Truck drivers know what it means to show up when people need you most, and one Texas company is getting national recognition for doing just that.
San Antonio-based supermarket chain H-E-B has been honored by the American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Cares Foundation with the 2025 John Lex Premier Achievement Award for its extraordinary disaster relief work and commitment to communities across Texas and Mexico.
This marks the first time the award has gone to a company rather than an individual, recognizing not only H-E-B’s leadership but also the thousands of employees who keep their fleet and operations moving when disaster hits.
“In the immediate aftermath of this summer’s catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country, H-E-B sprang into action with such impressive speed and commitment to those in need, it earned itself the nickname ‘FEMA of Texas,’” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “This humanitarian mission was the most recent example of H-E-B’s generosity in action, a defining characteristic for this company with deep roots in the community that date back to 1905. We applaud H-E-B and its employees for their selflessness, passion, and dedication to deliver hope where it is needed most.”
When flash floods hit Central Texas early on Independence Day, H-E-B’s disaster response team mobilized fast, much like truckers responding to an urgent load. The company deployed three disaster relief sites in the region, distributing water, ice, cleaning supplies, snacks, and gift cards, while also sending a Mobile Kitchen to provide hot meals staffed by H-E-B team members.
The Butt family, H-E-B, and the H.E. Butt Foundation also committed 5 million to help nonprofits working on recovery and community support.
“At H-E-B, providing aid in times of disaster is a cornerstone of our ‘Helping Here’ philosophy, which promises to stand by and uplift communities during times of need,” said H-E-B Senior Vice President of Transportation Logistics Todd Wright. “I’m so proud of how H-E-B partners from across the company rallied together to support the impacted areas in any and every way that they could. The road to recovery will be long, but H-E-B remains committed to providing support for as long as it’s needed. On behalf of our H-E-B family, I want to thank the ATA for recognizing the efforts of our amazing H-E-B partners and for their support to help us continue to put our spirit of giving to work into action.”
To top it off, the Trucking Cares Foundation made a 5,000-dollar donation in H-E-B’s name to the West Kerr Public School Foundation, supporting teachers and counselors helping communities heal after the floods.
For professional drivers, H-E-B’s work is a reminder of what trucking and logistics are really about, not just moving freight but delivering relief, reliability, and hope when people need it most.
Image Source: H.E.B
Other Source: Truckers News
