“This year, we were thrilled to receive over 80 drawing and writing entries,” said Lisa Broyhill, vice president of industry relations for IFDA. “The creativity, emotion, and pride these children express every year are a touching reflection of the commitment our competitors show daily. We’re grateful for Fleet Advantage’s continued partnership and their dedication to celebrating the families that make this industry so special.”

The foodservice distribution sector depends on the professionals who keep freight moving safely and on schedule. Fleet Advantage continues to highlight the families who support those workers day in and day out.

For nearly a decade, the Kids Drawing and Writing Contest has given children a chance to describe why their parent or guardian is their hero. The entries are heartfelt, creative, and often surprisingly deep for their age groups.

This year’s drawing contest winner for second grade and below was Payton Keiser, child of Justin Keiser from Dot Foods. In the third through fifth grade writing category, first place went to Aumber Singh, daughter of Harjinder Singh from Mondelez. “My dad reminds me of the Disney character Beast because he is strong and kindhearted. My dad works hard like a Beast and sometimes looks serious,” Aumber said. Second place went to Avery Gomez, daughter of Gustavo Gomez from Performance Food Group, and third place went to Declan Falconburg, son of James Falconburg from Nicholas and Company.

In the sixth through eighth grade writing group, first place was awarded to Emilie Ditscheit, daughter of Mark Ditscheit from Performance Food Group. “My competitor shows me that being a hero is not all about superpowers, it’s about lifting others and making a difference in their lives,” Emilie said. Micky Parker, daughter of Mike Parker from Shamrock Foods, earned second place, and third place went to Aaryn Kissire, daughter of Jason Kissire from Vistar and PFG.

The ninth through twelfth grade writing category was topped by Annabelle Nichols, daughter of Richard Arens from Performance Foodservice. “He’s my hero because he didn’t just step into my life; he stepped into my heart,” Nicholson said. Second place went to Ilyana Vasquez, daughter of William Vasquez from Shamrock Foods, and third place was awarded to Natalie Heredia, daughter of Luciano Heredia, also from Shamrock Foods.

Fleet Advantage noted that this year’s entries showed impressive creativity and genuine admiration for the drivers and warehouse workers who keep the nation’s foodservice network running strong.

The IFDA National Championship itself is one of the leading events in the foodservice distribution world. Drivers and warehouse professionals compete in challenges that test precision, safety, and real-world skills. It is a chance for the industry to recognize the people who keep goods moving long before they reach a restaurant or grocery store.

“Drivers and warehouse operators are the heart of our food supply chain,” said Katerina Jones, CMO of Fleet Advantage. “We are honored to continue recognizing the individuals and families who support this vital industry. The Kids Drawing and Writing Contest is a heartfelt reminder that behind every competitor is a family filled with pride, admiration, and love.”

For truckers everywhere, the message resonates. Families may not be in the cab every day, but they fuel the miles. This contest gives those families a moment to shine and reminds the industry who is cheering behind every load.

Image Source: Fleet Advantage

Source: The Trucker

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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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Fleet Advantage (FA) proudly announced its “Driving Success” podcast as the recipient of the prestigious Trailblazer Award from the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA).

“We are incredibly pleased to receive this recognition from TMSA,” shared Katerina Jones, CMO at FA. “Driving Success was developed as a way to bring relevant, timely, and insightful conversations to transportation professionals across all levels of experience. This award is a reflection of our team’s creativity, commitment, and deep understanding of the industry’s evolving needs. It also validates our broader strategy of meeting audiences where they are—through accessible and impactful digital content.”

The TMSA Trailblazer Awards

The Trailblazer Awards honor innovation, creativity, and measurable results in marketing and sales within the transportation sector. Each year, TMSA recognizes organizations that craft forward-thinking, data-driven campaigns that contribute meaningfully to their industries. Fleet Advantage garnered this accolade for its ability to elevate brand presence, deliver purpose-driven content, and achieve business outcomes.

The Impact of “Driving Success”

Launched in 2024, Fleet Advantage’s “Driving Success” podcast was designed to attract a younger, tech-savvy audience, blending education and thought leadership with the goal of increasing brand awareness. The podcast’s episodes explore key transportation topics, including fleet asset management, financing strategies, safety initiatives, and regulatory updates, all tailored to the evolving needs of industry professionals.

Fleet Advantage celebrated several milestones in the podcast’s first year:

• 600% growth in views and listens
• Enhanced engagement with clients and prospects
• Strengthened relationships with existing customers

The podcast became an integral tool in Fleet Advantage’s digital content strategy, bolstered by partnerships, syndication across LinkedIn and YouTube, social media campaigns, and email promotions. Episodes such as Navigating the CARB Prebuy, Fleet Management: State of the Industry, and the Summer of Safety micro-series have resonated strongly with listeners, serving as valuable resources for education and community building.

