“The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list honors women for their career accomplishments, their influence on company success, and their contributions to the broader industry,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT President and CEO. “These professionals exemplify the mission and values of Women In Trucking and are impressive leaders to watch in our industry.”

Katy Payne’s Impact on Truck Drivers USA

Katy has built her career from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience in trucking and the challenges drivers face every day. She began focusing on driver retention and then expanded into creating communities where drivers can learn, gain recognition, and thrive. Today, her work guides Truck Drivers USA’s community growth and development strategy.

As Operations Manager, Katy serves as the consistent voice for drivers at Truck Drivers USA. She works to improve the professional image of truck drivers while ensuring they are connected with companies that value and support their careers. Her approach combines operational discipline with empathy, making her a trusted leader in the company’s ongoing evolution.

Key Achievements Over the Past 12–18 Months

• Haul of Fame Launch – Katy developed the Haul of Fame section of the Truck Drivers USA website, giving drivers recognition and visibility to elevate their professional standing.
• Enhanced Driver-to-Company Matching – She led the development of a matching algorithm that connects drivers with companies aligned with their skills, goals, and values.
• Driver Career Coaching Program – Katy is actively developing a career coaching solution to help drivers maximize earning potential and career growth with driver-focused carriers.

Supporting Women in Trucking

Katy also coaches women within Truck Drivers USA, helping them expand their transportation knowledge and understand how economic factors impact drivers and carriers. By amplifying driver stories, she highlights professionalism and diversity in the industry and helps broaden public perception of trucking careers.

About the Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch Program

The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list, now in its ninth year, recognizes women across a variety of roles, including operations, corporate management, sales, HR, technology, and professional driving. Selection is based on character and measurable accomplishments over the past 12 to 18 months. This year’s list includes 75 women from a range of companies, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and industry impact.

Looking Ahead

Katy Payne’s recognition reflects her leadership in building communities for drivers, supporting professional development, and advancing the trucking industry. Her work at Truck Drivers USA continues to strengthen the connection between drivers and the companies that value them, setting a standard for operational excellence and advocacy in transportation.

Congratulations, Katy!

The post Katy Payne of Truck Drivers USA Recognized on the 2026 Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch List appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

MATS has confirmed that its annual Friday Night Concert will take place on March 27 at 7 p.m. inside Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The event remains free for all registered MATS attendees.

The concert is sponsored by Bennett Family of Companies and continues to serve as a signature gathering point for drivers, fleets, and industry professionals attending the three-day event.

2026 MATS Friday Concert Lineup

This year’s performers include:

• Frank Foster
• Mark Ware
• Long Haul Paul Marhoefer

Foster brings a mix of Southern rock and traditional country, while Ware is recognized for blending Southern soul with storytelling. Long Haul Paul Marhoefer, a truck driver and performer, delivers a folk and Americana sound shaped by life on the road.

For drivers attending MATS, the Friday concert offers a chance to step away from equipment displays and business meetings and reconnect with the community in a different setting.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Friday Concert as part of the MATS experience,” said Toby Young, president of the Mid-America Trucking Show. “This event has become a signature celebration for the trucking community, an opportunity for attendees to relax, enjoy great music, and connect with fellow professionals after a day at the show.”

How to Attend the MATS Concert

The Friday concert is free for anyone registered for MATS. Complimentary tickets can be picked up at the Bennett booth #39201 during the show on Thursday and Friday.

MATS runs March 26 through March 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The event draws thousands of trucking professionals and features hundreds of exhibitors, product showcases, live demonstrations, education sessions, and industry networking opportunities.

Drivers, fleet managers, and owner-operators planning to attend can register for the show now through the official MATS website. More details about the Friday concert are available at https://truckingshow.com/mats-concert/.

For many in trucking, MATS is not only about equipment and technology. It is also about community. The Friday Night Concert continues to be one of the most anticipated social events of the show.

