Schneider National, the premier provider of truckload, intermodal and logistics services, has been selected by Freightliner to receive the 11th edition of the Ride of Pride, a truck series designed to be rolling tributes to members of the United States military -- past and present. The new military-themed tractor joins Schneider's existing fleet of five Ride of Pride tractors, including the only Canadian military-themed unit ever produced.
The 11th edition of the Ride of Pride was added to the Schneider fleet on Memorial Day weekend after its traditional debut at the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in Washington, D.C., in honor of our nation's veterans, prisoners of war (POWs) and those still missing in action (MIAs).
"The Ride of Pride trucks and drivers serve as a sign of gratitude to those who serve and have served our country," said Mike Hinz, vice president of driver recruiting for Schneider National. "We are very honored to receive our sixth Ride of Pride and to have the largest collection of these trucks in the industry. The drivers assigned to this special fleet are all veterans and are proud to haul freight and attend events while honoring the brave members of our armed forces."
Freightliner's Ride of Pride tradition began more than 11 years ago when Ed Keeter, Freightliner shift manager and Vietnam War veteran, proposed the project as a way to honor current and prior members of the U.S. military.
"We're happy to have named Schneider the official carrier of the Ride of Pride vehicle for the sixth time," said Mike McCurry, Freightliner Cleveland, N.C., plant manager. "Schneider has shown great commitment to the U.S. military since its very beginning. Through the years, Schneider has developed a number of programs for military personnel and has been recognized as a national leader in supporting the military. Freightliner is proud to share this special vehicle with a carrier that feels as strongly about those who serve as we do."
Chuck Ceccacci has been named the driver of this year's Ride of Pride. Ceccacci, who has worked at Schneider since 1997, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nine years and is based out of the company's operating center in Atlanta.
Ceccacci recalls seeing Schneider's 2012 Ride of Pride truck for the first time when he was in Nashville, Tenn. "I stepped outside, and there it was," he said. "Being up-close and seeing the larger-than-life, military-themed tractor, and what it stood for, gave me a sense of pride and passion. The truck is a great reminder of the brave men and women who have fought hard to make our country the incredible place that it is. I feel honored to have been chosen as the 2013 Ride of Pride driver."
The 2013 Schneider Ride of Pride truck, a Freightliner Cascadia™, has a fully customized patriotic decal scheme, including the American flag, the Bald Eagle, military camouflage, the POW/MIA logo and these words -- "Those who serve deserve honor, respect, thanks" -- prominently displayed on the orange Schneider cab.
To learn more about Schneider's career opportunities for current and former military members, visit the Schneider Veteran Hiring page.
Freightliner Cascadia: Standard Features
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