|
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| As
a sponsor of the 2011 Truck
Driver Social Media Convention, Kronos had the opportunity to become
much more educated about our customers and their industry. By Kronos
giving away a free set of trailer fairings, we received excellent on
the road data to confirm projected fuel savings and help an owner
operator. We believe small businesses can work together to pull each
other up, and the Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention is the
place where those conversations can begin (or be tweeted!) Thanks, Pat Tiffin  |
| The
truck drivers, truck companies and industry professionals today are I give my whole hearted support to the Annual Truck Driver Social Media in Allen and Donna Smith were totally The speakers were at the top of their game and answered all the questions David Ayers Allen & Ayers Productions  |
| Hotels4Truckers was honored to be a Gold Sponsor
of the very first
"Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention" in Tunica MS! As a former
driver (6 years), it is great to see that truck drivers have a platform
for expressing issues and concerns that plague the trucking industry.
The convention was a very informative event with top notch speakers and
attendees! We look forward to partnering with this convention into the
future! Dan Fuller President of Hotels4Truckers GET IN WHERE YOU FIT IN®  |
| With 15 years of long-haul trucking experience
between us, my
husband Mike and I were honored to attend the first annual Truck Driver
Social Media Convention in October 2011 in Tunica, Mississippi. We had
read the description of the convention online and were so convinced of
the good that it would do professional truck drivers that our business
became a Bronze Sponsor. Our expectations of the event were more than
met. Let me explain…. Anyone who has been in the trucking industry for any length of time knows that truckers are a diverse group. Some people would say that "uniting" them on any one issue is downright impossible. However, Allen and Donna Smith pulled together a group of speakers who were able to give some down-to-earth advice on a number of different topics, all of which affect drivers in some way, shape or form. It was obvious that every speaker wanted to help drivers within his own area of expertise. We enjoyed being able to network with other truck drivers and those who support them. It was a great pleasure to meet in person and shake hands with folks with whom we had only ever tweeted or corresponded by email. We also became aware of other supporters about whom we had no or little previous knowledge. Some convention supporters, like us, specialize in helping professional truck drivers save money in a certain area. The first annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention (aka Trucking Social Media Convention) – hash-tagged on Twitter as #TDSMC – was highly educational and informative. In one of the videos from the convention, viewers see me a couple of times looking down. What in the world was I doing? I was taking notes! I didn't want to miss a single instructive word shared by the knowledgeable speakers. In fact, the information was so good that Allen and Donna are expanding the convention from one day to two in 2012. For all of these reasons, we look forward to returning to the convention this year. What can we expect this year? Allen and Donna's main objective in having the convention is to reach more professional truck drivers and create transparency and honesty within trucking using social media as a platform. Although drivers and those who support them are geographically separated, work in a variety of jobs, go in various directions, and have greatly varying work schedules, we have one thing at our disposal: being able to unite online. When we require transparency and honesty from those with whom we do business – and hold them accountable for it – we help ourselves, our fellow truck drivers and those who follow in our footsteps. We can better learn how to use social media as a platform to help truckers at the convention. Thank you, Allen and Donna, for creating the "circle of trust" and for honoring us by including us in it. We look forward to seeing you and others at the Truck Driver Social Media Convention in October. Mike & Vicki Simons  |
|
It has been a few months since I attended the 1st Annual Truck Driver Social Media Event, and I am still feeling the affects of all that I learned and resources I received. This event was truly amazing. Each week I think I have spoken to or contacted at least one of the contacts or looked up the information that I learned from this event. I very much utilize this information and have implemented in my business even though I am not longer a driver, it did and will make a difference. This event gave me a better perspective on the drivers feeling. How they struggle today in regards to parking, DOT compliance, hours of service and just all around employment. Although I have been on the road myself, a lot has changed in the past 18 years since I have done so. I have been on the Safety side, dispatch and general office since I have been over the road. And to be able to have these transportation professionals come together that offer resources to professional drivers that they may not have gotten otherwise is just amazing. Allen and Donna Smith put on a fantastic presentation filled with valuable information and I am looking forward to attending this next years'. I am grateful to be a part of such a great event, and will value what I gained from it. Dianna LambertFounder of “The Trucking VA” Virtual Transportation Solutions 
|
| Attending
the first Truck Driver Convention in 2011, was a good experience. I must admit, I
came away with more information than I thought I would. I was impressed with
the infomation provided as well as many of the speakers in attendance.
