After joining drivers on the road hauling freight the week of Dec. 7, Panther Expedited Services executives Andrew Clarke, president and CEO, and Ed Wadel, chief information officer, managed to raise about $3,000 for the Marine's Toys for Tots program

, $2,000 more than past years.

"In these economic times, that is a big difference in the lives of children who may not have a toy at Christmas," said Clarke.

During the week, the two rode around in a Sprinter cargo van, making door-to-door deliveries, and handling and caring for freight. All profits from their deliveries were donated to Toys for Tots. As a team, they drove all night, slept in their vehicle and even encountered a mechanical problem. Fortunately, they found a way to make their deliveries.

"I commandeered the hotel shuttle van; the hotel manager and I made the delivery," Clarke said. "I spent the next couple of hours getting a tow truck and getting it fixed. We paid for all of that out of our own pocket. We got a better understanding of the expenses an owner-operator has every day. You really have to think outside the box as an owner- operator."

The team drove through Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Wisconsin.

"We did not receive any special dispatch and I was very clear about that," Clarke said. "We just tried to use our system and I think that now we have credibility with our drivers."

As a result of their experiences, the executives plan to make some changes in the coming year.

"As a result we are going into strategy sessions to talk about 2010 and there are some changes we are going to make," Clarke said. "I think they are going to positively impact our owner operator fleet."

The two posted their phone number for fellow drivers to call and blogged about their experiences on Panther's web site. To read their blog, visit www.join.pantherexpedite.com.