Ride of Pride Program Welcomes U.S. Air Force Veteran as New Driver
Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE: SNDR), one of North America’s leading providers of transportation, intermodal, and logistics services, has announced that company driver and U.S. Air Force veteran Greg Smith has been selected as the company’s 2026 Ride of Pride driver. The recognition places Smith at the center of one of the trucking industry’s most respected programs honoring military service members, veterans, and the sacrifices made in defense of the nation.
The Ride of Pride initiative, launched by Daimler Truck North America in 2001, has become a powerful symbol of appreciation for members of the military and their families. Through the program, specially designed Freightliner Cascadia trucks are transformed into rolling memorials that travel highways across the United States, raising awareness of military service and commemorating the contributions of veterans, active-duty personnel, first responders, and those who have sacrificed for their country.
Over the past two decades, Ride of Pride trucks have become highly recognizable across the transportation industry. Each truck carries unique artwork and themes designed to honor specific military events, branches of service, or significant moments in American history. Schneider has played a major role in the program’s success and has received 15 Ride of Pride trucks from Freightliner since the initiative began—more than any other transportation carrier in the nation.
Smith officially received his Ride of Pride truck on May 23 and has already begun representing Schneider at public events, including appearances in Washington, D.C. The truck assigned to him this year carries special significance, as it honors the victims, survivors, first responders, military personnel, and families affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
The design serves as a moving tribute to one of the most defining moments in modern American history. Beyond commemorating those who lost their lives on September 11, the truck also recognizes the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, emergency responders, and countless families impacted by the events that followed.
For Smith, being selected as a Ride of Pride driver is both a professional honor and a deeply personal responsibility.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that he never imagined he would one day be chosen to operate one of the industry’s most respected tribute vehicles. Smith emphasized that Schneider has been entrusted with an important mission: ensuring that the memory of those affected by September 11 continues to be honored and remembered across the country.
He noted that the truck represents much more than a piece of transportation equipment. Instead, it serves as a symbol of remembrance for civilians who lost their lives, military personnel who answered the nation’s call, first responders who risked everything in the rescue and recovery efforts, and families who continue to carry the legacy of those they lost.
Smith’s own military career reflects a lifetime of service and leadership. Before entering the trucking industry, he spent more than 21 years serving in the United States Air Force. During that time, he held numerous leadership positions and developed extensive experience managing personnel, supporting military operations, and mentoring service members.
One of the most notable chapters of his military career was his role as a First Sergeant, where he was responsible for the welfare, readiness, and professional development of more than 500 airmen. The position required exceptional leadership skills, strong communication abilities, and an unwavering commitment to supporting those under his supervision.
Throughout his military service, Smith also participated in military honors programs that paid tribute to veterans and fallen service members. These experiences left a lasting impression and deepened his appreciation for honoring those who have served.
After retiring from the Air Force, Smith faced the challenge experienced by many veterans transitioning from military service to civilian careers. Finding an organization with values similar to those he embraced during his military years was a priority.
That search ultimately led him to Schneider in 2017.
Today, Smith works on a Dedicated account and serves as a driver instructor, helping train and mentor new drivers entering the profession. His leadership background and commitment to excellence have made him a valuable member of the Schneider team.
According to Smith, Schneider’s culture made the transition from military service significantly easier. He noted that the company’s emphasis on safety, integrity, accountability, and teamwork felt familiar and aligned closely with the principles he had followed throughout his Air Force career.
He also highlighted the sense of belonging that Schneider provides to veterans, explaining that military employees often find themselves surrounded by colleagues who understand their experiences and appreciate the unique skills they bring to the workplace.
Schneider has built a strong reputation as one of the most military-friendly employers in the transportation industry. The company actively recruits veterans and recognizes the value they contribute through leadership, discipline, adaptability, and mission-focused thinking.
Today, approximately 24 percent of Schneider’s workforce has military experience, a figure that reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting veterans as they transition into civilian careers.
The organization offers a variety of programs and resources designed to help former service members build successful careers in transportation and logistics. These initiatives include training opportunities, mentorship programs, career development resources, and support networks specifically tailored to veterans.
Jim Filter, Schneider’s Executive Vice President and Group President of Transportation and Logistics, understands the importance of these efforts firsthand. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Filter emphasized that Ride of Pride represents more than a trucking program—it reflects the company’s ongoing responsibility to recognize military service and support veterans throughout their professional journeys.
According to Filter, veterans bring invaluable qualities to Schneider’s workforce, including leadership, discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. These characteristics contribute significantly to the company’s culture and operational success.
He noted that having Greg Smith behind the wheel of the 2026 Ride of Pride truck is especially meaningful because Smith embodies the values the program was created to celebrate.
Throughout the coming year, Smith will travel extensively across the United States, participating in major events and commemorative activities. His schedule includes appearances at Fourth of July celebrations, Wreaths Across America ceremonies, veteran recognition events, and numerous observances connected to the upcoming 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
The Ride of Pride truck will serve as a mobile tribute and educational platform, helping connect communities with the stories of veterans, survivors, first responders, Gold Star families, and others whose lives have been shaped by military service and national sacrifice.
As the truck travels highways and visits communities nationwide, it will continue the Ride of Pride tradition of preserving memories, inspiring patriotism, and recognizing the extraordinary contributions of those who have served.
For Schneider, the selection of Greg Smith reinforces the company’s commitment to honoring military service while highlighting the important role veterans continue to play within the transportation industry. For Smith, the opportunity represents a chance to combine his passion for service, leadership, and remembrance while helping ensure that the sacrifices of countless Americans are never forgotten.
Through the Ride of Pride program, Schneider and Greg Smith will carry that message across the nation—one mile at a time.
About Schneider
Schneider is a premier multi-modal provider of transportation and logistics services. Offering one of the broadest portfolios in the industry, Schneider’s solutions include Regional and Long-Haul Truckload, Expedited, Dedicated, Bulk, Intermodal, Brokerage, Warehousing, Supply Chain Management, Port Logistics and Logistics Consulting.
Schneider has been delivering superior customer experiences and investing in innovation for over 90 years. The company’s digital marketplace, Schneider FreightPower®, is revolutionizing the industry giving shippers access to an expanded, highly flexible capacity network and providing carriers with unmatched access to quality drop-and-hook freight – Always Delivering, Always Ahead.