10-4 Magazine - For Today's Trucker

ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING YEAR
NATIONWIDE CHARITY CONVOY RAISES MORE THAN MONEY

For the sixth year, the World’s Largest Truck Convoy has raised more than just money for Special Olympics - it’s given hundreds of truck drivers an opportunity to get involved, make a difference and better the image of the industry and themselves. Most of the 2006 convoys were held on September 16th, but some were held on other dates due to scheduling conflicts. This year, thankfully, there were no terrible hurricanes to postpone or cancel any of the events. And now that all the convoys have occurred and the numbers have been tallied, this year’s fundraising total jumped 25% over the 2005 totals – making 2006 another record-breaking year.

In 2004 there were 21 events in 17 states and just over $200,000 was raised. In 2005, there were 43 convoys in 32 states and two Canadian Provinces and just over $400,000 was raised. Those numbers were all great, but in 2006, there were 45 convoys held in 32 states and four Canadian Provinces and an incredible $544,000 was raised! In total, more than 1,800 trucks participated in this year’s convoys, and even more are expected next year as this event continues to grow in popularity.

This year, the Central California convoy, which we at 10-4 promoted and attended, was moved from Stockton to Fresno. Unfortunately, due to the location change being made at the last minute, the numbers for this convoy were down a bit. But that didn’t stop those in attendance from having a good time. In addition to the 30 or so trucks that showed up, 20 motorcycles joined the convoy as well. Next year, when given enough time for proper promotion, this particular event is going to explode – not only for the trucks, but for the motorcycles as well.

With plenty of help from the CHP and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, the Central California convoy started at Madera Speedway in Madera and then headed south down Highway 99 to Highway 180 in Fresno. Heading east on 180 to Highway 168, the procession of trucks and motorcycles took Highway 168 north to the Shaw Ave. exit. From there, they made their way into the large parking area behind the Save-Mart Center, Fresno’s premier concert and show venue. With plenty of pavement and lots of room to grow, this location turned out to be fantastic. Special Olympics’ athletes were lined up, holding signs and cheering, as the truckers pulled their rigs into the parking lot.

Last year, the lead truck for this convoy was owned by Scott James of Royal Express. Some time after the 2005 convoy was held, Mr. James formed a new company called James Transport, and, once again, was the owner of the lead truck in 2006. In addition to the lead truck, James Transport had several other trucks in the convoy as well. Many of our 10-4 friends (and past cover trucks) came out to participate as well – the Maggini family brought out three of their bright yellow trucks; the Pounds brothers of Central Valley Transport came with their two show trucks; and Ken Talley Jr. of Talley Transportation brought out their neat old 1979 Kenworth. After the convoy, participants, sponsors, athletes and attendees gathered together for a party that included a hot lunch (catered by Applebee’s), an awards ceremony, a few vendor booths, raffle prizes and live music provided by the group Undercover, who played classic rock hits from the 1960s and 70s all afternoon.

This event was started six years ago as a single convoy in Florida by Norm Schneiderhan, and has grown every year since. Four years ago they started having multiple convoys. Norm hopes to one day have at least one convoy in every state. If you would like to learn more about this event, visit www.worldslargesttruckconvoy.com. We’d like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s convoy and invite them to make it an annual event that they attend. The 2007 convoys are scheduled for September 15th, so mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more details as that date approaches.