ATA deploys Heroes Truck in devastating wake of Hurricane Laura

American Trucking Associations recently dispatched its Mack Heroes Truck to deliver relief supplies to citizens of Lake Charles LA in the wake of Hurricane Laura, which made landfall Aug. 27 as a devastating Class 4 hurricane.

“Whether it is a hurricane or a pandemic, trucks and truckers are among the very first to respond, delivering comfort in the form of life’s essentials,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “We are proud of our industry’s ability to respond to crises and provide aid to people quickly.”

The Heroes Truck made the first of several planned deliveries on Aug. 31. ATA said the truck will continue to make deliveries during the long road to recovery in coordination with the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, and supported by donations from the trucking industry, including a $10,000 contribution from Randy Guillot, ATA chairman and president of Triple G Express and Southeastern Motor Freight.

“Our industry is quick to respond to aid our fellow Americans, and it is important to me that we support my fellow Louisianans in their time of need,” Guillot said. “I’m happy to support ATA’s efforts to provide relief to people impacted by Hurricane Laura and challenge my fellow industry leaders to join me in supporting them.”

ATA’s Heroes Truck honors America’s veterans with the support of Utility Trailer Manufacturing and Mack Trucks.

“Utility shares in the nation’s concern for the people of Louisiana,” said Craig Bennett, Utility Trailer senior vice president. “We are proud and honored to partner with ATA’s Workforce Heroes, who are bringing much needed relief to those affected by the hurricane.”

John Walsh, Mack Trucks’ vice president of marketing, echoed the sentiment.

“The entire Mack family is grateful that the Mack Anthem sleeper we’ve provided for the ATA Workforce Heroes program is being used to deliver water to those in need in the Lake Charles, Louisiana, area as a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura,” he said. “All of us are thinking about the impacted residents and businesses, and we sincerely hope that this delivery provides some relief amidst all the hardship.”