Page 50 - ATR 3 2012 web 2

THE laST Word

To my friends…

In May 2002, Sheridan garrison, founder May 16, 2002
of American Freightways, announced his
resignation from the Arkansas Trucking To those assembled in Little Rock for the Arkansas Trucking Association Business
Association Board of Directors, a position Conference
he had held continuously for many years.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s years earlier To My Friends—and Robert Young,
and with his company’s recent acquisition An important medical appointment prevents my being with you. You will be in my
by FedEx the previous year, garrison made thoughts though, for I am in the process of winding down my trucking career. Officially,
the decision to step away from the indus- my seemingly endless membership on the association’s board of directors is coming to
try he loved and to focus on his love of an end. Pray it will be merciful. Certainly it has been fulfilling.
fishing, hunting, and living in the moun- [garrison’s letter deviated here to tell a story and take some well-intentioned barbs at his
tains of northern Arkansas. friend and competitor Robert Young of ABF Freight System.]
Of course all of that was in jest. Robert and I learned a long time ago that competi-
He sent this letter to the association’s tors can be friends.
business conference, where it was read For various reasons many businesses do not or have not had a strong representative
aloud. Edited out of this letter are some association—like we have in the Arkansas Trucking Association.
colorful ‘digs’ at his longtime competitor Here we get together on a regular and as-needed basis to do combat with those who
and friend Robert A. Young III of ABF ignore the benefits of moving freight over the highway. Left alone the market will sort
Freight System, and who was in atten- itself out, and trucks will handle the vast majority of freight because shippers and receiv-
dance, thus the salutation. ers are smart enough.
Here we defend ourselves, including our employees, against an army of well-mean-
garrison understood the value of industry ing do-gooders, who would force-feed us programs that would make our industry less
associations to his company and to him efficient and less safe on the very highways we share with them and their families. All of
personally. In this issue where he and his us are for safety. That’s an easy call. But safety involves hard work and convincing proof
colleagues Robert Young Jr. and J.B. Hunt as well as new ideas.
are recognized, “Last Word” is devoted Here we come together to work for our customers as well as our industry.
to his thoughts on the subject. The values Here we have learned to put aside differences to work for the good of all.
that garrison derived from this organiza- Here we have made our living, raised our families and formed lifelong friendships.
tion are as relevant today as they were ten And so it is that we assemble here in Little Rock to say thanks to all those who
years ago. have worked for this association to serve our constituents – our customers, our people,
Lane kidd our suppliers, our investors and the general public whose highways, communities and
Executive Editor institutions we share. You have made the Arkansas Trucking Association an effective and
respected organization.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Respectfully,
F. S. Garrison
Founder & Chairman Emeritus
American Freightways
(FedEx Freight)

opinions expressed on this page may not reflect official policies or opinions of the Arkansas Trucking Association
or the American Trucking Associations.

50 aRkansas TRucking RePoRT | issue 3 2012