Feed, equipment, and basic resources all have to move quickly, and that responsibility is falling on truck drivers willing to take on the challenge, even as operating costs continue to climb.

Industry Groups Coordinate Response Effort

The Nebraska Trucking Association is working alongside the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Cattlemen to help organize relief efforts. With thousands of acres affected and widespread disruption to farms and ranches, moving supplies efficiently has become a top priority.

For drivers, this means stepping into routes that are not always part of a normal schedule, often with tight turnaround times and unpredictable conditions.

Financial Support for Drivers on Relief Runs

To help offset the cost of jumping in, especially with fuel prices remaining high, the Nebraska Trucking Association has introduced a stipend program through its charitable arm, the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund.

The program offers:

• $0.50 per mile
• Up to 500 miles per trip
• Support for hauling approved relief supplies into affected areas

The fund has committed an initial $5,000 to get the effort started, with additional fundraising underway to keep support available for drivers and carriers who volunteer.

This kind of structure is designed to make it easier for both independent drivers and fleets to participate without taking on the full financial burden.

A Response Driven by the Trucking Community

Many drivers have already expressed interest in helping, but cost pressures have made it harder to step away from regular freight.

“Many truckers have voiced a willingness to help, but they too are facing unprecedented challenges with skyrocketing fuel prices and other cost concerns,” said Kent Grisham, president and CEO of the NTA. “But I am so proud of the NTA members who have stepped forward with a plan to support these trucking heroes, in the aftermath of the worst wildfires in the state’s history.”

Despite those challenges, the industry continues to respond when it matters most.

Grisham added, “Homes, farms, and ranches have been destroyed, and at least one life has been lost in this terrible ordeal. But like it has always been, the trucking community responds with grit and determination to get the cargo delivered. We’re glad to have the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund to help, and we hope everyone in the trucking community will join forces with us either by offering trucks, trailers, and drivers, or by contributing to the fund so we can keep it going.”

How Drivers and Fleets Can Get Involved

Truckers, farmers, and ranchers moving relief supplies into impacted areas can apply for the stipend to help cover part of their fuel costs. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is also maintaining a list of current needs, helping coordinate what supplies are most urgent.

For fleets and owner-operators, this creates a clear path to contribute without going in blind. Knowing what is needed and where it needs to go helps avoid wasted miles and ensures deliveries make an immediate impact.

Why This Matters Beyond Nebraska

Situations like this highlight a reality the trucking industry knows well. When disaster hits, supply chains depend on drivers who are willing to step in and keep goods moving under pressure.

Support programs like this one help make that possible, especially when margins are tight and costs are unpredictable.

For drivers, it is another example of the role trucking plays beyond freight. It is about showing up when communities need it most and making sure critical supplies reach the people and operations depending on them.

The post Relief Fund Steps In to Support Truckers Hauling Supplies into Nebraska Wildfire Zones appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Supporting Drivers Beyond the Cab

SCF assists drivers who are sick or injured with short-term essential living expenses, including rent or mortgage, utilities, vehicle payments, and insurance. These resources help drivers maintain stability while recovering and staying on track financially.

Driven to be Healthy

The Driven to be Healthy initiative is SCF’s comprehensive approach to health and wellness. It focuses on preventive care and small, actionable lifestyle changes that can make a lasting impact. All programs under Driven to be Healthy are fully free to Class A OTR drivers.

Rigs Without Cigs

Rigs Without Cigs is SCF’s longest-running tobacco cessation program. Drivers have access to Habitrol nicotine patches, a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, online support groups, and incentive prizes for reaching tobacco-free milestones. This program is supported by SCF partner RoadPro.

Vaccine Vouchers

The Vaccination Vouchers program provides flu, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines for drivers. Vouchers can be redeemed at Walgreens, Kroger and the Kroger Family of Pharmacies, The Little Clinic, Walmart, and Sam’s Club locations nationwide. Support from OOIDA allows drivers to use vouchers conveniently while away from home.

Get Preventive Screenings (GPS)

The Get Preventative Screenings (GPS) program offers preventive screenings, including colorectal and prostate cancer, with cervical cancer screenings coming soon. The program allows drivers to complete testing while on the road. Colorectal cancer results are available in five minutes, and PSA results for prostate cancer are returned within two weeks, thanks to SCF partner Call-on-Doc.

Healthy Habits for the Long Haul (HH4LH)

Healthy Habits for the Long Haul (HH4LH) is a 12-week virtual program that helps drivers prevent and manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease. The program covers nutrition labels, hydration, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and more. Drivers can participate in small group sessions, sharing challenges and strategies with fellow OTR drivers.

Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is another 12-week virtual course designed to reduce the risk of diabetes. Drivers receive a toolkit including a scale, blood pressure cuff, glucose meter, body tape measure, fitness tracker, and resistance bands. The program recently reintroduced the CDC’s year-long Diabetes Prevention Program in partnership with HabitNu. Participants benefit from the HabitNu app, which provides tracking tools, podcasts, and trucking-tailored workouts, helping prediabetic drivers prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

Telehealth and Mental Health Support

SCF recognizes that health also includes mental well-being. Partners such as Call-on-Doc, Everywhere. Care, MindHealth Management, and Corporate Chaplains of America provide telehealth services, counseling, and support for drivers nationwide. These services make medical care and mental health support accessible even while on the road.

Getting Started

Drivers interested in SCF’s free health and wellness programs can register at truckersfund.org/healthwellness. To suggest topics for future programs or share ideas, contact Lindsey Bryan, SCF Health and Wellness Manager, at health@truckersfund.org.

By offering preventive care, wellness programs, and mental health resources, SCF empowers drivers to stay healthy, maintain their livelihoods, and thrive on the road.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source:Truckers Fund

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