Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and CEO, expressed his admiration for the team, stating, “The generosity and commitment of our associates continue to inspire me. Their dedication to supporting St. Jude helps make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing difficult challenges. We’re especially proud of the one dollar in that donation, which represents ‘The Power of One Dollar a Week’ and how we can all make a positive impact.”

Donations on the Rise

This latest contribution marks the fifth consecutive year that Averitt has surpassed its previous donations, consistently demonstrating its commitment to St. Jude’s mission of discovering treatments and cures for life-threatening pediatric diseases.

How the Averitt Cares for Kids Program Works

Averitt Charities is powered by voluntary $1 weekly payroll contributions through the company’s Averitt Cares for Kids program. To amplify the effort, Averitt also provides matching donations to recognize community service, achievements, and milestones by its associates. Impressively, 100% of the funds collected are dedicated to charitable causes, underscoring the organization’s commitment to giving back.

Since becoming St. Jude’s first corporate partner in 1990, the Averitt Cares for Kids program has donated over $14 million to the hospital. These contributions ensure critical support for St. Jude’s commitment to never charging families for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Their efforts help families focus entirely on their children’s recovery.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee, remains at the forefront of research, treatment, and cures for catastrophic childhood illnesses. Averitt’s longstanding partnership supports this mission, positively impacting countless children and their families worldwide.

For more details about the Averitt Cares for Kids program, visit Averitt.com/ACFK.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Averitt

The post Averitt Associates Donate Record-Breaking $1.75 Million to St. Jude appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Tobin Cassels, president of Southeastern Freight Lines, offered heartfelt thanks to those who have contributed to the company’s success over the years. “It is amazing to look back over the last 75 years and reflect on all that our people have contributed, helping shape Southeastern into the organization that it is today,” Cassels shared. “As we celebrate this significant milestone, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our loyal customers, talented associates, and industry partners who have dedicated their time, trust, and talents to helping our organization achieve success over the years. We look forward to seeing what the next 75 years will bring.”

A Look Back at 75 Years of Growth

Starting in 1950, Southeastern Freight Lines began as a small operation with a single service center in Columbia, South Carolina, and a tight-knit team of 20 associates. Fast forward 75 years, and the company has transformed into a nationally recognized leader in the transportation and logistics sector.

With 89 service centers across North America, including Puerto Rico and the Sunbelt region, Southeastern has built a reputation for operational reliability, safety, and unmatched efficiency. Today, it boasts a workforce of over 8,500 dedicated associates who contribute to its ongoing success.

President Tobin Cassels reflected on the company’s organic approach to growth, saying, “Consistent, organic growth has always been a key component of Southeastern’s success. Looking ahead, Southeastern remains focused on building upon its strong foundation and continuing to innovate its transportation solutions – with the intent to meet and exceed the needs of every customer, every time.”

Going Beyond Transportation

What makes Southeastern truly unique is its philosophy of service that extends beyond the operational side of transportation. Central to this is the company’s SERVES program, which exemplifies its culture of giving back.

Launched in 2012, the SERVES program has brought together over 10,923 associates, friends, and family members to contribute more than 34,296 volunteer hours across 680+ community projects. These projects range from providing meals to families in need, aiding veteran-focused organizations, and supporting shelters for the homeless and those escaping domestic violence. This steadfast commitment to community underscores Southeastern’s broader mission to create lasting, positive impacts wherever they operate.

Source: The Trucker

The post Celebrating 75 Years of Service Excellence at Southeastern Freight Lines appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The donation came as part of her recognition by the Trucking Cares Foundation, where she was named the 2024 recipient of the John Lex Premier Achievement Award. The award includes a $5,000 grant that the honoree donates to a charity of their choosing.

Speaking about the honor, Sova reflected on the personal and professional significance of the award.

“In October I had the honor of receiving the John Lex Premier Achievement Award. Having known John Lex and the outstanding person, mentor and captain he was on America’s Road Team, I was shocked to hear ATA President & CEO Chris Spear announce me as the winner,” shared Sova. “To be a part of John’s legacy is one of the proudest moments and accomplishments of my trucking career. I’m thankful to everyone who nominated me for this prestigious award.”

Why Harmony House?

Sova explained her decision to support Harmony House, emphasizing their critical role in aiding those affected by domestic violence in Missouri.

“Harmony House was my charity of choice because of the outstanding work that they do in the greater Springfield community and in the State of Missouri. Helping victims of domestic violence, which includes men, women, and children, is vital here. Not only have they provided shelter and a safe haven for these victims, but numerous other services. They’ve partnered with law enforcement and community groups to provide assistance to families in need,” said Sova.

Her connection to the organization runs even deeper due to its long-standing partnership with her employer, Prime Inc.

“I also chose Harmony House because of the long-term partnership they have with Prime Inc. For many years, Prime Inc. has supported this nonprofit through the ICare campaign, bringing awareness to the realities of victims of violence. I’ve always wanted to give back to the organization because they do great work. Thanks to the Trucking Cares Foundation, I was able to give a monetary donation to Harmony House. Doing so filled my heart with joy. It led to me volunteering to feed families during their Thanksgiving dinner. It was awesome,” she added.

