The recognition came through Fleet Advantage’s Kids Around The Corner Foundation (KATC), a program that encourages employees to roll up their sleeves, get involved in their communities, and direct company donations to causes that make a real difference.

“We are incredibly honored that the American Logistics Aid Network has recognized our employees’ passion and commitment through the Kids Around The Corner Foundation,” said Elizabeth Gomez, director of marketing and community outreach, FA. “Our team consistently demonstrates that community service and humanitarian relief are integral to our company culture. This award reflects their compassion and proves that meaningful engagement can make a lasting difference.”

A second win for a company focused on giving back.

This is the second time Fleet Advantage has earned an ALAN Humanitarian Logistics Award. The first came back in 2022, when the KATC Foundation received recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Disaster Relief Efforts.

Since 2017, the ALAN Humanitarian Logistics Awards have honored companies and individuals who step up when disasters strike, using logistics and supply chain expertise to get help where it’s needed most. Fleet Advantage and its KATC Foundation were celebrated during ALAN’s 20th anniversary event for their continued commitment to supporting people in crisis.

How Fleet Advantage and KATC made a difference

In 2024, KATC celebrated its 10th anniversary with a record-breaking year of giving.

“In 2024, KATC marked its 10th anniversary and delivered a record-setting year of engagement, supporting 51 nonprofit organizations with $380,425 in donations, including 16 new partnerships, while also engaging employees and partners in eight in-person volunteer events,” FA said. “Fleet Advantage employees and their families actively participated in these initiatives, directly impacting the communities where they live and work.”

That hands-on support came in many forms, including:

Partnering with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to deliver emergency aid after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Serving over 2,000 meals and hygiene kits to people experiencing homelessness during Good Friday and Thanksgiving events with The Caring Place.
Donating more than 100 Easter baskets to children in underserved neighborhoods.
Hosting its largest-ever backpack drive, collecting and distributing 200 backpacks filled with school supplies in partnership with Henderson Behavioral Health.
Continuing work with Junior Achievement of South Florida to expand financial literacy education for students in need.

Altogether, Fleet Advantage’s efforts have added up to over $1 million in charitable giving since the foundation’s start in 2014.

A culture of compassion on and off the road

For a company that’s deeply tied to the trucking and logistics world, Fleet Advantage’s story shows that moving freight isn’t the only way to keep things rolling; sometimes it’s about moving people to act.

By blending community service, employee involvement. 

Image Source: Fleet Advantage

Source: The Trucker

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Since 2018, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has proudly collaborated with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to ensure this three-quarters scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial reaches cities across the country. This 375-foot-long mobile memorial wall, engraved with the names of over 58,000 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, travels alongside an educational exhibit to honor and remember these heroes.

The TCA is actively looking for truck drivers and carriers to take on the vital task of hauling the wall and its accompanying education center to one or more locations. This is an incredible opportunity to play an essential role in connecting communities to this historic tribute.

Are you interested in helping to transport this meaningful project? Sign up online to join the effort and make a difference.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

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This opportunity is open to students who demonstrate strong academic achievements, meaningful volunteer work, community service, and active participation in extracurricular activities. The winners will be selected based on the quality of their application, including supporting documents that showcase their accomplishments.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be legal dependents of current CVSA members (excluding board members).

• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).

• Must be a legal citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.

How to Apply

Interested students must complete CVSA’s online scholarship application and submit all required materials by Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Required documents include:

• High school transcript

• Two essays

• Two recommendation letters

The scholarship recipients will be announced this summer.

If you meet the qualifications, don’t miss this incredible chance to support your college education. Start your application today!

Source: Truckers News

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“Providing St. Jude with resources of their choosing based on the need of the kids has been such a rewarding experience,” shared Jeff Edwards, Regional Vice President of Sales at Averitt. “We have found that not only do our associates rally behind these drives, but our customers do as well.”

