Hurricane Express Announces Great American Convoy

To celebrate the Great American Trucker, Hurricane Express in West Siloam Springs, Okla., is sponsoring a parade of trucks traveling at highway speeds heading west across the United States next month.

Hurricane Express president Kaedon Steinert said the run to California would be a nod to similar groups of long-haul truck drivers who ran the nation’s interstate systems during the 1970s as a demonstration of solidarity.

“We plan to light up the night with a couple miles of trucks heading westbound on I-40,” Steinert said. “I am very excited to not only be organizing this event but also participating by driving a truck with the group.”

Between 50 and 150 trucks are expected to take part in the trip. All owner-operators and company drivers (from all companies) are encouraged and welcomed to join the celebration. A cookout with door prizes will be held at the company’s terminal on Hwy. 412 in West Siloam Springs, between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on June 8.

Arvest Bank, Aon Risk Solutions, The Larson Group Peterbilt, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, Great Dane of Springdale, Transport Refrigeration (Thermo King) of NWA, Cummins Engines, Hogebuilt, Dennis Oil Company, Omnitracs, Summit Truck Group, Continental Commercial Tires and other partners are helping to sponsor the cookout and are providing door prizes.  Among other categories, door prizes and trophies will be given for first through third place for: Most Lights, Best Custom Paint, Longest Wheelbase, Biggest Sleeper, Oldest Working Truck, Most Aerodynamic, and Least Bumper Clearance.

“Updates regarding the door prizes will be released daily on our Facebook page,” Steinert added. “The door prizes will not be the standard T-shirts, hats and cozies. You can expect some exciting and big-ticket items. Our business partners have stepped up to show their support of Hurricane Express and the Great American Trucker.”

Hurricane Express will be buying meals for the CDL drivers joining in the event at The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and again at Route 66 Casino just west of Albuquerque, N.M. The first 100 drivers at the company’s terminal Friday afternoon will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

“We are honoring the hard-working men and women across America with this event,” said Sean Allen, director of recruiting at Hurricane Express. “We celebrate their hard work and dedication.”

Anyone wanting to join the parade is invited to attend the free cookout on June 8 or call Hurricane Express at 877-379-7383 for more information. Businesses interested in setting up a booth/table and/or providing items for door prizes for the cookout to show their support for the “Great American Trucker” are encouraged to attend.

“We expect this event to bring positive attention to Hurricane Express and the Great American Trucker,” said Sheldon Steinert, Hurricane Express vice president. “Our goal is to show camaraderie among the trucking community – regardless of the company name on the door of their truck.”

Hurricane Express has been a family-owned transportation company since its founding in 1992. The Oklahoma-based company leases Peterbilt 579 trucks to owner-operators wanting to make a change.