GREEN BAY, Wis. — Schneider National has introduced two specially decorated military-themed tractors into its Canadian and American fleets.

The trucks are part of Freightliner’s Ride of Pride series, and are designed to honour the Canadian and American Armed Forces. The Canadian truck made its debut at the Fergus Truck Show before being deployed into the fleet.

The new additions join two other military themed trucks at Schneider.

“It’s an honour to be the only company to have four Ride of Pride trucks in its fleet,” said Steve Matheys, Schneider’s executive vice-president and chief administration officer. “These trucks and their drivers represent service and sacrifice to our country, which is even more poignant during the last few days as so many reflect on the US servicemen lost in Afghanistan over the weekend.”

The company held a special ceremony yesterday involving the four Ride of Pride trucks as well as their past and present drivers – all military veterans.

Freightliner developed its Ride of Pride program 10 years ago to honour military veterans. The sixth truck in the series went to Schneider National.

“As an organization, we didn’t realize the impact this truck would have and what it would mean to drivers, members of the military past and present, the motoring public and our associates,” said Matheys. “The first truck was added to the fleet somewhat unceremoniously and started out doing what every other truck in our fleet does – it hauled freight. As you can see here today, we think about these special trucks quite a bit differently today.”

The Canadian truck marks the first in the series to honour Canada’s military.

“We are very pleased to introduce a uniquely Canadian Ride of Pride for 2011, honouring the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who bravely serve our nation at home and abroad,” says Jonathan Wahba, vice-president and general manager of Schneider’s Canadian division. “We plan on showcasing this truck – both at events and on our nation’s highways – to make our great service men and women proud.”

Darrell Esson drives the Canadian rig, a former 21-year veteran of the Canadian military.
“It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to drive the first-ever Canadian Ride of Pride truck,” Esson said. “I hope to travel many miles during its inaugural year, honouring Canada’s Armed Forces and veterans.”

The trucks will attend military-based events and ceremonies over the next year. To book an appearance, contact Wanda Barry at barryw@schneider.com or at 519-826-7025.