Thousands of Toys, Endless Smiles

The initiative, now in its fifth year, has delivered thousands of toys to brighten the days of children undergoing treatment. What began with a simple Play-Doh drive has since expanded to include items such as coloring books, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, and action figures.

The results continue to inspire all involved. For instance, in 2023, Averitt collected and donated 30,000 Hot Wheels cars. Fast forward to 2024, their efforts shifted to dolls and action figures with an astounding total of 10,000 toys gifted to St. Jude.

A Culture of Giving Back

The toy drives are part of Averitt’s larger “Team Up Community Challenge” program. This year-round initiative encourages Averitt associates to engage in service projects within their local communities. Furthermore, Averitt matches its associates’ volunteer hours with contributions made through Averitt Charities, their non-profit organization dedicated to charitable causes.

St. Jude provides guidance each year by sharing a list of needed items, ensuring every contribution is impactful and meaningful. “We started with a Play-Doh drive after Todd Harrett and I visited St. Jude for a check presentation one year. From there, what began locally in Louisville became an initiative in all our region,” said Jimmy Hoskins, Operations Manager at Averitt’s Louisville facility. “We have been amazed at the generosity of our company, our associates, our customers, and our community. Anything I ask our associates to do, they step up because they love the kids.”

For more details about Averitt’s community-focused work, visit Averitt Charities.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Averitt

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Ryder System Inc. has hit a historic milestone in 2024 by contributing a remarkable $1.15 million to United Way, representing the largest donation in the company’s four-decade-long partnership with the nonprofit.

“Each year, Ryder employees show up and demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the United Way,” stated Robert Sanchez, Ryder Chairman and CEO, as well as a former chairman of the board for United Way Miami. “Reaching this new giving record is a testament to their commitment to helping others, and I am so grateful to everyone who contributed. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to this year’s campaign co-chairs, Kendra Phillips, vice president for transportation management and brokerage, and Bill Dawson, senior vice president & chief of operations, for their exceptional leadership in making this achievement possible.”

This impressive total includes generous employee contributions augmented by a donation from the Ryder Charitable Foundation, according to a press release from the company.

Centered on the theme “Providing Essential Help Right HERE,” the 2024 workplace giving campaign brought Ryder employees together nationwide through a blend of in-person and virtual fundraising events. The campaign embodied the company’s ethos of community service while mirroring United Way’s key initiatives in health & wellbeing, education, resilient communities, and economic mobility.

The funds raised will directly support United Way chapters across the U.S., enabling them to address vital community needs. With these contributions, United Way chapters can continue programs that improve access to education, healthcare, and financial resources—helping build thriving communities where Ryder employees live and work.

“For more than 40 years, Ryder and United Way have partnered to provide essential resources to families in need, and this record-breaking $1.15 million donation ensures we can continue addressing critical challenges and creating a brighter future for our community,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami, the chapter that serves Ryder’s headquarters. “Ryder’s commitment to community-building and philanthropy has a tremendous impact, and their support for United Way makes a difference in the lives of individuals through programs and initiatives that provide access to health & wellbeing, education, resilient communities, and economic mobility.”

Ryder’s extraordinary contribution highlights not only the company’s dedication to philanthropy but also the power of collective employee action in making significant positive changes within local communities.

Source: The Trucker

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This effort is part of WAA’s larger mission to “Remember, Honor, and Teach,” dedicating time and resources year-round to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.

Driving with Purpose

Jane Good, one of JT Logistics’ Honor Fleet drivers, has been a part of this initiative for three years. Her personal connection to the mission gives her work profound meaning.

“It is a blessing to honor my late husband Eugene and other fallen veterans in this way. We ensure their memories and sacrifices for this country are never forgotten,” shared Good. “I’m grateful JT Logistics prioritizes resources for transporting these special wreaths for our community to remember our veterans, while our staff ensures that our clients make the holiday season memorable for their customers by providing efficient, timely warehousing and fulfillment services during peak season.”

