For the fifth year in a row, Lily Transportation partnered with the Salvation Army to ensure Veterans at the Jamaica Plain VA campus received full Thanksgiving meals. A week before the holiday, Lily prepared two large freezer trailers to keep everything stored and ready for distribution.

Mike Stanton, a veteran and Lily’s senior vice president of operations and compliance, worked with his team and other Veteran volunteers to organize the pickup, sorting, and delivery of the food on November 22nd.

“This program is a very special one for the Lily volunteers who have braved the elements for several years to ensure that our Veterans have a much deserved and enjoyable Thanksgiving meal,” Stanton said.

The program provided more than fourteen thousand dollars worth of Thanksgiving food, including more than three hundred twenty turkeys and hams, pies, carrots, onions, pans, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy mix, and other meal essentials. Everything was distributed to Veterans across Massachusetts.

Joseph Tocci, Supervisory Peer Specialist at Boston Health Care for Homeless Veterans, expressed appreciation for Lily’s continued involvement.

“Lily’s collaboration and volunteer support, many of whom are Veterans, played a crucial role in the event,” Tocci said. “The gratitude expressed by the Veterans was heartfelt and meaningful.”

Source: The Trucker

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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

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Giving Back Through Action

“As a family-owned company, we believe strongly in giving back to the communities where we live and work,” said Phill Wilt, president and CEO of ACT. “Cancer has touched so many of our lives in deeply personal ways, and it reminds us how important it is to stand together. This fundraiser is more than a meal; it is a reflection of our shared hope, our resilience, and our belief that we can make a difference when we unite for a cause greater than ourselves. At ACT, we see our employees and community as family, and when one of us is affected, all of us are called to act. That is why supporting the American Cancer Society is not just an event on our calendar, but a commitment in our hearts.”

The event took place at the ACT Plaza Building in Kansas City and was themed “ACT Fights Cancer in All Colors,” emphasizing that cancer affects everyone, not just breast cancer patients.

Bringing the Community Together

More than 160 people attended the fundraiser, enjoying ribeye steak sandwiches along with sides and desserts. A raffle, featuring prizes donated by ACT employees and vendors, offered participants a chance to contribute further. All proceeds from raffle ticket sales and lunch donations were directed to cancer research and patient support.

Together, the ACT community raised $7,650 for the American Cancer Society.

Ongoing Efforts

Support for the cause doesn’t stop with the fundraiser. Community members can continue donating online at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/TeamACT. Raffle ticket sales will continue until Friday, September 19, with winners announced during National Driver Appreciation Week.

“ACT’s commitment does not end with this luncheon,” ACT said. “The company and its associates will participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Crown Center. Team members and their families will walk in honor of those who have battled cancer and in support of research, treatment, and the hope for a cure.

Source: ACT

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“Our thoughts are with the many communities in Texas that are facing the aftermath of this disaster,” said Gary Sasser, chairman and CEO of Averitt. “While none of our facilities or associates have been directly impacted at this time, we know that many people in the region are hurting. Through this contribution, we hope to help bring some measure of comfort and assistance as recovery continues.”

The donation is earmarked for emergency aid—such as shelter, food, and medical care—for flood-impacted residents.

Averitt Charities operates through voluntary employee contributions and company matching gifts tied to milestones and life events. “By supporting organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Averitt Charities seeks to make a positive impact in the lives of those facing crisis and hardship,” Averitt said.

Source: The Trucker

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For the eighth consecutive year, Pilot invites its guests to contribute by making donations in-store and, as a gesture of gratitude, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee to keep them fueled throughout the day.

“At Pilot, safety goes beyond being road-ready — it’s about protecting what matters most: our team members, guests, and communities,” said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s Chief Marketing Officer and member of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why Council. “Standing together in the fight against heart disease and stroke — the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in our country — is a meaningful way to bring our purpose to life and show people they matter at every turn.”

How Guests Can Participate

From February 1–16, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Travel Centers to donate and help promote heart health. There are several ways to lend a hand:

• Paper Hearts: Guests can purchase paper hearts for $1, $3, or $5 at participating travel centers. Every penny supports the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign in the U.S. and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Those who buy a paper heart at U.S. locations will also receive a free any-size hot coffee via the Pilot myRewards Plus app as a thank-you gift for contributing.

• Pin Pad Donations: During checkout, guests can round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar or give an additional donation through the pin pad. All proceeds from U.S. contributions go to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, while funds raised at Canadian locations benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

“We’re proud to support the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to promote heart health and safety,” Ingoldt said. “Every paper heart purchased and extra dollar donated fuels groundbreaking research and lifesaving initiatives. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our guests and team members, whose support enables these organizations to make a profound difference.”

Supporting Team Members’ Heart Health

Beyond its fundraising initiatives, Pilot is committed to equipping its employees with the resources to prioritize their heart health. Team members will have access to free CPR training, blood pressure screenings, and other essential heart health resources provided by the American Heart Association.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Pilot

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Nebraska Trucking Steps Up for Hurricane Relief

Collaboration was at the heart of this initiative, as members of the Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA) joined forces with the Salvation Army to help communities impacted by the severe hurricanes in the Southeast.

