Trucking associations rounding up volunteers

Volunteers are needed to bring emergency supplies into Manhattan and carry debris out. Truck groups are reporting that drivers have been selflessly agreeing to help rescue efforts in New York City. Jim Runk, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Assn., told Fleet Owner he has compiled a list of members who were willing to donate drivers and equipment for the World Trade Center cleanup. He

Larry Kahaner

Sept. 12, 2001

2 min read

Volunteers are needed to bring emergency supplies into Manhattan and carry debris out. Truck groups are reporting that drivers have been selflessly agreeing to help rescue efforts in New York City.

Jim Runk, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Assn., told Fleet Owner he has compiled a list of members who were willing to donate drivers and equipment for the World Trade Center cleanup. He said he is submitting that list to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today.

Runk said his list includes haulers, drivers, dump trucks, flatbeds, storage containers and refrigerated trucks for food.

Mike Riley, president of Motor Transport Assn. of Connecticut, said he sent a fax requesting members to volunteer equipment and personnel.

“We got dozens of responses even from small fleets that are up against it themselves," Riley said, adding that about 40 companies responded with pledges of truckers, dump trucks, construction equipment and reefers.

Riley said he will send a complete list to the Connecticut DOT.

“While it is unknown at this time what needs truckers could meet in helping the injured and those who have been devastated by the apparent terrorist attacks, we would anticipate there will be a need for blood donors as well as truckers and trucks to carry emergency supplies,” the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said on its website.

The lobbying group said it is keeping a list of volunteers who are available to help when assistance is needed.

New Jersey State Police said The Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, NJ, across the Hudson River from the World Trade Center bombing, is being used as a staging area for trucks being used in the relief efforts. They denied earlier published reports that refrigerated trucks are being used as a makeshift morgue there.