JT Logistics’ Honor Fleet isn’t working alone. This year, over 700 trucks will transport wreaths to more than 4,000 locations across all 50 states and internationally. With the help of 3 million volunteers, National Wreaths Across America Day will once again unite communities in gratitude and remembrance.

A Personal Tribute

For JT Logistics driver Edward Dolsen, Jr., this mission is personal. Dolsen reflected on his experience, saying, “It is an honor to be able to serve my fallen brothers and sisters in arms by bringing the wreaths to be placed on their graves. The Iowa Veteran Cemetery holds a special place in my heart because that’s where my best friend is buried. We ensure their memories and sacrifices for this country are never forgotten.”

Both Good and Dolsen exemplify the dedication of those involved in this national initiative, reminding us of the importance of remembering the sacrifices veterans have made.

A Company-wide Commitment

JT Logistics’ involvement with Wreaths Across America is one of many ways the company demonstrates its commitment to community service. According to President and CEO Jamie Cord, “Our sponsorship of Wreaths Across America allows us to honor Iowa’s fallen soldiers and their families. Transporting wreaths from the nonprofit’s headquarters in Maine to our state’s cemeteries enables communities to remember veterans and reflect on the value of freedom. National Wreaths Across America Day gives our team and nation the opportunity to briefly pause from our busy schedules during the holiday season to reflect on the true spirit of giving.”

Wreaths Across America – How You Can Get Involved

For more information about year-round Wreaths Across America initiatives, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Source: The Trucker

Image: JT Logistics

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A Community in Need

On September 27, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Andrew and several fellow truck drivers found themselves stranded in Candler, North Carolina, just outside Asheville. Hurricane Helene had crippled the region, leaving roads impassable, cutting off power, and isolating communities without communication or access to necessities. Parked at a TA Truck Stop, the truckers faced the common challenge of finding food amidst the devastation.

Andrew recalled, “We had a driver who was delivering hamburgers to restaurants in the area, so he actually opened up his unit and pulled out a box of hamburgers and started cooking for all the truck drivers.”

Inspired by this act of generosity, Andrew and others decided to take things further. The following day, he drove into Asheville with a group of drivers to search for supplies. They purchased another grill with a mission to prepare food for anyone in need.

“The food’s gonna go bad anyway, so that kind of kicked everything into motion,” Andrew explained.

Going Beyond Expectations

Andrew’s commitment extended well beyond the truck stop. He went door-to-door at a nearby Days Inn, asking guests if they were in need of food. Among the guests was Dianna Sains, traveling with her family to assist in a cross-country move. Stranded without food or water for nearly three days, Dianna overheard the news about food being shared by the truckers. She soon connected with Andrew, who ensured her family had access to what they needed.

“They had no food and no real water for almost three days,” Andrew said. Dianna expressed her gratitude for the truckers’ generosity, saying, “She got all excited because these big scary truck drivers were trying to give away food.”

Andrew also purchased snacks, chips, and drinks from the TA Truck Stop using his own funds—spending roughly $1,000 in total. Over the course of nearly five days, Andrew estimates that he and the other truckers helped feed around 150 stranded individuals.

Although he devoted most of his time to helping others, Andrew revealed that his own well-being took a backseat. “I hardly ate,” he admitted. “I actually had drivers that I had become friends with who forced me to eat because my mind was on everybody else.”

A Legacy of Kindness

Without the swift actions and generosity of Andrew and the group of truck drivers, the local community in Candler would have faced even greater challenges in those early, critical days following the hurricane.

“I always tried to stay on the positive side because there’s no reason to be negative and cause anybody to be negative,” Andrew shared. “I just did what anybody else should do.”

Recognizing Everyday Heroes

Andrew’s determination to help others aligns with the spirit of the TCA Highway Angel program. Since its launch in 1997, nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers have been honored as Highway Angels for their extraordinary acts of kindness, courage, and thoughtfulness while on the job. The program, with support from EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, celebrates drivers like Andrew who go above and beyond for others.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Truckers News

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Judy Love, co-founder of Love’s Travel Stops and notable philanthropist, passed away on November 5 in Oklahoma City at the age of 87.

“Our mother, Judy Love, was the heart and soul of our family,” said the Love family. “She cared deeply for us and those who worked alongside her and Dad. Her tenacity, strength, and focus will guide us forever. She taught us the importance of hard work, honesty, and the joy of giving back. While we will miss her dearly, her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched.”

Together with her husband Tom, Judy helped establish Love’s Travel Stops in 1964 with a $5,000 loan. Her financial expertise and unwavering dedication played a crucial role in expanding the company across 42 states. Judy’s generosity and commitment to community service left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Her philanthropic legacy continues through her children Greg, Laura, Jenny, and Frank, as well as her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born in Chicago in 1937, Judy Love relocated to Oklahoma City in 1942 with her family. She graduated from Bishop McGuinness High School and Central Catholic High School. Judy met Tom Love at Oklahoma State University in 1956, leading to their marriage on December 26, 1960. In 1964, they leased a deserted service station in Watonga, eventually expanding it into a chain of 40 stores within eight years, giving rise to Love’s Family of Companies. Judy managed the company’s finances from home and, after retiring from part-time work in 1975, pursued her passion for interior design, earning degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Judy’s philanthropic endeavors included establishing the Love Family Affiliated Fund in 1999 and the Tom and Judy Love Foundation in 2013. Her contributions to the community were recognized with honors such as the Oklahoma Mother of the Year in 2020 and the Outstanding Philanthropist Award in 1999.

“Judy Love was an extraordinary woman with a huge heart for others and an inexhaustible joy of life,” said Jane Jayroe-Gamble, a close friend. “Her passion for family, friends, community, and the Catholic Church inspired many. Judy and Tom were a partnership made in Heaven, and their successful business reflects their hard work, dedication, and generosity. As we mourn her loss, let’s celebrate her remarkable life, positive spirit, gifts of encouragement, and significant impact on our world.”

Former Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating, who collaborated with Judy in the fundraising campaign for the Love Family Women’s Center at Mercy Hospital, shared her admiration. “Judy was devoted to her Catholic faith and the charitable organizations affiliated with it,” Keating said. “She lived her life with courage, determination, and humility. She and her husband, Tom, were a united front in raising their remarkable family and growing their successful business. Judy’s compassion for others knew no limits, and the impact of her kindness and generosity is immeasurable. I will miss her terribly.”

Judy Love was an active participant in non-profit boards in Oklahoma City and co-chaired the capital campaign for Positive Tomorrows, a school dedicated to children experiencing homelessness. Her contributions were widely recognized, earning her a place in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2010. Judy also received numerous accolades, including Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Woman Awards, and was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts and Woman of the Year by the Notre Dame Club in Oklahoma.

Source: The Trucker

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The diverse range of service projects undertaken by Averitt associates included clothing, food, and toy drives, active participation in school functions, organizing blood drives, and contributing to holiday initiatives. A total of 102 local Averitt teams actively participated, collectively serving 205 community organizations.

“Helping people is something we strongly believe in,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt chairman and chief executive officer. “The Team Up Community Challenge is part of our culture of Associate Sharing, and our 2023 results were an incredible example of what’s possible when we work together. It also shows the kind of people we have on our team – people who go the extra mile and step up to meet the needs of our communities.”

Since the inception of the Team Up Community Challenge in 2011, Averitt associates have consistently demonstrated their dedication to community service, contributing:

• 70,973 hours of community service
• Support to 1,145 organizations

This remarkable track record not only highlights Averitt’s commitment to excellence in the transportation industry but also underscores its broader role in consistently giving back to communities across the nation. Through such initiatives, the trucking industry, represented by companies like Averitt, continues to play a vital role in making a positive difference beyond its core business functions.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: Averitt

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