Carrying the Tradition Forward: Simone Grey’s First Rosebud Run

The early morning sun glinted off the chrome as Simone Grey eased her truck onto the highway, freight secured, destination set. But this wasn’t just another run. This was Simone’s first charitable delivery to the Rosebud Reservation and for her, it felt like stepping into something bigger than herself.

At the time, Simone was only seven months into her journey at Mercer Transportation, but she had already felt right at home. A friend first introduced her to the company, and the match was instant. “I just wanted to venture out on my own,” she shared. “I didn’t want to be micromanaged, so I decided to buy a truck.” For Simone, Mercer was a place where independence was celebrated and where she and her partner could build something that was truly theirs.

Soft-spoken, deeply faithful, and full of quiet determination, Simone carries herself with humility. She lives just a couple of hours from Mercer’s headquarters, which means she can get home for birthdays or park the truck for a night when the road allows. “That’s very nice,” she says simply, but it’s her smile that says everything. 

When her coordinator, Sarah Newton, told her about the opportunity to deliver donations to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, Simone didn’t hesitate. “She told me about it, and I was truly on board,” Simone recalled. “It’s something I love to do.” Before trucking, Simone had already spent time volunteering in her community, and she jumped at the chance to take that spirit on the road.

The Rosebud run is a long-standing Mercer tradition. It’s one of those things that connects today’s drivers with the generations that came before them. For years, Mercer trucks have carried food, supplies, and essentials to the reservation, a living testament to the company’s belief in giving back. Each trip is more than a delivery; it’s a bridge between communities.

For Simone, this was her first time setting foot on a reservation. She was struck by the warmth and resilience of the people she met. She soaked in every moment, grateful for the chance to serve and to see the impact firsthand. “Wow! It’s amazing,” she said. “I truly love this company. I love what they do and what they represent. And I am honored.”

Those words sum up the Mercer way. This is a company that not only moves freight but moves the lives of drivers, staff, and communities alike. Month after month, Mercer finds ways to serve: feeding the hungry, collecting supplies for those in need, helping military families, and supporting neighbors when tough seasons hit. It’s not about headlines or hashtags. It’s about doing the right thing because it matters.

Simone sees it the same way. For her, charity isn’t just a good deed, it’s a calling. “I think it’s a gift from God,” she said. “When you open your heart to accept people and share your love, your kindness, you’ll do whatever you need to do to make sure they feel comfortable and cared for.”

By the time she returned home from Rosebud, Simone knew this wouldn’t be her last trip. She’s already looking forward to the next one. “I would really, really like to be a part of this yearly,” she said. And knowing Mercer, there will be many more opportunities ahead.

Out on the open road, drivers like Simone carry freight across the country every day. But sometimes, they carry something even more meaningful: hope, kindness, and the reminder that we’re all connected. For Simone Grey, that’s a load worth hauling and for Mercer, that’s what trucking is all about.