ATA Share the Road Truck Set to Begin 'Wreaths Across America' Convoy

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Dec 07, 2014, 09:00 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations' Share the Road truck will begin one of its most special journeys of the year, delivering a shipment of handmade wreaths as a part of the annual Wreaths Across America tour.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight.Trucking Moves America Forward.

"For many years now, ATA has been honored to play a part in this marvelous event," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "We're very proud that our Share the Road truck, as well as dozens of trucks and drivers from ATA member companies, are doing what they can during this holiday season to help remember and honor those who gave what President Lincoln called 'the last full measure of devotion.'"

The Share the Road truck, along with dozens of trucks from other motor carriers, will begin its journey from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery – one of 900 veterans' cemeteries that will be receiving more than 500,000 wreaths.

"Our nation's fallen servicemen and women gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and Mack is honored that our truck transports these wreaths to help signify our gratitude," said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing.

The convoy to Arlington will begin in Harrington, and arrive the morning of December 13, making stops at schools and other locations to educate the public about trucking safety and the mission of Wreaths Across America.

"It is tremendously humbling to pull up to Arlington Cemetery with such an important load," said Ralph Garcia, a Share the Road professional driver with ABF Freight System Inc. "Then to see the many veterans and families and volunteers come to unload these wreaths and lay them out, it is just such a privilege."

"To see so many of my fellow drivers on this important journey is such a wonderful thing," said Nate McCarty, a Share the Road professional driver with ABF Freight System. "I look forward to this trip as much as I do to any other run I make. It is an honor to be part of this convoy and a tremendously rewarding way to start the holiday season."

Garcia and McCarty are available for interviews during their trip, but also follow their progress via the ATA website, as well as, on Twitter and Facebook.

American Trucking Associations' Share the Road is a highway safety program that delivers life-saving messages to hundreds of U.S. cities and reaches millions of motorists annually, designed to educate automobile drivers about sharing the roads safely with trucks. The program, sponsored by Mack Trucks, Inc. and Michelin North America Inc., is represented by an elite team of professional truck drivers with millions of miles of accident-free driving. Follow the Share the Road on Twitter and Facebook.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations