Editorial
Keeping our wants and needs fulfilled

The traffic on Interstate 81 may be annoying, especially when semis barrel along, and the wind sheer shifts small vehicles halfway across the lane. But those tractor trailers play an important part in the local economy, as well as nationally. And many local businesses contribute to the success of the transportation industry.

Con-way Freight near State Line is just one of them. Considered the Hagerstown facility for the national corporation, it handles 2,369 customer shipments daily. It has a workforce of 166, which pumps out $3.5 million in annual payroll for the area.

Last week the American Trucking Association hosted a transportation delegation from China. It shared information on operations, truck safety and environmental regulations, driver training and federal and state tax structures with a team that wants to know how to establish a successful transportation network in their own country. The Chinese are eager to modernize their delivery system to match their burgeoning internal economy, as well as to remain competitive in the international arena.

Some ATA companies already do business in China and others plan to invest shortly. So Americans win as well if a smooth system is designed on the other side of the world.

Since the ATA is headquartered in Arlington, Va. it surely had many trucking firms to choose within a couple hours radius for the Chinese delegates to tour. It selected two in Pennsylvania as examples of successful companies. One was Conway.

This is a tribute to the hardworking men and women at Con-way Freight, the people who are organized, dedicated and visionary.

They are one part of the transportation industry that keeps America supplied. Approximately 70 percent of manufactured and retail goods in the U.S. are carried by truck. That happens because of companies like Con-way, and affiliated businesses in Greencastle, Antrim Township and Franklin County: the dealers, repair shops, manufacturers and distributors, parts sales, truck washes, gas stations, even the truck stop.

The integration of all these businesses keeps food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and our needs and wants fulfilled. So maybe the truck drivers on the interstate deserve a smile and a wave as they pass in the left lane.