Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/741858
I RECENTLY ATTENDED THE GREAT AMERICAN TRUCKING SHOW IN DALLAS, TEXAS, WITH THE TRUCKSTOP.COM TEAM. OF COURSE I WAS EXCITED TO BE THERE — THIS SHOW IS HUGE! NOW, LET ME BEGIN BY SAYING THAT THIS WILL OCCASIONALLY HAPPEN TO ME, BUT NOT OFTEN. On the first day, I made my way down to the conference via elevator. Once on the elevator, I scanned for familiar faces — it was packed. I happened to notice a young man in the corner who was super geared-up and ready to go. He had a backpack, hat, and a bring-it-on attitude. He looked like the type that could live off the land for two weeks if need be – my first thought, military. I smiled, he smiled back. As the day progressed, I was walking down one of the long hallways where hundreds of folks pass through and this same young man was coming from the other direction. I smiled, he smiled. As I made my way back to my room aer many hours at the show, I stepped into the elevator and you guessed it number three — I smiled, he smiled. Now what you have to understand is that again there are hundreds of folks that attend this show – they are literally coming out of the woodwork. Just to give you an idea, if I were trying to locate a fellow team member, it could be difficult. Day two – e Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and FASTPORT asked Truckstop.com to pledge their support for the Guard and Reserve by attending a signing ceremony. What an honor! e Great American Trucking Show joined forces with FASTPORT and the Texas Trucking Association to bring a military-themed program to the Truckstop.com eater. In addition to speakers who highlighted an industry approach to veteran hiring, there was also an opportunity for GATS exhibitors as well as other area businesses to participate. e ceremony was wonderful – it began with opening remarks by Brad Bentley, FASTPORT President followed by the National Anthem sung by Janine Stange, "e Anthem Girl." Introductions to distinguished guests and visitors, which included the Top 10 finalists named for the "Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence" Award. Well, who do you think is a finalist and up on stage – no other than Mr. Jonathan Perez — meeting four! e event concluded with the reading and signing of the Statement of Support by our very own Brent Hutto on behalf of Truckstop.com and photos. It was there that I had my first real conversation with Mr. Perez – U.S. Air Force — gainfully employed at TMC Transportation (National Tractor Trailer School) – and amazing! Well, it was a great show for Truckstop.com. I had a very early flight the next morning. Mr. Yassir, my very own taxi driver when I'm in Dallas was picking me up in front of the lobby to whisk me off to the airport. Because it was still dark with only a few hotel employees visible, I decided to wait in the lobby. As I stood there, I heard the elevator doors open – now you won't believe this but here comes Jonathan Perez for a final farewell. DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS, TRUCKSTOP.COM BY SUSAN COLLINS Susan Collins is based in Gainesville, GA, and is Director of Industry Relations for Truckstop.com. ENCOUNTERS OF THE NICEST KIND 12 IT MAGAZINE Vo l . 1 0 , N o . 6