Longistics, Research Triangle Park, N.C., began its relationship with the North Carolina State University football team more than 15 years ago.
“The [head football] coach at the time, Mike O’Cain, and I were having dinner with a couple of friends,” said Duane Long, the logistics company’s chairman and co-founder. “During the course of the meal, he said he had a dream that he would have a truck that was painted up to display N.C. State Wolfpack football all over the country.”
Long said he replied, “We can make your dream come true.”
Since that discussion, Longistics has dedicated three tractors and two trailers to the team, Long said. While the first tractor-trailer combination — called “The Big Bad Wolf” — was hand-painted, “the new truck has a beautiful wrap on it. The truck is very impressive,” he said.
Long said each coach has been very happy with the truck.
“We’re extremely grateful for Longistics and their generosity, said Kit Hughes, N.C. State’s assistant director of athletics for football operations. “The truck is a critical component of our team operations, [carrying] our equipment for games as well as storage over the course of the year. The trailer stays with us 12 months a year, so it is pretty much part of the family.”