Source: Truckers News

The post Free Friday Night Concert Returns to MATS 2026 in Louisville appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual program highlights fleets that demonstrate consistency, transparency, and meaningful driver engagement, even as carriers navigate rising costs, shifting freight volumes, and ongoing workforce pressures.

“This year’s Best Fleets winners stood out in a challenging operating environment, demonstrating that operational clarity, consistency, and practical engagement strategies remain critical to sustaining strong fleet cultures,” CarriersEdge said.

Fleets Recognized for Driver-Focused Operations

The Best Fleets to Drive For award honors trucking companies operating 10 or more tractor-trailers that are nominated by a current company driver or owner-operator. Once nominated, fleets are evaluated across multiple operational and workplace categories, including compensation, benefits, human resources practices, professional development, operations, and work-life balance.

Driver and independent contractor surveys are also used as part of the evaluation process, giving working drivers a direct voice in how fleets are assessed.

Industry Challenges Shaped the 2026 Results

CarriersEdge said the 2026 program reflected a year of change across the trucking industry, with new fleets entering the Top 20 and others maintaining long-term recognition.

Four fleets earned Top 20 status for the first time, while one carrier was newly inducted into the Hall of Fame. Eight fleets that previously achieved Hall of Fame status successfully re-qualified in 2026.

“This was a demanding year for fleets across the industry,” said Jane Jazrawy, CarriersEdge CEO. “The fleets recognized in the 2026 Best Fleets programs distinguish themselves not by avoiding challenges, but by responding thoughtfully to them. Through clear communication and cost-conscious, driver-focused approaches, this year’s Top 20 and Hall of Fame fleets showed that strong cultures can be sustained even in difficult conditions.”

Hall of Fame Criteria Remains Selective

The Best Fleets Hall of Fame was introduced in 2022 to recognize carriers that demonstrate sustained excellence over time. To qualify, fleets must be named a Best Fleet for 10 consecutive years, or for seven years with at least one overall award. Hall of Fame fleets must re-qualify each year to maintain their status.

For 2026, Challenger Motor Freight Inc. of Cambridge, Ontario, was named as a new Hall of Fame fleet.

Returning Hall of Fame fleets include:

• Bison Transport Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Boyle Transportation, a UPS Healthcare Company, Billerica, Mass.
• FTC Transportation Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla.
• Garner Trucking Inc., Findlay, Ohio
• Halvor Lines Inc., Superior, Wis.
• Nussbaum Transportation Services Inc., Hudson, Ill.
• Prime Inc., Springfield, Mo.
• TransPro Freight Systems Limited, Milton, Ontario

2026 Best Fleets to Drive For Top 20

The following fleets were named to the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For Top 20 list:

• America’s Service Line, Green Bay, Wis.
• American Central Transport, Kansas City, Mo.
• Brenny Specialized Inc., St. Joseph, Minn.
• Chief Carriers Inc., Grand Island, Neb.
• Continental Express Inc., Sidney, Ohio
• Crawford Trucking, Des Moines, Iowa
• Decker Truck Line Inc., Fort Dodge, Iowa
• Fortigo Freight Services Inc., Etobicoke, Ontario
• Fremont Contract Carriers, Fremont, Neb.
• Ippolito Transportation Inc., Burlington, Ontario
• Joseph Transportation Group, Stoney Creek, Ontario
• K&J Trucking Inc., Sioux Falls, S.D.
• Kriska Holdings Limited, Prescott, Ontario
• Leonard’s Express Inc., Farmington, N.Y.
• Peninsula Truck Lines Inc., Federal Way, Wash.
• PGT Trucking Inc., Aliquippa, Penn.
• S&H Express Inc., York, Penn.
• Thomas E. Keller Trucking Inc., Defiance, Ohio
• TransLand, Strafford, Mo.
• Williams Dedicated LLC, Michigan City, Ind.

