Moving Tribute: Trucking and Memorial Day

There’s a strong connection between the trucking industry and the military. Veterans find that their service experience is a solid match for the kinds of jobs available in transportation. Trucking companies understand that the “get the job done” approach that combines independent problem solving skills with a dedication to teamwork makes veterans some of their best employees, no matter what the job.

With so many veterans working in the industry, it’s not surprising that Memorial Day looms large in the trucking world, as so many remember fallen comrades and pay tribute to all who made the ultimate sacrifice. They are represented by the specially designed Volvo and Mack Ride for Freedom, and Freightliner/Schneider Ride of Pride trucks that accompany thousands bikers on an annual Memorial Weekend motorcycle rally to Washington, D. C. That enormous event is mirrored in thousands and thousands of individual remembrances by trucking companies and truckers.

Memorial Day marks the official beginning of summer for many, the first three-day weekend of the year warm enough for a backyard get-together with friends.

As with so many other official holidays, it is not necessarily a day off work for the country’s truck drivers.

So spread the word to those outside the industry. When they see a truck on their highway travels during this busy weekend, give a wave and a smile. There’s a good chance the man or woman behind the wheel once enlisted to serve our country (some estimates say about 40 percent of truckers are military vets) and feel the gravity of all that the day means. They deserve our thanks.