“We looked into trying to collect donatable goods,” said Kent Grisham NTA president and CEO. “But after some research, it was clear that various service organizations in the southeast had well-established methods of collecting and distributing materials in areas hard-hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. So, we decided to partner with one of the most trusted and reliable service organizations in the world, the Salvation Army, to conduct a fundraising campaign.”

Women’s Council and Nebraska Trucking Cares Unite for Action

The fundraising campaign, which was spearheaded by the NTA’s Women’s Council, marked a departure from the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund’s usual mission. Typically, the fund provides aid to employees of NTA members facing hardship, but the immediate and overwhelming needs of hurricane victims prompted the group to extend their reach.

“Nebraska is no stranger to the devastation caused by natural disasters,” Grisham explained. “This year alone, our state has endured destructive tornadoes, hailstorms, floods, and wildfires. That shared experience created a deep well of compassion and generosity among our members, inspiring them to help those suffering in the Southeast.”

A Ceremonial Gesture of Solidarity

The collaboration culminated in a ceremonial check presentation between NTA and Salvation Army leaders. The $5,000 contribution will support disaster relief operations that remain active in communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“We are truly grateful for this outstanding support from the Nebraska Trucking Association via the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund,” said Maj. Scott Shelbourn, commander of The Salvation Army Western Division. “The $5,000 donated by NTA members will make a big difference for Salvation Army disaster-relief operations that are still ongoing in the Southeast in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. It takes a team effort to help disaster-impacted communities recover, and we salute the NTA for being part of that team.”

Source: The Trucker

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From October 4 to October 18, customers at any Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel center nationwide are encouraged to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar. Every cent raised will go towards bolstering Red Cross efforts in the Southeast regions affected by the hurricane.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless individuals, families and communities, including our own team members, experiencing the utterly devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” expressed Julius Cox, Pilot’s chief people officer. “Pilot is profoundly thankful to our team members and emergency personnel for all they are doing to support the affected communities. We are working around the clock to ensure our stores are open and able to provide essentials like fuel and food as we start down the road to recovery together.”

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Pilot is prioritizing the safe and swift resumption of services to meet the needs of affected communities and emergency workers. As of now, all Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel centers are operational, including in severely affected locations. For current updates on store operations in these areas, please visit pilotflyingj.com/operational-updates.

Source: Truckers News

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What Are FEMA Loads?

Imagine a town ravaged by a powerful storm. The community’s infrastructure is shattered, stores are closed, and families are left in dire conditions. This is where FEMA loads come into play, delivering critical supplies to those in need.

These shipments frequently include vital resources such as:

• Search and Rescue Equipment: Crucial for first responders to effectively reach and assist victims.

• Non-Perishable Food Items: Essentials like canned foods and dry mixes provide nutrition when grocery stores are inaccessible.

• Clean Drinking Water and Medical Supplies: Essential for survival during the aftermath of disasters.

• Construction Materials and Power Generators: Necessary for rebuilding homes and restoring power to affected areas.

• Personal Care Products: Items like clothing and hygiene kits help restore dignity to those in crisis.

Challenges in Transporting FEMA Loads

While transporting FEMA loads is rewarding, it comes with its own set of hurdles. The unpredictable nature of disasters can lead to last-minute changes, from delivery schedules to rerouting due to impassable roads.

Driving through disaster zones poses additional challenges, including damaged infrastructure and changing weather conditions. Prioritizing safety is key—not just for successful delivery, but also for your own protection.

Patience is crucial. Delays in loading and unloading are common as logistics teams coordinate amidst the chaos. Understanding this will help you work collaboratively toward the shared goal of aiding those affected.

Getting Ready for the Job

Preparation is critical if you’re gearing up to handle FEMA loads:

• Thoroughly Inspect Your Truck: Regular maintenance is crucial to preventing unexpected issues on the road.

• Equip with Emergency Supplies: Keep your vehicle stocked with essentials like food, water, and a basic first-aid kit, as you never know when they might be needed.

• Understand FEMA Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements to streamline bureaucratic processes.

• Network with Experienced Truckers: Connect with peers who have experience in hauling FEMA loads to gain valuable insights and support.

Becoming a FEMA-Approved Driver

To become a FEMA-approved driver, start by exploring FEMA’s guidelines for transportation service providers. It’s essential to understand the required documentation and compliance measures. Ensure your registration is active on SAM.gov, as it’s a prerequisite for engaging in government contracts.

Complete the Transportation Service Provider registration form, and upon approval, you’ll receive confirmation via email, allowing you to accept FEMA load assignments. Adhering to the Standard Tender of Service (STOS) Program is vital to maintaining compliance.

Your Impact as a Trucker

In times of crisis, your role as a trucker is pivotal. Without your dedication, transporting essential goods to those in need would be incredibly challenging. Your efforts go beyond moving freight; they directly influence the well-being and recovery of countless individuals.

As you traverse the highways, remember that each mile brings hope closer to those in need. You’re not just a driver; you’re a vital component of a network that empowers communities to rebuild and recover. Together, we can ensure that essential assistance reaches those who require it most.

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