Without trucking, where would we be? For starters, Americans would not have food, clothing, or goods.

• Trucking is essential.
• Trucking is vital to the U.S. economy.
• Trucking is a great career option.
• Truckers are always there when you need them.

These are a few of the messages Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is sharing in their industry-wide movement. Launched in March 2014, TMAF’s mission is to create a positive image for the trucking industry and ensure that policymakers and the public understand the industry’s importance.

At Roberts Perryman, P.C.’s annual Trucking Leadership Symposium on June 4, 2015, TMAF provided an update on the movement’s progress into its second year. TMAF Co-chairman, President of Jet Express, Inc. and Second Vice Chairman of American Trucking Associations (ATA) Kevin Burch, along with President of Tennant Truck Lines, Inc. and Chairman of ATA Communications & Image Policy Committee Aaron Tennant and Senior Vice President of ATA’s Communications & Public Affairs Elisabeth Barna, spoke on behalf of TMAF, highlighting the importance of a truck driver and of the industry America takes for granted.

After raising over 70% of their $1 million goal in the first six months of launching, TMAF is now into their second year and continues to challenge everyone in the industry to join the movement. Goals for TMAF’s second year include supporting federal and state advocacy efforts, continuing fundraising effects, consumer ad campaigns, and promoting trucking as a great career option. Determined to provide a positive image for the trucking industry, TMAF allows truckers to tell their stories through advertisements and puts a human face on the industry.

TMAF believes a trucker should take pride in what they do, as they are professionals America depends on. Why? Because trucking provides a majority of the shipping and movement of goods in the United States. According to TMAF’s website, http://www.truckingmovesamerica.com, more than 80% of U.S. communities rely solely on trucking for delivery of goods. Chances are “if you bought it, a truck brought it.” So, whether it be your father, husband, neighbor, or friend – a trucker helps move America forward each day.

Promoting trucking as a great career choice is important to TMAF as truck drivers are in demand across the country. The Wall Street Journal recently reported a driver shortage across the trucking industry. http://www.wsj.com/articles/driver-shortage-ripples-across-trucking-industry-1435057224 The “Baby Boomer” truck drivers are retiring with fewer new drivers entering the profession. This has resulted in a shortage of 35,000 to 40,000 drivers, according to the ATA.

Want to join the TMAF movement? TMAF sells customizable banners and trailer wraps. Or, you can choose from several of TMAF’s shareable images to share on social media. An entire list of donors and information on how to make a contribution are available on TruckingMovesAmerica.com.

Shareable Social Media Images from TMAF’s Website

Anna Newell is an associate attorney at Roberts Perryman.  Anna’s practice focuses on transportation, insurance coverage and defense.

Roberts Perryman has been a leader in transportation defense for over 50 years with offices in St. Louis and Springfield, MO and Belleville, IL. http://www.robertsperryman.com