Judges and Industry Praise

The podcast’s innovation and execution drew high praise from TMSA competition judges.

“I love a podcast and know how challenging it can be to keep it going. Kudos for captions—so important. This effort lays the foundation for a full content marketing strategy,” noted one judge.

Another commented, “An interesting and very well-thought-out project. The execution is impressive.”

More Than a Podcast

Episodes addressing important topics, like the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week and National Tire Safety Week, showcased the brand’s dedication to industry well-being and road safety. These campaigns also highlighted Fleet Advantage’s ability to connect with its audience on current events, further cementing its role as a thought leader.

Fleet Advantage’s marketing team, including Jones and marketing and digital coordinator Tracy Derival, accepted the award during the 2025 TMSA ELEVATE Conference’s Blazer’s Bash.

The podcast is available for streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms.

Explore Fleet Advantage’s award-winning podcast today and stay ahead in the transportation industry.

(Image Source: Fleet Advantage) Fleet Advantage’s CMO Katerina Jones and marketing and digital coordinator Tracy Derival accept the MSA Trailblazer Award for FA’s “Driving Success” podcast. Source: The Trucker

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Fleet Optimization Through AI and Data

Fleet Advantage executives aim to discuss strategies for optimizing fleet operations using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Their topics will include how AI is transforming logistics, equipment procurement, asset management, and financing models. Additionally, attendees can learn about the newly launched Tariff-Readiness Plan that tackles tariff-influenced equipment cost challenges.

“Today’s transportation industry continues to undergo a significant period of digital transformation driven by AI with innovations that promise to modernize every part of the supply chain, from vehicle design and equipment financing to logistics and truck maintenance scheduling,” Fleet Aadvantage said. “At this year’s ACT Expo, Fleet Advantage executives will address the abundance of data and analytics available today, and the right use of AI-driven insights to make the best decisions for each fleet.”

At the expo, Fleet Advantage experts will highlight methods for using AI-driven insights and real-time data analytics to help organizations make better fleet management decisions.

Revolutionizing Fleet Decisions with AI

The transportation sector is increasingly deploying AI across diverse operational aspects like route planning and maintenance. For instance, a fleet recently consolidated five external systems into one in-house AI-powered platform that uses historical traffic data, weather conditions, and delivery schedules. This resulted in significant fuel savings, reduced delivery times, improved adherence to deadlines, and overall boosted efficiency.

AI-driven predictive systems are also revolutionizing vehicle health management. By analyzing telematics data and historical maintenance records, these solutions detect potential issues in advance, reducing operational downtime and lowering maintenance costs through proactive servicing schedules.

Despite its potential, AI’s role in critical fleet decisions, like negotiations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or determining custom specs, is still limited. These high-stakes decisions often rely on human expertise and team collaboration supported by data insights.

Notably, industry confidence in AI-driven decision-making remains modest. According to recent survey results, just 19% of transportation companies expressed high confidence in AI’s procurement capabilities, and 24% highlighted concerns over data accuracy.

Modern Maintenance with AI-Assisted Systems

AI is transforming maintenance operations for private fleets. Agent-assisted AI can predict necessary maintenance and autonomously schedule services at optimal times using data from onboard sensors, historical maintenance logs, and external factors like weather. By minimizing disruptions, these solutions improve operational efficiency.

A recent survey revealed that 62% of fleet operators are interested in adopting agent-assisted AI for maintenance, highlighting the growing demand for such innovations.

“The integration of AI and agent-assisted AI for private fleets offers great potential, reimagining many areas of a fleet’s operations,” said Hadley Benton, CTP, executive vice president of business development for Fleet Advantage. “To truly harness these benefits, companies must rely on accurate and proven data sources to ensure AI solutions are deployed safely, responsibly, and effectively to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

Explore Fleet Advantage at ACT Expo

Fleet Advantage’s presence at ACT Expo offers fleet managers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge AI technologies, discuss their Tariff-Readiness Plan, and understand how data-driven solutions are solving key industry challenges.

Click here to schedule a session with a Fleet Advantage executive or learn more about their strategies.

Source: The Trucker

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In honor of GivingTuesday, KATC has made a substantial donation to 4KIDS, a non-profit organization dedicated to foster children. Additionally, funds have been allocated to provide toys for 4KIDS’ Gift of Hope Toy Store. These donations will be matched, doubling their impact.

