Page 55 - ATR 5 2020 digital

Truck Convoy Goes Virtual for

Special Olympics Athletes

Arkansas trucking companies safe way. It has been so
and law enforcement have assembled inspiring to see the com-
a convoy every September for years to panies jump on board for
raise awareness and funds for Special 2020 by adding their own
Olympics Arkansas. Last year, more twists and energy!” Camie
than 155 trucks convoyed more than Powell, director of market-
30 miles around the Little Rock area ing and partnership for
before gathering for lunch and special Special Olympics Arkansas.
recognitions. To continue the tradition The result was
in 2020, some re-imagining allowed so successful that the  Tim Ziegler (JM Bozeman Enterprises)
drivers to virtually support Special planning committee is considering in Virginia
Olympians in Arkansas. adding an “on the road” version when
The two-week event challenged the traditional convoy returns in 2021,
companies and drivers to drive aware- allowing drivers to also participate in
ness to as many states as possible. creating awareness no matter where
Drivers marked their journey with they are in the US.
pictures and signs. They reported every
th
state they touched from September 13 
th
to 26 . The Convoy Challenge raised  Dwayne Martin (CalArk International)
over $31,000 and reached more than 40 in Houston, Texas
states with the help of these six carrier
partners; Maverick Transportation, ABF
Freight, CalArk International, Central
Hauling, and JM Bozeman Enterprises,
Walmart Transportation, and the
Arkansas Trucking Association.  Rodney Ashbrook (ABF Freight) with
“Truck Convoy is an event that family friend Lex in Houston, Texas
is steeped in tradition. Drivers and
companies keep mementos from each
event and rave about how many years
they have participated. When we real-
ized that we might have to exclude
2020 from the record books it became
extremely necessary to find a way to
engage with the truck drivers and
companies who have helped make
Truck Convoy a success. The Convoy
Challenge allowed us to still celebrate  Eric Curlett (Maverick Transportation)
in Owatonna, Minn.
Special Olympics Arkansas athletes
with our Truck Convoy partners in a

ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2020 55