Letters: Remembering Ted Scott; Touting Twin 33s
These letters appear in the Jan. 30 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.
Loss of a Loving Heart
As we celebrate the life of Ted Scott, we are reminded that he was an extraordinary individual who by his inspirational example motivated all who knew him.
As we have learned about Ted over the years, he taught others to meet every challenge they face with good humor, optimism and kindness. He taught us that a single person does change the world. He loved his family, his country and the trucking industry. Our world is truly a better place because of him.
I had the privilege of working with Ted for nearly 12 years at American Trucking Associations. His repeated lesson for me was that safety was the foundation for the past, present and future of trucking in America.
What you saw is what you always got — the twinkle in his eye, the smile on his face and the comfort he inspired in us all. I am blessed to have known him, and he gave me the greatest gift he could bestow besides his love — his friendship.
For so many of us, Ted was one of those “always” people. He simply was a person who was “always” there and someone you believed would “always” be there. He was not just a friend; he was a caring and passionate friend.
We traveled thousands and thousands of miles together advocating for an industry that, as Ted reminded me, simply moves America. Ted’s thirst for living reminded me during our time together of the old adage: “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”
He taught me, and others, to trust in yourself and remember that faith, hope and love are the great things in life. We mourn Ted because we loved him.
The Good Book says humility goes before honor, and Ted had both. We’re the better for his sharing both with us.
William Canary
Former president and CEO
American Trucking Associations (2001-2003)
Montgomery, Alabama
Global Warming and 33-Foot Doubles
As a society we’ve become increasingly concerned with the subject of global warming. While this is understandable, given the potentially catastrophic consequences of the issue, perhaps we should consider how to think outside the box?
For years and years, we’ve used doubles, triples and various other long combination vehicles to move necessary foodstuffs and other commodities on our highway system. We need to consider the balance of safety versus environmental issues such as fuel consumed, greenhouse gases exhausted and the ongoing driver shortage.
It is my opinion that we need to legalize 33-foot trailers, in both double and triple combination vehicles, as a means of increasing productivity and reducing fuel use so we can improve America’s movement of necessary commodities while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
If we as a society truly believe that global warming is a problem, then we need to accept that the use of triple 33-foot trailers nationwide is a solution to this threat.
Jeff Allen
Truck Driver
San Diego
