Freight News, Logistics, Road

Trucking Industry Delivers Water to Southeast

[ September 16, 2022   //   Gary G Burrows ]

The American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Cares Foundation, along with Trucking Moves America Forward have marshaled industry resources to deliver water to residents of Jackson, Mississippi and to Northwest Georgia who have been without fresh drinking water because of recent flooding.

“Our industry is among the first to respond when our fellow Americans are faced with tragedy,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Whether it is delivering water to the citizens of Jackson or other important relief supplies to aid in natural disaster recovery, the sound of diesel engines is a herald that help is on the way.”

Trucks from J&M Tank Lines and Yellow Corp. joined ATA’s Share the Road Truck and America’s Road Team driving Interstate One with ATA’s Louisa Swain trailer as part of an effort to deliver seven loads of fresh water to more than 150,000 city residents who have been under orders not to drink water following severe flooding in the region. In addition, the industry has raised more than $30,000 to fund ongoing relief efforts.

In addition, ATA delivered three truckloads of water to Northwest Georgia which has been stricken by flooding.

“I’m proud that our companies and drivers are helping out our neighbors in need,” said ATA Chairman Harold Sumerford Jr., president of J&M Tank Lines. “Trucking serves its community every day, but it is at times like this that our drivers literally provide a lifeline to Americans in need when you can really see our industry’s dedication to that service.”

The Trucking Cares Foundation is the trucking industry’s charitable arm, focusing on several core areas, including: humanitarian and disaster relief; eradicating human trafficking; leadership development; strengthening the industry’s relationships with law enforcement, the military and veterans’ organizations; safety and research opportunities.

Trucking Moves America Forward is the industry’s long-term movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry in the future.

Tags: American Trucking Associations’