Editor’s note: This story has been edited to remove a video from South Caroline whose authenticity has been questioned..Tens of thousands of US truckers are joining their Canadian counterparts in support of the Freedom Convoy that’s making its way to Ottawa to protest border vaccine requirements, according to an American talk show host..It’s unclear if the American convoys will be joining Canadian big rigs and other vehicles headed to Ottawa, or just driving US roads in a display of solidarity with their brothers and sisters to the north..What is clear is the American truckers have gathered in the tens of thousands..“Colorado, 420 trucks, Georgia, 675 trucks, South Carolina, 650 trucks, California, 19,000 trucks,” said Stew Peters, American talk show and radio host..Dave MacKenzie, the owner/publisher of Canadian TruckingMagazine and a working long-haul trucker, said some US truckers are coming from North Dakota to Portal Saskatchewan where they will try to cross the border..“Others are just driving in convoys in the US to show support,”.he said..“The number of US drivers has gone from hundreds, to thousands, to hundreds again.”.MacKenzie explained travel costs are a large factor contributing to drivers’ ability to stay with the protest convoys..But one thing the convoy participants don’t have to worry about is food; in addition to many donations, the Hutterites have stepped up, said MacKenzie..He told the Western Standard 25 colonies from around Manitoba have been feeding the drivers — and their supporters — in the convoy in Saskatchewan and Manitoba..“Some drove all the way to Ontario to feed the convoy,” he said. (See video here)..MacKenzie noted Windsor and Detroit convoys are driving towards Canada, but will not be crossing the border..There are now 50,000 truckers across Canada protesting, organizers of the convoy reported Tuesday..The convoy is protesting the Liberal mandate that requires all travellers — including truckers — to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they want to cross the US-Canada border..Organizers of the convoy released mission statements and demands to the government on Tuesday..The demands include vaccine passports be eliminated, and for the feds to respect the rights of the unvaccinated..Ewa Sudyk is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.esudyk@westernstandardonline.com
