Trucking Moves America Forward is the trucking industry’s public relations push to try and spread the word about the good that the trucking industry does for the country. Now they’ve created a mascot as a way to give the initiative a literal friendly face… and it needs a name.
TMAF partnered with one of their largest financial contributors, Pilot Flying J, to unveil the mascot and announce the naming contest.
While technically a separate entity, TMAF is sometimes viewed as the public relations arm of the American Trucking Association. The chairman of the ATA, Kevin Burch, is also co-chair of TMAF.
“Trucking, for probably the last 10-15 years, has gotten a really bad rap on image and we’re trying to change that,” he said according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. “Back in the ’60s we were the knights of the road. If you had a problem on the road, a truck driver, male or female, would stop and help and assist, change a tire and whatnot. Nowadays, if somebody has a car on the side of the road, if a truck driver stops they’re rolling up their windows, locking the door and calling 911. We need to get back to that simple mentality that we are good people that move America’s goods.”
Burch also noted that since the trucking industry is facing a driver shortage, the industry needs as much help polishing the public image of truckers as possible. And he thinks a mascot will help.
“It’s an image thing,” said Burch. “So, this gives us the opportunity to do that.”
TMAF is accepting submissions for their naming contest via email to mascot@truckingmovesamerica.com for one month. After that, they will select their favorites, and open up voting to the public to select the final name.
Since the ATA and TMAF won’t be making all the submissions public, let us know what you think the mascot’s name should be in the comments section below.
Source: truckinginfo, ccj, knoxnews, thetrucker
Image Source: trucking moves america forward
Kevin Basler says
Since its an arm of ATA (Anti Truckers Association) lets call the mascot, I hate Drivers.
Lenwood Richardson says
I got a name for it how about “Rip off” as in at the ATA we assure that the drivers get ripped off everyday.
Daniel says
Mater.
Sandy says
Truckee SAM
Scott McFarland says
Name mascot “Hoody”.
darren says
driver back stabber
Cam Aulds says
“Cam”
It’s related to engines and trucking plus I’ve been attached to it my whole life.
Jim says
Every young person who comes my way asking about truck driving, I paint a real picture. Don’t do It! The ATA doesn’t speak for Me! They are the rip off kings.
bil.com says
If you are serious about the image of drivers you need to try to influence the industry to get back to the old adage, the ability to hold a steering wheel does not make a truck driver. In order to be a driver in the late 60’s, first you had to find someone to teach you how, and take you on as a swamper, for at least a year. A driver without a living reference, was very seldom hired in those days. Every owner required that you have all weather driving experience, in order to drive as Solo, or First driver on a team. I believe the reputation of drivers ib those days was because there was enough money made by owners and drivers , and the public in general, was allot more apathetic to drivers, because they were respected for their attitude about ” looking out for the motoring public “.
Jacon says
I used to stop and help often I knew other drivers that did also, I drove for a company that used to encourage stopping and helping break downs, flats etc. It’s not that we don’t care to stop and help any more with the eld’s and this idiotic thing called on- time- delivery, most of us that have been behind the wheel for some time have already seen a loss of pay and just can’t afford to lose any more…like our jobs due to stopping and helping a broke down 4 wheeler in any way.
Good luck on making truck drivers the white knights of the road way again.
Matthew C says
Name him “Jake”
John holt says
How about num nuts of America 😀