Alumna leads support for essential supply chain workers

Stuckey's roadside convenience store chain has been on America's highways since its founding in 1937, today with 70 locations in 17 states. Like so many retail operations, its business has been challenged as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. But led by President and CEO Stephanie Stuckey (AB, '88, JD, '92), Stuckey's is supporting the men and women who drive trucks and keep America - and Stuckey's - going during these tough times. The company been working with Truckers Emergency Assistance Responders to provide snacks for the truckers' gift bags they're assembling that also includes face masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves.

"Stuckey's wanted to do our part to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it made sense for us to partner with truckers as we're on the interstate highway system and interact with the trucking population on a daily basis," Stephanie Stuckey said, via email. "I did some research into what organizations are providing trucker relief and connected with TEAR. Desiree Wood, their founder, is a trucker herself and knows first-hand the challenges they face.  We love partnering with an organization founded by truckers that's working for truckers."

Over the 80+ years Stuckey's has been in operation, the distribution of goods by trucks, and perhaps even the life of truckers themselves, has undergone significant changes, to which the chain has been a significant witness and partner, as it continues to be today.

"Stuckey's used to own and operate our own fleet of trucks, but our company fell out of family hands for almost two decades and lost control of our trucking," said Stuckey, noting that the company now uses a local trucking firm based in Dodge County, Georgia. "From our standpoint, routing and freight management has become much more data-driven with advances in technology, which has increased efficiencies in our operations. But challenges remain with driver shortages and safety issues. I hear from the trucking community that the long hours and lack of safe, reliable places to park their trucks for rests is high on their list of concerns. Thanks to our engagement with TEAR for this COVID-19 relief effort, Stuckey's will remain involved with these issues and continue to advocate for truckers' rights."

The spirit of community around all essential workers in the American economy is inspiring and vital. We are grateful for Stuckey's vision and commitment to truckers, the leadership of its president, and very proud of her UGA roots. Finding ways to support more of our fellow citizens reinforces the strength and resilience of our interconnectedness. 

Image: Franklin alumna and Stuckey's president and CEO, Stephanie Stuckey.