“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Martin Luther King Jr., known for his civil rights advocacy through nonviolence, dedicated his life to fighting for equal rights on behalf of the African American community. For almost a year, I have dedicated this blog with a similar doctrine in mind: to showcase people within the trucking community doing what is right on behalf of others. Following King’s words, here are five good things that happened in trucking this week.
TCA’s 'The Wall That Heals' hits the road
For the sixth year, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has partnered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) to haul “The Wall That Heals,” an exhibit that includes a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial alongside a mobile education center.
“Partnering with TCA enables us to continue our mission to honor and preserve the legacy of 'The Wall That Heals' and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War,” shared VVMF CEO Jim Knotts.
In 2015, TCA carrier members began hauling the exhibit, which honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
Women In Trucking calls for 2021 Female Driver of the Year nominees
Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is seeking nominations for the annual Women In Trucking Female Driver of the Year award. Sponsored by Walmart, the second annual award recognizes outstanding female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively working to enhance the public image of the trucking industry. The nomination period ends on Feb. 1.
“Female drivers are still in the minority and we consider them all to be pioneers today,” said Ellen Voie, WIT president and CEO. “This award allows us to recognize a woman who is a positive example of a successful and accomplished driver and give her the recognition she deserves.”
Requirements:
- The application is open to any female driver who has safely driven at least one million consecutive, accident-free miles.
- The driver must be nominated by the motor carrier by which she is currently leased or employed and must have three years of experience with that company.
- A personal statement explaining in 250 words or less why they should be selected.
- At least three letters of recommendation explaining in 250 words or less why the driver should be selected.
- Two print-quality photographs (300 dpi)
XPO Logistics partners with TAT to fight human trafficking
XPO Logistics, Inc. is partnering with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to fight against human trafficking with a $25,000 corporate sponsorship. The sponsorship will help fund TAT’s efforts to eradicate trafficking by training commercial drivers to recognize potential traffickers and victims.
“Every day, vulnerable individuals fall prey to human trafficking, and many are taken far from their homes,” said LaQuenta Jacobs, XPO’s chief diversity officer. “The transportation industry is in a unique position to alert law enforcement agencies to suspected trafficking activities. We’re proud to support TAT in taking practical measures to end modern-day slavery.”
The company, who just completed its mission of collecting over 2,000 shoes for Soles4Souls, made its announcement during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month to call attention to readily available public resources, such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline. TAT’s no-cost education program has trained over 975,000 truck and bus drivers to spot the signs of trafficking. Thousands of drivers have called the hotline, resulting in the recovery of hundreds of victims.
Jacobs urged in her blog for XPO Logistics that the “threat confronting these groups is incessant.”
"No one should mistake the shutdowns that have been mandated in response to the pandemic as having created a lull in the exploitation,” Jacobs said. “Like so many other aspects of daily life, the victimization has simply shifted online. One of our goals is to train thousands of XPO colleagues to become TAT ambassadors and help create awareness at events around the country.”
Rolling Strong launches two fitness competitions in 2021
To start 2021 off with fitness in mind, Rolling Strong has launched two wellness competitions: Leap Into Health in 2021, sponsored by Women In Trucking, as well as Highway to Health, sponsored by Trucker Path.
Leap Into Health in 2021
Non-Rolling Strong members: Sign up on this page. You will receive an email and a text to register for the Rolling Strong app. You can then download the Rolling Strong app and log in. You will need to upgrade to the premium version of the app in order to Join and participate in this competition. The premium version is available at $4.99 per month (you may cancel at any time).
Rolling Strong members: Sign up on this page. Login to the Rolling Strong app and join the competition in Rolling Strong Games.
Highway To Health
For $9.99, the Highway To Health competition will grant access to the Rolling Strong Wellness App with nutrition, fitness, coaching as well as a wide range of prizes. Sign up and learn how to log healthy behaviors, earn points and compete against others for a chance to win.
UPS and FedEx start off 2021 with unity campaign
On Jan. 11, UPS and FedEx took to social media to set aside their competitive past to spread love and unity.
“Competition has its place,” said @UPSers in a tweet. “But during a pandemic, we set that aside to deliver the holidays and a life-saving vaccine. Together, @UPS & @FedEx are keeping the world moving & delivering hope. Maybe we should change the holiday colors to brown and purple #DeliverWhatMatters.”
FedEx chimed in on the campaign as well.
“To the people who have helped keep the world going since the global pandemic began, we thank you for delivering hope for a better 2021 – no matter your team!” said FedEx in a tweet on Jan. 11.
Here’s to a better 2021!