Fleets to Watch Named in 2026

In addition to the Top 20, five fleets were recognized as Fleets to Watch in 2026:

• Arlo G. Lott Trucking Inc., Jerome, Idaho
• Erb Transport Limited, New Hamburg, Ontario
• GP Transco, Joliet, Ill.
• Quality Carriers Inc., Tampa, Fla.
• USXL, Foristell, Mo.

Awards Conference Scheduled for March

Two overall winners, one large fleet and one small fleet, will be announced at the Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference, scheduled for March 16 and 17 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.

CarriersEdge will also present the Stratosphere Award, which recognizes the highest-scoring fleet within the Hall of Fame category.

The conference will include a detailed breakdown of program data, trends, and operational practices identified during the 2026 evaluation process. Sponsors for the event include TruckRight, Netradyne, and ISAAC.

The Best Fleets to Drive For program continues to serve as a benchmark for carriers focused on long-term driver satisfaction, operational discipline, and sustainable fleet culture.

Source: The Trucker

The post CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive for Winners appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The PKY Truck Beauty Championship will take place March 26 through March 28 at the Kentucky Expo Center as part of the Mid-America Trucking Show. The 2026 event marks the 34th time the championship has been held alongside MATS and is expected to feature as many as 175 competing trucks.

Registration for competitors is open through February 15, or until the maximum number of entries is reached.

A kickoff to the custom truck season

Often viewed as the unofficial start of the custom show-truck calendar, the PKY Championship draws a wide range of participants. From heavily customized owner-operator rigs to fleet showpieces and professional builds, the event highlights both craftsmanship and creativity across the heavy-duty truck segment.

“The PKY Truck Beauty Championship is more than a competition — it’s an industry spectacle that brings together builders, owners, drivers, and fans to showcase the best in truck design and craftsmanship,” said Toby Young, MATS President. “We’re excited to welcome the custom truck enthusiast community back to Louisville in 2026 and raise the bar even higher.”

Events tied to the PKY Championship

Beyond the judged competition itself, the PKY schedule includes several high-profile events that give attendees multiple ways to see the trucks up close and in motion.

Scheduled PKY events include:

• PKY Lights Show
  Thursday, March 26, after dark through 9:30 p.m., Lot N
  A nighttime showcase where competing trucks illuminate the showgrounds, emphasizing custom lighting, finishes, and design details.
• PKY Parade Presented by Big Rig Videos
  Saturday, March 28, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., parking lot outside the Circle of Champions
  A moving display of featured and competing trucks that allows spectators to view each rig from all angles.
• PKY Awards Ceremony
  Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.
  Recognition of winners across multiple categories, including Best of Show and People’s Choice.
• Big Rig Build-Off
  A head-to-head competition featuring elite custom builders, highlighting fabrication, innovation, and attention to detail.

Why the event matters to the industry

For drivers, the PKY Truck Beauty Championship is more than a show. It reflects the pride many take in their equipment and the role customization plays in personal branding, fleet identity, and craftsmanship within trucking culture.

For manufacturers, builders, and suppliers, the event offers a live look at trends in lighting, paint, interior work, fabrication, and technology that often influence future builds across the industry.

As the championship returns for its 34th year, organizers expect another strong turnout from both competitors and spectators, reinforcing the event’s place as a staple of the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Source: Overdrive

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A total of 18 carriers were named division winners based on having the lowest accident frequency ratios per million miles within their respective mileage categories. The awards focus on measurable safety outcomes rather than fleet size alone, emphasizing consistent, low-incident operations.

What Happens Next for the Winners

Each of the 18 division winners will now advance to compete for one of two overall grand prizes. One grand prize will be awarded to a carrier with less than 25 million miles annually, and the other to a carrier with more than 25 million miles annually.

The grand prize winners will be announced during Truckload 2026, TCA’s annual convention scheduled for February 28 through March 3 in Orlando.

All division winners and the two grand prize recipients will also be formally recognized at TCA’s 2026 Safety and Security Meeting, taking place June 7 through June 9 in Oklahoma City.

