Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), the industry-wide image and education movement, provided an update on its continued efforts to promote a positive image of the trucking industry. TMAF announced recent achievements and provided a preview of its 2017 plans during a press conference at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS). The press conference marked the three-year anniversary of TMAF, which was publicly launched at MATS in March 2014.

 

The press conference was led by TMAF Executive Committee members, Elisabeth Barna, Chief Operating Officer of American Trucking Associations (ATA), and Wendy Hamilton, Senior Manager, Sales Marketing at Pilot Flying J. Barna and Hamilton provided an update on the movement’s latest successes, citing the recently released 2016 TMAF Annual Report, “Reaching New Heights.” 

 

“In just three years, TMAF has made impressive strides in our goal to alter the image of the trucking industry, from educational campaigns to earned media and member engagement,” said Barna. “We owe that success—and our gratitude—to our supporters, from drivers and companies to owner-operators and those who contribute to the industry by providing in-kind services and in so many other ways.” 

 

TMAF’s Annual Report highlights the movement’s accomplishments in 2016, including growing its member database, expanding social media presence and increasing visibility through paid and earned media. In 2016, TMAF: 

  • Grew its online database to 2,900 subscribers 
  • Secured 44 earned media stories and 16 op-eds in national, regional and community news outlets—resulting in 38.8 million total impressions 
  • Surpassed 12,000 followers on Facebook and reached nearly 3,000 on Twitter 
  • Launched three new digital platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram and Medium 
  • Reached a potential in-person audience of more than 130,000 at trade shows and other events 

 

Barna also announced that TMAF has distributed 149 trailer wraps, surpassing its goal to put 100 wraps on the road. The organization is working toward a new goal of selling 200 trailer and tank wraps. A TMAF-wrapped truck will be on display at MATS in the main parking lot for the duration of the conference. TMAF unveiled a new generation of wrap designs, including 3D designs and new messages. The wrap designs will depict the vital goods delivered by trucks, reminding passing motorists of trucking’s necessity. 

 

Hamilton announced the production of a new TMAF branding video this year. The video, which tells the story of trucking, will add to TMAF’s growing bank of free online resources, available at TruckingMovesAmerica.com. 

 

Hamilton concluded the press conference by announcing the addition of a new, special member of the TMAF team. The newest team member, to be unveiled in April, will further assist TMAF’s efforts to spread the positive message of trucking in 2017. 

 

“We’re so proud of everything TMAF has achieved since MATS last year, but there is always work to be done,” concluded Hamilton. “We are working to gain even more pledges at this year’s conference, and you’ll see TMAF at trade shows, in the news, online and on the road throughout 2017.”