This week proves the trucking industry is full of care and generosity. Here's your weekly dose of encouragement with Five Good Things happening in trucking.
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WIT announces top 2023 companies for women in transportation
The Women In Trucking Association named its top 2023 companies for women in transportation this week. WIT created the Top Companies for Women to Work For in Transportation award in 2018 to highlight companies that support women in the trucking industry.
"Companies named to this prestigious list must demonstrate corporate attributes that are essential to any successful enterprise committed to gender diversity as part of their corporate strategy," Brian Everett, publisher of WIT's magazine Redefining the Road, said.
The specific characteristics WIT looks for include corporate cultures that foster gender diversity, competitive compensation and benefits, flexible hours and work requirements, professional development opportunities, and career advancement opportunities. Qualified companies must also meet minimum requirements of what they report through the WIT Index, the industry barometer that benchmarks and measures the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation each year.
One of this year's awarded companies is Volvo Trucks North America for its commitment to increasing gender diversity. "This year, Volvo Trucks increased its sponsorship commitment to the highest level to help spotlight the vital contributions of women across the transportation industry. As we navigate towards a more inclusive future, we are working to empower more women to drive their careers to greater success," said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. "We are thrilled to accept the award that acknowledges our commitment to provide women with enhanced opportunities for success at every level. We take immense pride in the numerous successful women representing Volvo at the conference, sharing their knowledge and experiences."
In addition to Volvo Trucks North America, 111 companies were granted the Top Companies for Women to Work For in Transportation award. Recipients include Kenworth Truck Co., Peterbilt Motors Co., J.B. Hunt and Transport, Bridgestone Americas, and UPS. To view the complete list of awarded companies, visit WIT's website.
See also: Women In Trucking honors Shelley Simpson as its 2023 industry influencer
JohnDow donates vehicle fire blanket to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue
JohnDow Industries recently donated a vehicle fire blanket to the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue department during the 2023 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas. JDI's vehicle fire blanket suppresses vehicle fires and prevents them from spreading while preventing toxic fumes and smoke from releasing into surrounding areas.
With the growing presence and use of electric and hybrid vehicles in Las Vegas, JDI's vehicle fire blanket will assist LVFR in suppressing EV and hybrid vehicle fires in emergency situations.
"When we were introducing our new line of EV and hybrid service and safety products, we soon realized the first hands we wanted to get our vehicle fire blanket into were those of first responders. It made sense to provide LVFR with the first one as we launched our new product line at AAPEX this year," said Robert Christy, president of JDI. "We've learned a lot from firefighters on how they are managing the complexities of EV fires, and we plan on incorporating this information with our products for the independent repair shops that will repair these vehicles in the future."
Love's donates $150,000 to Operation Homefront in honor of Veterans Day
Love's Travel Stops is celebrating those who have served in the military by offering them a food and drink deal on Veterans Day and donating $150,000 to Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities they've worked to protect. The donation will come from selling special-edition Operation Homefront tumblers, combined with a gift from the company.
"Veterans Day is a day for us to 'pay it forward' and say 'thank you' to all current and former military members," said Jenny Love Meyer, chief culture officer and EVP of Love's. "We always enjoy finding new ways to support our veterans and Operation Homefront for the dedicated and impactful work they do."
On Friday, Nov. 11, all who have served or those currently serving in the military can get a free roller-grill item and fountain drink with the purchase of one roller-grill item at participating locations. A special-edition, 24-ounce Operation Homefront tumbler will also be available throughout November, with $5 from each sale going directly to the organization while supplies last.
Cummins celebrates National STEM Day with global events
Cummins organized events globally in honor of National STEM Day. Activities will range from building an electronic kit to learning how to use a microscope to check water quality to experiencing what goes into building a motor or a hydrogen fuel cell car.
"We have found great success in these types of events as participants gain first-hand experience with what is possible in today's world of science and technology," said Danette Howard, corporate responsibility director of education. "Our employees dedicate a great deal of time in planning these events and love having the opportunity to share their knowledge about STEM. It's a win-win for our company and our communities."
Cummins TEC: Technical Education for Communities is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This program provides opportunities for young adults to develop and acquire in-demand skills that will set them up for future success. Cummins TEC has launched 26 programs in 12 countries and graduated 3,000 students, 10% of whom are women.
"Our company built Cummins TEC from the ground up, and I am incredibly proud of how it has impacted participants and entire communities," says Jim Schacht, VP of corporate responsibility for Cummins Inc. and CEO of the Cummins Foundation. "Celebrating this year's National STEM Day, in conjunction with the Cummins TEC anniversary, is the perfect occasion for us to connect young people in our communities and to inspire more learning about these disciplines and how they can lead to meaningful careers."
Daimler donates $1.3M to Portland State University
Daimler Truck North America has made a $1.3 million philanthropic investment to Portland State University's School of Business and its Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science.
The commitment will provide scholarships and assistantships for undergraduates and graduate students in business and engineering. It will also support establishing two professorships, one in the PSU School of Business and one in the PSU Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science.
See also: First of Daimler's new medium-duty EV trucks reach U.S. shores
"We are honored by this gift from a key regional employer whose industry leadership and community investments have long had a profound impact on Oregon," said PSU President Ann Cudd. "Portland State educates a diverse talent pipeline for business and industry. We look forward to deepening a relationship that has been great for students, beneficial for Daimler Truck, and important to Portland."
As the state's urban-serving public university, PSU educates the most significant percentage of diverse, first-generation students—more than 80% of whom remain in the region when they graduate, contributing to Oregon's long-term growth and stability.
"Daimler Truck North America has long had a strong partnership with PSU, with more than 600 alumni working here over the years," said Angela Lentz, chief people officer for Daimler. "This philanthropic commitment is intended to help build a talent pipeline, enhance research collaborations around industry-applicable topics, and drive regional business and industry growth."
