LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — Trucking Moves America Forward gave an update on its efforts to promote a positive trucking image at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week.

The organization was celebrating its third anniversary, having publicly launched at MATS in 2014. This year it noted company milestones and offered a preview of its 2017 plans at a press conference. TMAF released its 2016 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 Elisabeth Barna, chief operating officer of American Trucking Associations. "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."

For 2016, TMAF focused on growing its member database and expanding its visibility through social media and the press. It grew its online database by 2,900 subscribers last year, surpassed 12,000 Facebook followers and reached nearly 3,000 on Twitter. It also launched a presence on three more digital social networking platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram, and Medium.

TMAF secured 44 earned media stories and 16 op-eds in national, regional and community news outlets, resulting in an estimated 38.8 million total impressions. It also reached a potential in-person audience of more than 130,000 people at trade shows and other events.

Besides media exposure, TMAF also noted the growth of its trailer wrap campaign, distributing 149 wraps and surpassing its goal of 100. The organization is now working toward a goal of 200 trailer and tank wraps and has unveiled a new generation of wrap designs, including 3-D designs and new messages.

The wrap designs will depict the vital goods delivered by trucks to remind passing motorists of the trucking industry’s necessity.

TMAF has also announced the production of a new branding video that tells the story of trucking, which it will add to TMAF’s growing bank of free online resources at www.truckingmovesamerica.com.

"We're so proud of everything TMAF has achieved since MATS last year, but there is always work to be done," said Wendy Hamilton, senior manager, sales marketing at Pilot Flying J. "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." 

To read the full report, click here.