Gratitude from Harmony House

Jared Alexander, the executive director of Harmony House, expressed deep appreciation for Sova’s generosity and the support from the Trucking Cares Foundation.

“We are incredibly honored and grateful for this very generous donation from Dee Sova of Prime Inc and the Trucking Cares Foundation; a 501c3 charity established by the American Trucking Associations,” said Alexander. “This generous support makes an enormous impact, allowing us to provide vital resources and services to individuals experiencing domestic violence. Dee’s dedication to uplifting others and John’s commitment to community care truly reflect the power of compassion and collaboration. Together, with supporters like Dee, TCF supporters and organizations like ATA and Prime Inc., we’re able to create safety, hope, and new beginnings for survivors.”

Source: Truckers News

Image: Trucking Cares Foundation

The post Dee Sova Donates $5,000 Prize to Domestic Violence Nonprofit Harmony House appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Our partnership with this program is both an honor and a privilege,” said Larry Vannatta, Averitt’s regional vice president of sales for Texas. “Seeing the impact of our efforts is truly rewarding.”

A Team Effort to Uplift Morale

According to an Averitt press release, their associates rallied together across 17 facilities—primarily in Texas—and their corporate office to collect and prepare the holiday cards. The corporate office alone contributed more than 4,000 cards to the initiative. Ensuring no detail was missed, the cards were carefully organized, counted, and prepared to make certain they reached service members in time for the holidays.

This marks another chapter in Averitt’s long-standing collaboration with New Country 96.3 KSCS, a program designed to show appreciation and boost morale for service members during the festive season.

Driven by Purpose Beyond Cards

Averitt further demonstrated its commitment to giving back by pairing this initiative with a financial contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s philanthropic organization. Averitt matched the time given by employees to the card program with a donation to the charity, which primarily supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Through initiatives like these, Averitt continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of military personnel and local communities alike, ensuring their holiday season is brighter and filled with appreciation.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Averitt

The post Averitt Spreads Holiday Cheer to Troops with 18,000+ Greeting Cards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

PennDOT received the prestigious Grand Prize for its swift actions on the I-95/Cottman Avenue Emergency Response project. WVDOT’s innovative Wellsburg Bridge project won the People’s Choice Award, recognized for bridging the gap between communities that had long been disconnected.

“We are incredibly proud of the two winning projects, which demonstrate how both states respond to their residents’ needs, whether through emergency repairs or reconnecting communities,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

PennDOT was tested in June 2023, when a devastating fire, sparked by a fuel tanker accident, shut down a crucial stretch of I-95 in Philadelphia—a major north-south corridor. In just 12 days, PennDOT’s $4.5 million project team created a temporary wall and roadway to restore this essential route, providing a swift solution to an unexpected challenge.

The $168 million Wellsburg Bridge project by WVDOT restored a long-needed link between Brilliant, Ohio, and Wellsburg, West Virginia. Before the bridge, the communities were connected only by a ferry service, which had since ceased. This project shortened travel times by eliminating a 30-minute detour and maintained barge traffic flow on the river throughout construction.

Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America’s Transportation Awards honor state transportation projects that make a positive impact on local communities nationwide. This year’s program saw 106 nominations from 39 states.

Both winning projects were awarded $10,000, which recipients can donate to a charity or a scholarship related to transportation.

Source: Truckers News

Image: ASHTO

The post I-95 Emergency Repairs in Pennsylvania Honored with Top Transportation Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

To nominate a deserving driver, visit www.tcaprofessionaldriversoftheyear.com. Sponsored by Love’s Travel Stops and Cummins, this program highlights drivers who exemplify safety, leadership, and impactful contributions to their companies and communities.

“This awards program plays a vital role in honoring the dedication and hard work of exceptional truck drivers. Recognizing their contributions not only boosts morale within the industry but also highlights the critical role they play in our economy and communities. Thanks to sponsors Love’s and Cummins for their support and ensuring that these important celebrations continue,” said TCA Vice President Zander Gambill.

Last year’s honorees included Tim Chelette of Big G Express, Rosalinda Tejada of Knight Transportation, Howard Robinson of NFI Industries, Clark Reed of Nussbaum Transportation, and James White of P&S Transportation.

“Every day, the Love’s Travel Stops’ team strives to make life on the road easier for professional truck drivers. These underappreciated heroes impact each and every one of us as they perform one of our country’s most demanding and important jobs. We are honored, once again, to recognize those drivers who set the highest standard for the industry mile after mile,” said Jon Archard, Love’s Travel Stops’ Vice President of Fleet Sales.

José Samperio of Cummins Inc. noted, “Many truckers are responsible for more than just safely transporting the goods we rely upon in our daily lives. When they aren’t logging miles, they are also responsible for community involvement, peer leadership, and improving their respective company cultures. Cummins is honored to continue to support the TCA Professional Driver of the Year program that rewards those drivers who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the world around them.”

If you know a driver who embodies these qualities and works for a TCA member carrier, nominate them today and celebrate their remarkable impact.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Truckload Carriers Association 

The post TCA Launches Search for Drivers of the Year, Offering $20,000 Prizes to Winners appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.