How the Fleet Safety Awards Are Determined

The Fleet Safety Awards evaluate truckload carriers using accident frequency ratios calculated per million miles. Carriers are grouped into six divisions based on annual mileage to allow fair comparison between fleets of similar operating scale.

The program has become one of the industry’s longest-running benchmarks for safety performance, marking its 50th year in 2025.

2025 Fleet Safety Award Division Winners

Division I less than 5 million miles

• First place CJ Logistics Transportation, Des Plaines, Illinois
• Second place Spur Freight Services, an AIT Worldwide Logistics company, Austin, Texas
• Third place Specialty Transport, Knoxville, Tennessee

Division II 5 to 14.99 million miles

• First place B.R. Williams Trucking, Eastaboga, Alabama
• Second place Clopay Transportation Company, Troy, Ohio
• Third place Transportes Olympic, Nuevo León, Mexico

Division III 15 to 24.99 million miles

• First place Christenson Transportation, Strafford, Missouri
• Second place Chalk Mountain Services of Texas, Fort Worth, Texas
• Third place Mill Creek Motor Freight, Ayr, Ontario, Canada

Division IV 25 to 49.99 million miles

• First place Triple Eight Transport, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
• Second place 4Tracks, CentrePort, Manitoba, Canada
• Third place Johnson Feed, Canton, South Dakota

Division V 50 to 99.99 million miles

• First place May Trucking Company, Salem, Oregon
• Second place Carter Express, Anderson, Indiana
• Third place PGT Trucking, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

Division VI: 100 million miles or more

• First place NFI Industries, Camden, New Jersey
• Second place Bison Transport, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Third place Marten Transport, Mondovi, Wisconsin

Looking Back at Last Year’s Grand Prize Winners

In the previous awards cycle, Liberty Linehaul West of Montebello, California, earned the small carrier grand prize, while Nussbaum of Hudson, Illinois, received the large carrier grand prize.

Why These Awards Matter to Drivers and Fleets

Accident frequency metrics reflect more than policies on paper. They indicate how consistently safety practices are applied across miles, drivers, equipment, and operating environments. Recognition through the Fleet Safety Awards highlights carriers that have demonstrated long-term discipline in managing risk on the road.

For drivers, these results offer a data-based look at fleets that prioritize safety outcomes as part of daily operations.

Source: Truckers News

The post TCA Releases Fleet Safety Award Winners Across Six Mileage Divisions appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Listen to the full episode here or watch it on YouTube.

The post The Oakley Podcast: From the Archives – How a Father and His Son Share a Love of Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Four drivers were recently named TCA Highway Angels for their actions while on the road: Phil Damme of Online Transport, Owen Lewis of Sharp Transportation Inc., Marco Medel Morga of AAA Cooper Transportation, and John Bradley of James River Carriers.

Each was recognized for helping fellow motorists and drivers during emergencies, often before first responders arrived.

Recognizing professionalism beyond the wheel

As part of the honor, each Highway Angel receives a certificate, lapel pin, patches, and truck decals. Their employers are also presented with a certificate recognizing their driver’s actions.

Since the Highway Angels program began in 1997, nearly 1,400 professional drivers have been honored for acts of kindness, courage, and professionalism displayed while doing their jobs. The program is supported by presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Drivers can be nominated for the program, and more information on current and past Highway Angel recipients is available at highwayangel.org.

Phil Damme steps in after a rollover

Shortly before 11 p.m. on October 5, 2025, Phil Damme was driving on Interstate 68 in Maryland when he noticed flickering headlights and sparks ahead near Ellicott City. As he slowed, he discovered an overturned semi blocking the roadway.

“He actually turned the whole thing over,” he said, referring to the driver of the crashed truck. “He ended up in the median.”

Damme was one of the first to arrive at the scene. He helped remove the shattered windshield to reach the injured driver trapped inside the cab. Seeing heavy bleeding from the man’s arm, Damme used his own belt as a tourniquet while waiting for emergency responders.

