Trucking industry veteran dies

A long-time leader, supporter and friend of the Utah trucking industry has died. David Roy Free, 79, died March 24 in a motorcycle accident in California. 

Free dedicated his life to the trucking industry, both in the Utah and throughout the nation, serving in numerous leadership positions. He was the president of the Utah and Wyoming trucking associations and chairman of the governor-appointed Motor Carrier Advisory Board for more than 20 years, where he was appointed by six different governors. Free was chairman of National Motor Freight Traffic Advisory Association, chairman of the National Classification Committee and from 1993 to 1994 he was chairman of the American Trucking Association. 

Free’s personal business endeavors spanned nearly six decades.  He worked for Hygeia Ice Co. and Hygeia Iceland from 1949-1956 and from 1956 to 1962 he held various positions with Interstate Motor Lines (IML). He was the co-owner of Magna-Garfield Truck Lines and Uintah Freightways from 1962 through 1972.  In 1972, he became the owner of National Cartage Co. and in 1974 he started Utah-Wyoming Freight Line (UW Freight Line).

Rick Clasby, Utah Trucking Association executive director, said, “Many of our industry leaders today started their own businesses with Dave’s support and encouragement.  His coaching and mentoring provided strength during the good times and the bad.  Dave was very well connected, which made him a powerful advocate for trucking and business in general.  His influence was felt from very local organizations to the nation’s capital. Dave was respected in every circle for his honesty, integrity and common-sense approach to life and business.”

Free was active in civic affairs, serving as president of the Sugar House Rotary Club and president of the Bonneville Knife and Fork Club. In addition, he held several positions to support the University of Utah, including the Crimson Club board, the Health Science Council and the President's Club.