OTA Dispatch Issue 3, 2020

17 www.ortrucking.org Issue 3 | 2020 We highlighted our industry on major television networks, radio, and in digital and print media through our drivers and CEO’s on why we matter. Our image reached a peak when we returned to the south lawn of the White House, where President Trump, flanked by America’s Road Team Captains, professional trucks drivers and tractor trailers, declared, “In the war against the virus, American truckers are the foot soldiers who are carrying us to victory.” Speaking after President Trump, United States Secretary of Transportation Chao added, “The whole country is cheering you on. Without you it would be impossible to keep our economy moving,” adding the industry would play a “critical part in helping our economy recover” once America is past the pandemic. ATA played a major part in organizing this event, which concluded with President Trump personally awarding a ceremonial key to Big G Express, FedEx Ground, DHL, and UPS Freight drivers that spoke at the event, as well as ATA president and CEO Chris Spear. President Trump and Secretary Chao both thanked God for truckers, sharing their personal appreciation for drivers and their countless heroic efforts during the COVID-19 fight. Just 24 hours after that Thursday afternoon event, on social media, #thankatrucker had 350 million impressions, swelling to 410 million hits the following Monday. As a result of this campaign blitz, Americans are now embracing our drivers and industry in ways never experienced. Whether it be school children in Minnesota writing letters to drivers, girl scouts gifting cookies to drivers at truck stops, the President of the United States on the White House lawn, or a group of citizens on the side of the road just waving a friendly sign; millions of people have expressed appreciation to the trucking industry for keeping our communities and economy supplied. Maybe they are just saying “thank you” for a job well done or maybe one day some of these kids who are witnessing firsthand the tremendous positive impact truck drivers have will go on to become professional drivers themselves. More Americans recognize that truck drivers are hardworking professionals who work diligently to safely deliver our goods on time. Motorists describe truck drivers as the ‘backbone of our country’ and give the industry credit for moving more freight than railroads or airlines. We are looking forward to seeing what a difference a year makes. We are excited to see our industry in the headlines, our workforce gain the respect they deserve, and look forward to highlighting all 7.8 million employed in the trucking industry.  Elisabeth Barna is the Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs and advisor to the President and CEO at the American Trucking Associations.