In addition to the donations, Fleet Advantage associates have also participated in assembling gingerbread house kits as part of 4KIDS’ annual Gingerbread House Building Contest.

On December 12th, another group of Fleet Advantage associates will assist foster and adoptive parents in shopping for free toys at the Gift of Hope Toy Store.

The Kids Around The Corner Foundation is also collaborating with Junior Achievement of South Florida to educate students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness.

“KATC plans to make another significant donation with a check presentation scheduled for Dec. 13, and this will solidify its role as the non-profit’s South Palm Beach County Financial Literacy Sponsor,” according to the news release. “This sponsorship will help address the critical need for financial education in the region and the donation will facilitate the expansion of Junior Achievement of South Florida’s BizTown and Finance Park programs to public, private and charter schools in South Palm Beach County.”

Fleet Advantage’s support to Junior Achievement, in collaboration with schools, will break down barriers and provide crucial financial education and workforce skills to hundreds of students in the community. This includes overcoming challenges like transportation and per-student funding.

“After donating to and volunteering with 4KIDS and Junior Achievement of South Florida in the past, we are thrilled to support these two impactful organizations once again,” said Brian Holland, President and CEO of Fleet Advantage and director and treasurer of KATC. “These organizations align with our mission to make a positive impact on the lives of children and contribute to their education and well-being. We believe in giving back to the communities we serve, and through these partnerships, we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.”

Fleet Advantage’s Kids Around The Corner Foundation has shown incredible generosity this year, making multiple donations to different organizations. They have formed partnerships with 17 new entities and have donated an impressive amount of over $200,000 in 2023 alone.

If you want to learn more about the foundation and the organizations they have worked with, click HERE.

Source: The Trucker

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“The impact of truck drivers is felt in every corner of the country, as they are vital to supplying the things that fill our lives and power our economy,” said Elizabeth Gomez, marketing manager for Fleet Advantage, and chairperson for the KATC committee.

“National Truck Driver Appreciation Week serves as a reminder of how important these hardworking men and women are to keep goods flowing,” she continued. “We are proud to donate to such powerful nonprofit organizations whose missions offer care, assistance and the means for truck drivers’ families to remain close to one another and to make an impact in their communities.”

Since 2021, KATC has been a proud annual donor to TruckersFinalMile.org. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to reuniting North American truck drivers and their families during difficult times such as crises, loss of life, severe injuries, or serious illnesses. Through their six unique programs, TruckersFinalMile.org has successfully brought together over 500 truck drivers and their families since their establishment in May 2014.

KATC has been honored to be an official corporate sponsor for three consecutive years, with this year marking their largest contribution. Through their support, KATC has played a vital role in securing college education savings accounts through TruckersFinalMile.org’s annual Christmas campaign called “Sleigh Bells and Santa.” If you would like to become a sponsor or make a donation to the “Sleigh Bells & Santa” Christmas campaign this year, please click HERE or reach out to msleighbells@truckersfinalmile.org no later than December 8, 2023. In addition, new and unwrapped gifts can be sent to TruckersFinalMile.org at 3301-R Coors Blvd. NW #293, Albuquerque, NM 87120, also no later than December 8.

“With the help of Fleet Advantage, our program has been able to make the difference in the lives of thousands of children and families of truck drivers, who unfortunately face grief and trauma during the loss of a parent,” said Robert Palm, founder and CEO of TruckersFinalMile.org. “We simply can’t thank companies like Fleet Advantage enough. Their contributions, compassion and understanding plays a large part in helping to heal these families in a time of great need.”

KATC, a sponsor at the “Gold Level,” is taking steps to honor truck drivers and their families while also addressing the issue of human trafficking. In support of this cause, KATC is donating funds to TAT, a nonprofit organization that has been actively working since 2009 to educate and empower the trucking industry to fight against human trafficking. TAT recognizes the unique position of trucking professionals, who are often on the road when law enforcement cannot be and believes they can play a crucial role in identifying and reporting human trafficking. TAT also collaborates with other industries, such as buses and energy, as well as industry shippers and manufacturers, to raise awareness and combat human trafficking on a broader scale.

“It’s exciting to see a company like Fleet Advantage lend its influence and resources to combat human trafficking,” said Esther Goetsch, executive director of TAT. “Recognizing the unique role the trucking industry can play in helping recognize and report human trafficking and become potential points of safety and recovery for victims is inspiring. We are so grateful to Fleet Advantage for helping advance our mission, and truly believe that together, we are changing lives.”

Source: The Trucker

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