“He was bleeding pretty bad,” Damme said. “I put my belt up above his elbow and tightened it really, really tight to slow down the bleeding.”

Damme later said he believed he was in the right place at the right time and credited his faith for guiding his actions.

Owen Lewis stops to help after an early morning crash

On November 9, 2025, at around 6 a.m., Owen Lewis was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near Harlan, Iowa, when he witnessed a car crash in the eastbound lanes. He pulled over immediately.

“When I got there, the car was about 100 feet or so off the side of the highway, down in an irrigation ditch,” he said.

Lewis found a young woman who had exited the vehicle. She was not injured but was cold. After contacting emergency services and her parents, she waited in Lewis’ truck to stay warm until the Iowa State Patrol arrived.

Her family later shared their appreciation with Lewis’ employer.

“We are very grateful for his kindness and how he kept her safe and warm until the state trooper got to the scene. Owen is a model employee who your company is lucky to have on board. We appreciate what he did for our daughter yesterday!” wrote Emily Truitt and Toby Knoop.

“I’ve always felt like if something happens, I need to stop and make sure everything is OK,” Lewis said.

Marco Medel Morga rescues passengers from a burning vehicle

Around 12:30 p.m. on July 15, 2025, Marco Medel Morga was traveling east on Interstate 88 near Kaneville, Illinois, when he witnessed a serious crash just ahead of him.

“I was so close to hitting them — but I got lucky,” he said.

Morga pulled over and ran to the scene, where one of the vehicles had caught fire.

“The car was on fire, and nobody was getting out of it,” Morga said. “I got nervous about the people in the car. I had to go help them.”

He helped one passenger escape from the burning vehicle. The other occupant was also able to exit safely before emergency crews arrived.

John Bradley prevents a medical emergency from escalating

On the morning of September 15, 2025, John Bradley was at a customer location in Richmond when he noticed another driver preparing to pull away after incorrectly hooking up to a trailer. After helping correct the issue, Bradley noticed the driver slump over the steering wheel as the truck began to roll forward.

“I called 911,” said Bradley. “I couldn’t leave him because I knew something was wrong.”

Bradley blocked traffic, climbed into the truck, and brought it to a stop. He stayed with the driver until emergency responders arrived and later learned the driver had experienced a blood sugar emergency.

“I’m glad he was all right,” Bradley said. “I stayed with him until the ambulance came.”

A reminder of what defines the profession

The Highway Angels program highlights moments that reflect the responsibility and character carried by professional drivers every day. These actions often go unseen, but they leave a lasting impact on the people involved.

This story originally appeared in the January February 2026 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Source: The Trucker

The post Highway Heroes in Action: TCA Highway Angels Make a Difference on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Freight mix refers to the combination of commodities, delivery patterns, and handling requirements tied to a driving job. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that injury rates, turnover, and average driver tenure vary widely depending on the type of freight being hauled, not just the carrier or region.

Freight Types That Tend to Support Longer Careers

Some freight categories consistently align with longer average driver careers and lower turnover.

Dry van freight remains the most common and one of the most sustainable options. It typically involves standardized loading procedures, limited physical handling, and greater route flexibility. Occupational injury data shows lower rates of strain related injuries among dry van drivers compared to flatbed and specialized freight segments.

Dedicated contract freight also supports long-term retention. These accounts often offer consistent lanes, familiar shippers, and predictable schedules. Workforce studies from industry associations show that drivers assigned to dedicated accounts report higher job satisfaction and remain with carriers longer than those working variable spot freight.

Regional consumer goods freight tied to distribution centers is another stable category. Retail and food supply chains create steady, year-round demand that reduces income volatility and scheduling surprises that contribute to burnout.

Freight Types with Higher Burnout Risk

Other freight categories are associated with higher physical demands and shorter average career spans.

