Trucking industry delivers water to Southeast

The American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Cares Foundation, along with Trucking Moves America Forward have marshaled industry resources to deliver water to residents of Jackson, Mississippi and to Northwest Georgia who have been without fresh drinking water as a result of recent flooding.

“Our industry is among the first to respond when our fellow Americans are faced with tragedy,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Whether it is delivering water to the citizens of Jackson or other important relief supplies to aid in natural disaster recovery, the sound of diesel engines is a herald that help is on the way.”

Trucks from J&M Tank Lines and Yellow Corp. joined ATA’s Share the Road Truck and America’s Road Team driving Interstate One with ATA’s Louisa Swain trailer as part of an effort to deliver seven loads of fresh water to more than 150,000 city residents who have been under orders not to drink water following severe flooding in the region. In addition, the industry has raised more than $30,000 to fund ongoing relief efforts.

In addition, ATA delivered three truckloads of water to Northwest Georgia which has been stricken by flooding.

“I’m proud that our companies and drivers are helping out our neighbors in need,” said ATA Chairman Harold Sumerford Jr., president of J&M Tank Lines. “Trucking serves its community every day, but it is at times like this that our drivers literally provide a lifeline to Americans in need when you can really see our industry’s dedication to that service.”