “professional,” experienced,” “dedicated,” and “pioneers.” A photo of the 2010 Salute to Women (www.salute2women.com ) appears before President/CEO Ellen Voie acknowledges the “women behind the wheel.”

S & E Productions, (www.sandeproductions.com ); a Franklin, Tenn., based video and audio production company produced the commercial.  Dave Edwards, co-owner and producer, worked with Women In Trucking and the ad’s sponsors to create the spot.  WIT member companies, Frito-Lay, Con-Way, Schneider National and US Xpress, supplied photos of female drivers.

Walmart provided the Freightliner truck and driver for the filming in Nashville, Tenn., which occurred in November.  “Despite the overcast skies and light rain, we were able to get the shots we needed,” Edwards commented.  “Allyson, a/k/a Cadillac, was patient and a real professional to work with and Ellen even remembered her lines,” he remarked.

“As a nonprofit association, the ability to obtain exposure on ESPN during a nationally televised football game is truly amazing,” said Voie.  “Without the generous support of Frito-Lay, Freightliner, Walmart and Internet Truckstop, this commercial would not have become a reality,” Voie added.   “Working with Allyson and the S & E production team was a lot of fun, even in a cold November drizzle!” she added.

The Women In Trucking commercial will be shown during the uDrove Humanitarian Bowl (www.humanitarianbowl.org ) on December 18th.  The Mid-American conference winner will play the Western Athletic Conference champion during the college play off in Bronco Stadium at Boise State University. The kick off is 3:30 pm MST and will be televised on ESPN.

Women In Trucking (www.womenintrucking.org ) was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.  Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generous support of Gold Level Partners, Frito-Lay North America and Walmart.

Barb Kampbell of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at [email protected] .

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