Flatbed freight requires frequent securement, tarping, and exposure to weather conditions. Safety and injury data shows higher rates of musculoskeletal strain among drivers handling open deck loads. While many drivers enjoy the work and take pride in the skill involved, the physical wear accumulates over time.

Expedited and time critical freight introduces a different kind of strain. Irregular schedules, constant urgency, and limited recovery time contribute to higher turnover even when hours of service rules are followed.

Seasonal agricultural and construction freight can be financially attractive during peak periods, but inconsistent demand makes long term planning difficult and often leads to uneven income and extended time away from home.

How Freight Mix Influences Schedule Stability

Schedule consistency is one of the strongest predictors of career longevity.

Freight tied to manufacturing, retail distribution, and food service typically moves on predictable cycles. This consistency supports healthier sleep patterns and more stable personal routines. Research linking irregular schedules to fatigue related incidents shows that drivers with unpredictable start times and lane changes face higher long-term risk.

Freight dependent on spot markets or seasonal demand often produces fluctuating miles and income. Over time, that instability leads many drivers to change carriers frequently or leave the industry altogether.

Physical Demands and Long-Term Health

A driver’s ability to stay in the industry is closely tied to physical health.

Drivers hauling minimal touch freight report fewer chronic injuries over time. Industry injury tracking shows that drivers in no touch or low touch roles tend to remain active longer than those in physically intensive segments.

Freight mix also determines exposure to extreme environments. Repeated loading in heat, cold, or confined spaces increases cumulative strain. Over a career spanning decade, those conditions significantly affect whether a driver can continue safely.

Experience Level and Freight Selection

Freight mix often changes as drivers gain experience.

New drivers frequently start in higher turnover segments because those jobs are easier to access. As experience grows, many drivers move toward freight that emphasizes consistency rather than intensity.

Carrier retention data supports this pattern. Fleets with a higher share of dedicated and contract freight report longer average driver tenure than fleets that rely heavily on spot market freight.

Choosing Freight with Longevity in Mind

Drivers evaluating job options should look beyond advertised pay and miles. Asking the right questions upfront helps avoid roles that look appealing short term but wear drivers down over time.

Questions worth asking include:

• How often does the freight involve different shippers or receivers?
• How much physical handling is required on a typical load?
• Is demand steady throughout the year, or tied to seasonal swings?
• Are routes repeatable, or do lanes change week to week?

These details shape daily stress, recovery time, and long-term health far more than many drivers realize early in their careers.

Using Freight Mix to Plan a Sustainable Career

Freight mix is not about finding the easiest job. It is about choosing work that aligns with long term health, realistic schedules, and personal goals.

Drivers who match their freight type to their capacity and priorities tend to stay safer, healthier, and employed longer. Over time, those decisions compound into career stability and better quality of life.

If you are evaluating new opportunities, focus on roles tied to consistent freight networks and established customer bases rather than short term market swings.

Search truck driver jobs near you on TruckDriversUSA to compare opportunities by freight type, schedule structure, and long-term fit.

The post How Freight Mix Affects Career Longevity for Truck Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The company said the projects completed during the final quarter of the year are part of a broader effort to improve consistency and reliability for drivers traveling across its network.

New Travel Centers Added in Ohio and Texas

During November, Pilot opened two new locations designed to provide expanded services and updated layouts for drivers moving through high traffic corridors.

The new facilities include:

• Eagle Pass, Texas, Pilot location number 360, added as a new network site
• Findlay, Ohio, Pilot location number 360, rebuilt following a complete raze and rebuild project

Both locations were designed to offer updated amenities and improved access for drivers along their routes.

Renovations Completed at Nine Existing Locations

In addition to opening new facilities, Pilot completed curb to counter renovations at nine travel centers across the United States and Canada. These projects focused on upgrading exterior access points, interior layouts, and core services drivers rely on during stops.

