Perdue Farms driver achieves four million accident-free miles
Perdue Farms truck driver Robert Timmons, who has been with the company for 44 years, is celebrating four million accident-free driving miles professionally for Perdue. In the company’s almost 104-year history, he is the second driver to achieve this milestone.
“I am so excited that I achieved four million miles of safe driving. I’m excited and proud that I was able to do this while working at Perdue,” said Timmons, who goes by the handle “Holly Trolly” on the road.
Timmons is part of Perdue’s nearly 800 certified professional drivers who are the heart of the company and touch every part of the supply chain. At Perdue, there have been 184 Perdue drivers who have reached one million accident-free miles; 45 are two million safe-mile drivers; and 12 have achieved three million accident-free miles. Timmons joins Alvin Smith as the company’s only four million safe-mile drivers.
“Our drivers are among our most visible brand ambassadors and have the most direct contact with our customers,” said Tim O’Hea, senior director of transportation for Perdue Farms. “Robert achieving four million safe driving miles in just 43 years is no small feat and is a testament to his dedication not only to Perdue but also to our customers and those he shares the roads with every day.”
Throughout his time at the company, Timmons has delivered dressed poultry from Salisbury to Lewiston, North Carolina, as well as live haul and oil. He has been an over-the-road driver delivering as far west as Iowa and throughout the entire Perdue marketplace and currently offers local short-haul loads.
When he is not on the road, Timmons spends time with his children and grandchildren and enjoys carpentry. He is currently building an addition to his home in Salisbury. In addition, he enjoys cruises and has taken 16 so far.
Advantage Truck Group recognizes team members with Pete DePina Legacy Award
Advantage Truck Group has named its 2023 Pete DePina Legacy Award winners, recognizing eight individuals across its Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont dealerships for impacting their fellow employees, customers, and the company.
“Our ability to provide the best service experience for our customers reflects the dedication and contributions of our team members,” said Kevin Holmes, ATG president and CEO. “This award helps us honor those who go beyond expectations and whose efforts and attitude, like Pete’s, elevate the quality of service across our network and make a positive impact on the people around them.”
The highest recognition that an ATG team member can receive, this annual award was created as a memorial to ATG employee Napoleon “Pete” DePina and honors an individual at each ATG location who most embodies the values and qualities that DePina was known for, including integrity and a quiet leadership grounded in humility, generosity, and selfless service to others.
Employees were nominated by their peers for the award, and a winner was selected from each of ATG’s eight locations. Winners were presented with a monetary award that they will continue to receive as part of their profit-sharing bonus each year throughout their employment with the company.
The award winners are:
- Nicholas Sabatino, shop foreman, ATG Raynham
- Garrett Habib, senior IT analyst, ATG Shrewsbury
- Gerry Avery, facilities support, ATG Westfield
- Ian Schulte, diesel technician, ATG Lancaster
- Stacie Bennett, administrative assistant, ATG Lebanon
- Tony Palmer, back parts counter associate, ATG Manchester
- Sal Huerta, parts administrator, ATG Seabrook
- Laurie Clough, truck sales administrator, ATG Westminster
Volvo Trucks North America honors new America’s Road Team captains
Volvo Trucks recently honored the newly appointed 2024-25 America's Road Team captains. America’s Road Team shares Volvo Truck’s mission of enhancing road safety and striving for zero accidents. To support this year’s education program, Volvo Trucks is donating a Volvo VNL 760 long-haul tractor that will be used to haul the ATA Interstate One mobile classroom as it visits cities across the nation.
"In their role as captains, these men and women represent the driving force behind our nation’s economy,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We commend their unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism, and they serve as exemplary role models within the trucking industry. With the ongoing challenges in the global supply chain and the continued growth of e-commerce, society is beginning to understand and appreciate the critical role that the trucking industry and safe, experienced drivers play in advancing the movement of essential goods and services."
According to ATA, the 24 newly appointed captains hail from diverse backgrounds, representing 14 motor carriers and 14 states and accumulating an impressive 61.6 million accident-free driving miles. Their selection was based on their industry knowledge, effective communication skills regarding safety and transportation, and an exemplary safe-driving record.
In support of the 2024 America’s Road Team campaign, Volvo Trucks donated a fully loaded Volvo VNL 760. The VNL 760 tractor will tow ATA’s Interstate One mobile classroom—a 53-foot trailer equipped with a truck driving simulator, seven presentation screens, educational displays, and a conference room. The mobile classroom will serve as a platform for interactive trucking demonstrations, exhibitions, and exhibits, emphasizing safety measures as the trucking ambassadors engage with diverse stakeholders—including students, lawmakers, community groups, and government officials nationwide.
See also: New Volvo VNL sets sights on trucking's next decade
Road Dog Coffee Company launches as America’s first coffee brand dedicated to truckers and logistics heroes
Road Dog Coffee Company, headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is an e-commerce enterprise founded by truckers and logistics professionals offering robust coffee blends. The company also introduces a coffee subscription service, delivering its flavors straight to consumers’ doorsteps.
The company’s founder, Spencer Squier, brings decades of experience in trucking and logistics, notably in All State Express of Kernersville, North Carolina. Road Dog Coffee is Squier’s latest venture, combining his industry expertise and passion for coffee. “It’s time to brew a revolution,” Squier said. “As America’s first coffee company to focus on truckers and logistics professionals, we aim to honor the hardworking men and women who drive this country forward every day.”
The company’s blends, including Black Dog, Expedite, and Long Haul, are roasted in the U.S. from carefully selected beans. “Our coffee embodies the spirit of the open road and the relentless energy of those who travel it,” Squier said. “Every sip of Road Dog acknowledges that the men and women of trucking and logistics know what it takes to power through the day.”
“With Road Dog, we’re creating a new narrative in the coffee world,” Squier said. “Our blends are a celebration of the American spirit, and we’re proud to be the brand that truckers and logistics professionals call their own.”
Pilot Travel Centers kicks off annual Heart Month campaign
In support of Heart Month in February, Pilot Travel Centers is kicking off its seventh year of raising funds to support the fight against heart disease and stroke.
This February, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel centers to donate to the campaign and celebrate their reasons to lead healthier lives. Contributions can be made in the following ways:
- Paper hearts: $1, $3, and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers to benefit the American Heart Association's Life is Why campaign in the U.S. and Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.
- Pin pad roundup or donation: Guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts on the pin pad during checkout to the American Heart Association's Life is Why campaign at participating U.S. travel centers or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in participating Canada locations with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.
"Together, we have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of people, both within our local communities and across the globe," said Diana Morgan, director of well-being and benefits at Pilot Travel Centers. "Rounding up your purchase or buying a paper heart enables the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to discover breakthroughs and develop initiatives that will save and improve lives."
As part of the Heart Month campaign, Pilot Travel Centers is supporting the American Heart Association's Life is Why campaign to advocate for the importance of CPR and to offer its 30,000 team members the opportunity to participate in virtual, hands-on CPR training.
