The entire Teamster family mourns the loss of Brother Chris “Tracta” Trailor, who passed away this week. Trailor was a Member of Teamsters Local No. 700, Teamsters National Black Caucus-Chicago Chapter, and an Organizer for Teamsters Joint Council No. 25.

Known for his warm smile and big heart, Trailor first became a member of the former Teamsters Local No. 726 in 1997 when he was hired as a Pool Motor Truck Driver at the City of Chicago Department of Aviation, being elected a Steward in 2003. He earned the nickname “Tracta Trailor” at the Dept. of Aviation for his expertise in operating lowboy equipment.

Trailor was an Organizer for Teamsters Joint Council 25 from 2015-2020. Teamsters Joint Council 25 President Terrence J. Hancock said Trailor will be remembered for his kindness.

 
“On behalf of Joint Council 25 I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Brother Trailor’s family. Chris truly cared about his family and each one of his Teamster Brothers and Sisters. He had a presence and a personality about him that made him a joy to simply be around. Chris was a savvy organizer, and as smart as he was kind. He will be missed dearly,” Hancock said.

Chris Trailor at a Teamsters Joint Council 25 rally

 
Trailor was also very involved with TNBC-Chicago Chapter for decades and was appointed to the Teamsters Human Rights & Diversity Commission. He was a fixture at TNBC, Local No. 700 and Joint Council 25 events, bringing his camera along and posting the pictures later to social media. Trailor was one of the first members in Joint Council 25 to volunteer for the Disaster Relief Team and traveled the country helping those in need. Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 Executive Director Mike DiGrazia said Trailor was passionate about Teamster solidarity and frequently turned out in support of his Teamster Brothers and Sisters whenever they needed his assistance.

Chris Trailor and Eduardo Farrera working with the Teamsters Joint Council 25 Disaster Relief Team

 
“The loss of Brother Trailor will be felt by every life he’s touched. I had the privilege of working directly with Chris for years at the Joint Council. He was someone who always showed up to help out. Chris had a warm personality and a huge heart. He was an integral part of the Joint Council 25 Disaster Relief Team. I am proud to have called him a friend, and I will miss him dearly. My condolences and deepest sympathy go out to his family and friends,” DiGrazia said.

Chris Trailor with his camera at a Teamsters event