The renovated locations include:

• Flying J 461 in Tilbury, Ontario
• Flying J 518 in Myerstown, Pennsylvania
• Flying J 623 in Midway, Florida
• One9 1224 in Bismarck, North Dakota
• Pilot 134 in St. Cloud, Minnesota
• Pilot 180 in Bellemont, Arizona
• Pilot 209 in Van Horn, Texas
• Pilot 448 in Hebron, Indiana
• Pilot 1028 in Buffalo, Texas

Pilot said these updates are intended to improve the overall stop experience from arrival through departure.

EV Charging Network Reaches New Milestones

Pilot also reported continued growth of its electric vehicle charging network during the final quarter of the year. The company now operates more than 1,000 charging stalls across nearly 250 locations.

Since early October, Pilot added charging capabilities at 26 additional sites, increasing access along major travel corridors and in more communities.

The company marked its largest charging station to date at an event in Elkton, Maryland, attended by representatives from the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Energy Administration, and Pilot’s network partners.

End of Year Focus on Driver Experience

Pilot said the combination of new builds, renovations, and charging expansion reflects an ongoing focus on providing reliable stops for drivers regardless of vehicle type.

The company described the investments as part of its effort to maintain consistency across the network while adapting to evolving transportation needs as 2025 ends.

Source: Truckers News

The post Pilot Wraps Up 2025 With New Locations, Renovations, and Expanded Charging appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The foundation also used the year end update to highlight continued fundraising goals and announce additions to its board of directors.

Industry support continued despite economic pressure

“The extraordinary generosity and steadfast commitment of trucking industry leaders and companies that contributed to the Trucking Cares Foundation this year are truly inspiring,” said Greg Owen, TCF Chairman, head coach of Ability Tri-Modal. “In a year marked by significant economic challenges, your continued support speaks volumes about the compassion and resilience of our industry. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every donor who chose to give despite the headwinds we all faced. Together, we made a meaningful difference for a wide range of nonprofits that support not only truckers, but the communities our industry serves every day. While the financial impact of these contributions is impressive, the positive ripple effects are immeasurable. I look forward to building on this spirit of generosity and momentum in 2026.”

Where the 2025 donations went

The Trucking Cares Foundation listed the following organizations and amounts it supported in 2025.

Disaster relief

• $10,000 to the American Logistics Aid Network to support delivery of humanitarian aid to disaster affected areas

Support for truckers and workforce development

• $15,000 to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund to help truck drivers and families recover from injury or illness and support health and wellness initiatives including funding used to purchase cancer screening kits for drivers
• $15,600 to Garrett High School to support a high school CDL program developed through the Center for Transportation Safety

Veterans and first responders

• $10,000 to At Ease USA to support confidential trauma treatment and therapeutic support for active military, veterans, and their loved ones regardless of ability to pay
• $13,380 to the North Bangor Fire Co. in Pennsylvania to support the purchase of a heavy lift airbag extrication kit

Trucking Cares and community support

• $25,000 to TAT formerly Truckers Against Trafficking to support its work training transportation professionals to recognize and report human trafficking
• $5,000 to West Kerr Education Foundation in Texas to support teachers and counselors impacted by catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country with the contribution made on behalf of H E B as the recipient of the John Lex Premier Achievement Award
• $5,000 to the Monarch School in San Diego which provides academic, social, emotional, and life skills support to unhoused youth and is in the host city of ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition with TCF noting it plans to partner with a similar school when the event convenes in Charlotte in 2026

Fundraising focus moving forward

The Trucking Cares Foundation said it is redoubling fundraising initiatives with the goal of creating an endowed fund to support long-term giving. The foundation said continued support from trucking companies and industry leaders is needed to reach that goal.

Board of directors’ additions

The foundation also announced the following additions to its board of directors.

• Joey Ballard, Covenant Logistics
• Andrew Okuyiga, UPS
• Sheri Call, Washington Trucking Associations
• Randy Clifford, Ventura Transfer

Source: The Trucker

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