Notes from The Truck Drivers Social Media Convention
Posted by Chuck Melton on Wed, Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:30 PM
I had a very interesting weekend attending the Truck Drivers Social Media Convention in Tunica, Mississippi. I flew into Memphis Friday and spent some time there before taking the drive down to Tunica. (I just had to see Sun Records).
Allen and Donna Smith present Hope Rivenburg with the "Making a Difference Award".
I would like to sincerely thank all the people who are trying to improve the quality of life for truck drivers. Allen and Donna Smith are very passionate about drivers’ issues and had a successful first convention. I heard many people say they hope this becomes an annual event so it will be interesting to see how this develops. Honestly, I was hoping to see more drivers there but the ones that were there were vocal.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Eddie Hardy there. Eddie is an MTI customer and owns Hardy Brothers Trucking. Eddie shares our view that driver friendly policies are not simply good business practices; it’s the right thing to do. It was definitely nice to spend some time with a long time customer and an old friend. For those drivers looking for a good environment for work, you might want to check out their site. (Click here) They have job application forms online.
Eddie Hardy - Hardy Brothers Trucking
Two strong women were honored for their work in “making a difference” in the industry. Hope Rivenburg, the widowed wife of slain driver, Jason Rivenburg, has created a national constituency behind Jason’s Law to create more and safer rest stops for truck drivers. Kylla Leeburg, head of Truckers Against Trafficking was recognized “for her never-ending commitment and dedication to educating the trucking industry about the human trafficking crisis in America”.
Drivers were educated on recruiting, legal rights, business practices, compliance issues and social media. Some expressed concern very passionately on the difficulties they face – including tougher compliance regulations, hours of service changes and stagnant pay.
Rich Wilson discusses compliance issues
It is evident to me that the small fleet owners and the truck driver face many of the same issues. I tend to think Allen and Donna have the right idea. As drivers and small fleets continue to adopt social media and the communication channels become more transparent, then you are likely to see change for the better.
Bonus Pic - Million Dollar Quartet (counter at Sun Records)
Hats off to the American Truck Driver – you are the backbone of this country.
