MATS: Arrow award gets Florida trucker ‘Back On The Road’

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Down-on-his-luck trucker Robert Snyder of Dunnellon, Fla. has won Arrow Truck Sale’s Back On The Road 2010 campaign. The award, presented by Volvo Trucks North America during a ceremony at the Mid-America Trucking Show, is designed to benefit a deserving trucker in need of both a truck and a job.

Described as a “hard-working husband, father and truck driver” who always put his family first, Snyder was nominated by his teenage daughter, Savannah.

“My dad isn’t like most fathers, husbands, or even like most guys who are going through hard times,” said Savannah Snyder in her Back On The Road nomination. “He constantly puts everybody before himself. Money is tight and our family is struggling. I want the weight lifted off of my dad’s shoulders; I want him to smile. Not those fake smiles. The smile we haven’t seen in years.”

Snyder was presented with the award by Arrow reps, campaign sponsors, country music star Aaron Tippin and Sirius XM host Dave Nemo.

“Robert is like so many drivers we see on the road today,” said Carl Heikel, president and CEO of Arrow Truck Sales. “He is a good man, who is passionate about trucking and providing for his family. He is doing everything he can to make it through the recession. We are proud to give him this opportunity of a lifetime to not only change his life, but the lives of his wife, Sylvia, daughter, Savannah, and their family.”

Snyder’s financial problems began about two years ago with the onset of the recession. Though diesel prices sky-rocketed and loads became scarce, Snyder continued to drive his 14-year-old truck to provide for his single-income family. Snyder was said to have been one breakdown away from losing his livelihood at the time.

As the winner of Back On The Road, Snyder receives a 2007 Volvo VNL 670, courtesy of Volvo Trucks North America, a one-year work agreement with Heartland Express and other products and services, including:

– X One tires from Michelin

– TriPac auxiliary power unit courtesy of Thermo King

– Monthly $500 fuel cards thanks to Pilot Travel Centers

– Business consulting tools courtesy of ATBS

– Insurance provided by the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)

– A three-year/300K-mile warranty from National Truck Protection

– One year’s worth of filter products from Genuine Volvo Parts

– Custom truck paint job courtesy of Dickinson Fleet Services

– Truck accessories and fenders courtesy of Minimizer Products

– Memory foam mattress provided by SleepDog Mattress

– Paint provided by Sherwin-Williams

“Winning Back On The Road is a dream come true,” said Snyder. “Driving is my life and I know receiving the 2007 Volvo VNL 670 from Volvo Trucks North America and job with Heartland will help me provide my family with the life they deserve. I am blessed to have this opportunity to represent Arrow Truck Sales and all of the great companies who have joined in this campaign.”

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  • Congratulations Robert! What a great gift these companies are providing. It is truly a heartwarming story and makes you happy to hear of such a great campaign.