Country music giant Trace Adkins joined executives from IdleAire Technologies this week to announce a unique partnership.

The multi-platinum star, who performs more than 200 concerts across the country each year, will serve as a spokesman and advocate to communicate the benefits of IdleAire to the backbone of this nation’s economy – the long-haul truck drivers.
Already in 24 locations in 11 states and now being deployed in some 210 additional truckstops and fleet terminals in 35 states, IdleAire’s Advanced Truckstop Electrification (ATE) system allows any long-haul truck driver to stop idling their truck to maintain cab comfort during mandated daily rest periods, or while waiting to load or unload. The system also provides electrical outlets and a variety of communications and entertainment options for drivers. The only retrofit needed for any long-haul truck to use the system is a $10 window adapter.
Adkins first learned of the IdleAire system from his bus driver, an IdleAire member, who explained the benefits to him. “That’s when I knew this was worth looking into,” Adkins explained. “I have a great deal of respect for drivers and I know how hard they work and how vital their work is." After talking with other professionals and climbing in a truck cab to personally review IdleAire's system, Adkins made the decision to serve as a communications link and spokesperson for the organization.
Adkins will make personal appearances throughout the year on IdleAire’s behalf and will videotape a wide variety of messages for delivery to drivers and fleets. In turn, he will have access to IdleAire’s own in-cab Trucking Entertainment Network (TEN), which includes an IdleAire-developed television channel dubbed TENCountry that delivers country music videos and other entertainment to drivers when connected to the IdleAire system. (Adkins’ management company, Vector Management, will also bring their artists to the IdleAire cause. Jo Dee Messina and Josh Gracin will both visit IdleAire’s booth at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville next week to meet drivers and sign autographs.)
IdleAire CEO Mike Crabtree said the company was excited to have an individual of Adkins’ visibility and stature among truck drivers, who represent a core of country music’s fan base. “We anticipate that he will provide invaluable assistance in the company’s marketing efforts as we pursue our aggressive growth plan over the next 15 months.”
In the past year, Adkins has sold more than 3 million records, with two back-to-back Platinum certifications. The singer’s “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk Tour” has been selling out venues from Maine to Oregon. Adkins will celebrate a decade in the business as a recording artist for Capitol Records/Nashville with a new album this summer.