FARMINGTON, N.Y. — Leonard’s Express is showing support for veterans by giving several of its long-haul trucks a military makeover.
As part of its patriotic wrapped truck program, the company is decorating a new truck with a military-themed design for each of the company’s five terminals, located in Farmington, New York; New Castle, Delaware; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Taylorsville, North Carolina; and Caldwell, Idaho.
Leonard’s Express will unveil its first patriotic wrapped truck at noon Wednesday, May 18 at its corporate headquarters in Farmington, New York.
This truck, which features an Air Force wrap, will be driven by military veteran Keith Buchanan for the next few years. Buchanan hauls freight out of the North Carolina terminal but is traveling to Farmington for a special ceremony to celebrate his selection for this assignment.
Kevin Johnson, COO of Leonard’s Express, will commemorate the official launch of the program by presenting the keys to Buchanan, followed by remarks from Kevin Adriaansen, director of maintenance, and by Buchanan.
“We admire the nearly 100 veteran drivers who work for Leonard’s Express,” said Tim Owens, director of organization development at Leonard’s Express. “They are our ‘boots on the ground.’ Their skill, maturity and character are truly remarkable. This program is one of the many ways we honor our veteran employees.”
To be selected as a pilot for one of the specialty-wrapped rigs, drivers applied to an internal committee, providing information such as what branch of the military they served in, how long they serve, and a brief statement about why they wanted to participate in the program.
In addition, drivers needed to have a clean driving record (i.e., no accidents or tickets). Once all applicants were vetted and approved, finalists were sorted by terminal location and randomly selected. Winners get the privilege of driving a fully vinyl-wrapped truck designed with branding from the branch of the military in which they served.
“I’m so impressed with the quality of character of all who submitted applications, both those selected and those not selected. We have a tremendous workforce,” Owens said.
“Being selected to drive this truck honoring my branch of service and driving for Leonard’s Express – which I’m super- proud of – is the most incredible honor,” said Buchanan, who has been a professional driver for 26 years.
“Anyone who knows me will tell you that I ride for the brand, and I love my country,” he continued. “I still display my Air Force pride, and combining this with my passion for driving is a dream come true.
When Buchanan returns to North Carolina he plans to showcase the truck for Memorial Day and other observances and celebrations, including the Fourth of July and Veterans Day.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
