Panther CEO Hits the Road for 'Drive to Fill the Truck'

SEVILLE, Ohio, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrew Clarke, President and Chief Executive Officer at Panther Expedited Services, announced today that he will be hitting the road again the week of December 13th for Panther's Annual 'Drive to Fill the Truck' Toys for Tots campaign.  In 2009, Clarke and Ed Wadel, Panther CIO, teamed up in a Panther Sprinter van to raise money for Toys for Tots.  

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101207/CL13334LOGO )

This year, Clarke has upped the ante.  Clarke obtained his CDL (commercial driver's license), giving him the opportunity to drive a 22' straight truck and generate even more money. "Like last year, I am going to work as an 'owner-operator' for one week," Clarke explained. "I'll be teamed up with Lynn Brumfield, another Panther owner-operator, picking up and delivering freight.  Living on the road with no special treatment," Clarke added, "It's exciting; we've already tripled the amount of donations we generated last year and we are well on our way of reaching our $20,000 goal for 2010."

Clarke added, "Panther's dedicated owner-operators are at the core of our company's success.  Mr. Brumfield has driven for Panther since 2002, is a fleet owner, and has been an active member of Panther's Driver Council.  Lynn's generously donating his time and experience for a great cause.  My job is to ensure our owner-operators have more opportunities and a higher quality of life than they can get at any other transportation company. This is another opportunity for me to walk in the shoes of a Panther owner-operator and truly understand their day-to-day challenges."

Clarke will be blogging about the experience throughout the week, posting pictures and video at www.pantherexpedite.com/drivetofillthetruck and at http://www.expeditersonline.com/sub/pantherii/2010/.

To support the campaign, Panther will hold a Holiday Event at their corporate headquarters in Seville, OH on December 12th, 2010 from 1pm-4pm.  Everyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy will receive complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies, and a picture with Santa. Panther's Corporate headquarters will be a 24/7 toy donation site from December 1st through December 17th. Proceeds from the trip and all donations received will benefit Toys for Tots. Panther's goal is to fill a truck full of new, unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots this holiday season.

Panther provides domestic and international logistics solutions to blue chip corporations, government agencies, and transportation service providers around the world.  For further information on Panther's "Drive to Fill the Truck," visit www.pantherexpedite.com, or contact Stefanie Tesar at [email protected], (800) 685-0657 Ext 3618.

SOURCE Panther Expedited Services