Allen and his wife certainly proved themselves up to the challenge of putting
together a very worthwhile program. Any drivers seeking sound information and facts to apply to their profession, I would strongly urge you to attend the upcoming conference. If the first conference is indicative of the quality to expect, I most certainly am looking forward to the second conference. Allen, I Sincerely Salute you and your wife. Chris Bacher OTR Driver - 20+ Years |
| I am so pleased and honored to have been included
in this first
historical event, the First Annual Truck Driver Social Media
Convention, which took place in Tunica, Mississippi last October. So much was accomplished and so many new friends were made. It was very clear that a great deal of thought, planning and preparation by Allen and Donna Smith were the major contributing factors for this first event being so successful. One of the benefits was the very helpful and educational information made available by the speakers, and also through networking, from which we all as a community of truckers and industry specialists could learn and benefit. I found it very gratifying to be made aware of individual efforts that are being made to attempt to better the world of the trucker, and how we can unite for common causes. Through social media, we have the opportunity and ability to remain informed and strengthen our resolve for the betterment of our country's otr truckers. Thank you Allen and Donna. James S. McCormack Trucking Careers of America LLC  |
| I
attended the First Annual
Trucking Social Media Convention in Tunica this past October, and I was
struck by the level of passion and commitment that everyone exhibited
for their occupation and/or cause. Not being a truck driver, I learned
so much about the trucking industry and also was able to hear about a
lot of the concerns truckers have about the new regulations and the
issues facing them out on the road.
The convention was also a great time to network with others in the trucking industry. I made invaluable connections with people, got to meet a rising country star, and also got to meet people face to face who I had previously only known through Facebook and Twitter. It was really exciting to see truckers and others within the trucking industry come together in unity to not only express concerns, but also to seek solutions to the challenges they face. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this convention, and I look forward to attending all future ones as well. Kylla
Leeburg
|
| As
I sit here in my truck over
1,000 miles away from home, I have alot to be thankful for. One of them
is the Truck Driver Social Media and Allen and Donna Smith. With many
concerns that we as drivers have about the present and future of our
industry, the Truck Driver Convention was a great outlet to let our
voices be heard, our ideas presented and some questions answered. My decision to attend the First Truck Driver Convention in Tunica in 2011 was a good one by all means. I left with a wealth of useful knowledge. They didn't have talking heads trying to push some new technology to some big trucking outfits nor did they have any fodder. It was all about the driver. Whether a company hand, owner-operator, or an independent, it was all about us. The panel that spoke were very resourceful and gave insight to things we face, whether it was legal advice or business promotion. Not to mention all the valuable prizes that were raffled off like CB's and GPS devices (thanks Cobra). I hope the word gets out and more and more drivers make use of the future conventions because I have a feeling that if we do, we can see more results on Capitol Hill go in OUR favor and not the favor of big business. Ronnie Bowen, Jr. 3rd generation trucker, 12 yrs at it. Keep On Truckin' 02/16/2012 |
| What
can Social Media do for you? It was an honor to attend the Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention last year in Mississippi. As the only 3PL to be present at the event, it gave me the opportunity to learn more about drivers, current events within the industry, and to learn how Trinity can contribute to making a difference. This convention allowed me to sit down with drivers, industry advocates, and others within the industry, who are interested in creating a voice. After talking with fellow attendees, I discovered we reached a similar consensus about the event. “This is what we needed!” Our participation in this grass roots opportunity demonstrates the “Trinity difference”; continuously learning how to excel as a logistics solutions provider. I look forward to attending this year’s event to share my experience creating opportunities for motor carriers to grow their business with the right broker. Trinity wants to know how we can help, where do you need loads, how to speed up your payment using our direct deposit or TRANSFLO scanning? I personally invite you to connect with our team in social media to take advantage of Trinity’s quality freight, quick pay options, and genuine appreciation for your hard work. Jackie
Ochs
|
| The First Annual Truck Driver Social Media
Conference (TDSMC) in Tunica,Mississippi was a tremendous unifying
event for the trucking community. Truckers joined with advocates,
vendors, and others in the trucking industry to share ideas, identify
problems and work on solutions. The passion for the trucking community
shared by all in attendance was truly inspiring. The TDSMC is such a unique event. TDSMC founders Allen and Donna Smith masterfully use social media as a tool to enact positive change in the trucking industry. Knowledge truly is power, and social media plays an important role in educating and informing the trucking community. The TDSMC is an important platform to focus the many voices in the trucking industry on the issues most important to truck drivers. By focusing these voices, the TDSMC empowers truckers and changes trucking for the better. WOW, what a powerful concept! We met new friends and many fantastic resources at the First TDSMC, and we are very excited about the Second Annual TDSMC in Kansas City, Missouri on October 27-28. We wholeheartedly recommend the TDSMC to anyone who cares about the trucking industry and improving the lives of truck drivers. Whatever your involvement in the trucking community, you will benefit from the TDSMC. Most importantly, you will be part of positive change! Charles Buchanan, Lead Hurt Trucker Attorney Senior Editor - Hurt Trucker Blog, The official personal injury and worker's compensation blog for professional truckers  |
| I started becoming interested in the
trucking business in late 2009 with plans to obtain my license, buy a
truck, and get to work. I got into contact with the Smith’s to further
my research about this industry. I never thought this industry has in
the last 10-15 years, become so complicated. Who would have thought
that one phone call would have turned into a long relationship and
convert me into a supporter in the advocacy for truckers. From an idea
