Preventing the spread of new dangerous virus has uprooted the plans of almost everyone on Earth. All of the events we would normally gather for (birthdays, holy days, big games, graduations, memorials, concerts, ceremonies) are being re-examined as possible vectors for illness. Arkansas Trucking Association has had to look at its own calendar and pivot to accommodate current guidance about gatherings.
ATA’s Annual Business Conference & Vendor Showcase has been rescheduled for August 17-18 in Roger, Ark. The event was originally set to take place on May 5-7, but the new dates will allow time to observe social distancing guidelines and pivot to a speaker and topic lineup that addresses the changing realities of what’s next for navigating the rebounding of our economy as well as safety, shifting regulations, technology and politics.
The Arkansas Trucking Championships have been held for over 50 years to recognize the professionalism of truck drivers and technicians and celebrate their commitment to safety. The competitors show off impressive skills and outstanding safety records, but even more important they have a chance to build camaraderie with their colleagues. Because we have so much respect for the professionals in our field, we are doing everything we can to keep them and their families safe.
That is why Arkansas Trucking Association has made the difficult decision to cancel our state trucking championship, which was scheduled to be held June 11-13 in Rogers, Ark. This decision comes after the American Trucking Associations announced the cancellation of the National Truck Driving Championships & National Step Van Driving Championships (NTDC/NSVDC) this year, which was scheduled for August 19-22 in Indianapolis, Ind.
“Our industry’s creed and the very spirit of these competitions is ‘safety first,’ and this decision reflects that,” ATA President Chris Spear said in a letter to drivers, ATA members, state association executives. “It’s made out of an abundance of caution on behalf of the professional drivers competing at the state level, along with the state associations, companies and family members who organize, host and cheer on the competitors.”
Spear noted that this is the first time since World War II that the event has been canceled.
“Thank you for every mile you run and every delivery you make,” Spear wrote. “You make your families, our industry and entire country proud.”
