WASHINGTON, D.C — Freightliner Trucks and Trucker Buddy co-represented the trucking industry in Washington, D.C. at a recent celebration of the history of transportation in America.

The one-day festival, called “The Open Road”, was a complement to the on-going “America on the Move” exhibition, which is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

A 2005 Freightliner Classic XL was the featured heavy-duty tractor on display at the event, which was attended by an estimated 10,000 visitors from across the U.S.

“Freightliner Trucks was delighted to co-represent the trucking industry with Trucker Buddy at this Smithsonian celebration,” said Mark Lampert, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Freightliner Trucks. “We felt it was a great forum in which to showcase our legendary Classic XL truck model while educating the general public about Freightliner Trucks, Trucker Buddy and the positive aspects of the trucking industry."

America on the Move is the museum’s 26-000-square-foot exhibition featuring more than 300 transportation artifacts showcased in period settings. Designed to allow visitors the opportunity to travel back in time and experience transportation as it shaped American lives and landscapes, the exhibition features 19 different sections, organized chronologically.

“The trucking industry has played an integral role in the growth and development of the U.S. economy and the country’s efficient transportation system,” Lampert explained. “Freightliner Trucks takes great pride in supplying the trucks that help keep America on the Move.”

Freightliner Trucks is a sponsor of Trucker Buddy, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and mentoring children in grades 2-8 via pen-pal relationships with professional truck drivers. Through these relationships, children learn about the trucking industry, road safety and geography, along with general academic skills.

“It is very gratifying for us to be a part of such a rewarding and educational program,” added Lampert. “Trucker Buddy strives to enrich children’s lives while promoting a positive image of the trucking industry. Freightliner Trucks is a proud supporter of this effort.”