to something tangible, I call myself fortunate being privy to this
manifestation. One thing you realize in looking into this industry is that the faults are not found with the drivers, but within the industry itself. I commend both Allen and Donna Smith for having the courage to move forward in their advocacy for truck drivers and making this first “one of a kind” event possible. Drivers and the industry are coming together in support of each other to address these issues and work on making change together. It was encouraging and inspiring to see companies and groups in support of this event. They went beyond words, recognizing value in sponsoring both events. There were also those who said this would never materialize, Oh how they were so very wrong! The second convention is coming and we’ll be their again! There are very few sincere elements in this large industry that care about you the driver, or owner-operator. Support the sponsors who are supporting this event. NOTICE who they are. YOU TRUCKERS! Owe it to yourselves, ATTEND! Furthermore, Take an active role in protecting your industry and your livelihood. If I can travel from Norway to support truckers, then you can too! See you all at Harrahs in October! James H Linden III Grua, Norway  |
| Although I had spoken with
Allen and Donna Smith multiple times before the convention, I wasn't
exactly sure what to expect since they were bringing so many ideas
together, but I knew that I would not be disappointed and it would be
nothing like the truck conventions and shows that I have been to
before, and I was right! It was also great to actually meet many of the people that I had previously only connected with through Facebook and Twitter, and it provided a great opportunity to make new connections with drivers and other industry related professionals. Tom Crimmins Director of IT and Marketing Lone Mountain Truck Leasing, LLC  |
| I've known Allen and Donna Smith for quite
some time now, and had the pleasure of being a guest on their Blog Talk Radio show, Truth About Trucking "LIVE." I came to have a tremendous amount of respect for their
passion for the Trucking Industry and for Truckers. So when they asked me to be the Emcee for
the first ever Trucking Social
Media Convention, I was honored. The list of distinguished guests and
speakers was a who's who of
trucking alumni. The effort to bring camaraderie and brotherhood back into trucking was something I was incredibly proud and honored to be a part of. The opportunity to meet so many tremendous advocates for truckers was a wonderful treat. During the Convention I met incredible people like Desiree Wood, Lynsay Caylor, Tony Justice and so many others from various areas in trucking. The networking breaks were brilliant opportunities by the Smith's for all of those present to meet and greet with people in areas that we never would have had the chance to otherwise meet. The Smith's gave me the opportunity to introduce and speak to some of the most enlightened and informative individuals in any field. I thank them for the chance to represent their vision at the first ever Trucking Social Media Convention, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to them again for allowing me the chance to do it again at this year's convention. Toby Bogard Professional Truck Driver, Author  |
| Right from the start, Allen and Donna
Smith impressed me with their kind, efficient, professional manner - an approach that
not only encouraged, but generated results – a voice for the trucking nation. We
needed an effective solution to the problem of getting truckers together to discuss
issues we face in the industry every day. As a start-up idea, it is often difficult to
see the forest for the trees, and there is not a lot of time to contemplate either. The Truck Driver Social Media Convention was able to quickly grasp our market, challenges and resource obstacles to efficiently help us evaluate our current issues and lay the foundation for a more practical way to communicate. I’m impressed in how resourceful the convention was and how much I’ve benefited from the sessions. This annual convention's insight is refreshing, extremely candid and inspiring. I appreciate it when someone challenges the status quo and can guide us down new directions we have never seen before. Their passion for what they do is evident. The main thing I have taken with me, besides an abundant amount of information, was the great connections I made. Many of the people I met were at first only acquaintances. Now, they have become friends. As far as doors that were opened: Utilizing the Truck Driver Social Media Convention to promote Tony's new album allowed us to meet so many contacts that led to radio interviews and show invitations.
Tony & Misty Justice TonyJusticeMusic.com  |
| Transport Watch is an
organization that strives to bring accountability to the Transportation
Industry, and to give smaller companies an inexpensive way to maximize
their revenue, based on what their company specialty happens to be. As a Freight Broker for the last 16 years, some may not have seen me as a likely candidate to become an advocate for all participants in the Transportation Industry. What I've learned as a freight broker in all these years is that this is an industry filled with people who have more heart, and work harder than many others in the United States. The trucking industry is a tough business, and those who would put their foot forward, and make the sacrifices necessary to their personal and family lives deserve a shot at success. What I've learned in building the concept of what is now Transport Watch is that there are a few people and organizations who "claim to be advocates", who in the end, mostly advocate for themselves. Allen & Donna Smith, Ask the Trucker.com, and the Truck Driver Social Media Convention are not part of that group. They're the real thing, and they work hard every day to make life better for regular folks in the industry. It's been a real pleasure getting to know them. I was impressed with their first year accomplishments at the convention, and I'm proud to be a sponsor for this year's event. Transport Watch will be there for them as long as they'll have us. Dan Metully Owner, Transport Watch ®  |
| The First Annual Truck
Driver Social Media Convention was a unique and successful event in
declaring the importance of social media within the trucking industry.
As the vital industry that "keeps America moving", trucking has
experienced a tremendous growth into social media. Allen and Donna Smith, the TDSMC event organizers, brought together a room full of trucking social media leaders and visionaries to take an in-depth look at the latest trends in social media, particularly as they applied to drivers' rights and quality of life. The TDSMC provided a valuable opportunity to connect with these leaders, share ideas, and bring positive ideas and solutions that make a real difference in the quality of every-day life over the road. Jeff Maurer Chief Listening Officer, IdleAir  |
Copyright
2012 - All Rights Reserved