Five good things that happened in trucking this week–June 4

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” Bob Dylan’s words ring true every day to those within the transportation industry. By always paying it forward, going above and beyond the call of duty, and reminding all of us that one small act of kindness can change someone’s life, the trucking community continues to do what is right. Here are five good things that happened in trucking this week.

R.H. Sheppard awards $10,000 grant to For the Love of a Veteran

Within days of Memorial Day, a group of veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may receive the good news that they’ve hoped for: the ability to receive specialized medical treatments arranged by the charitable organization For the Love of a Veteran, based in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The treatments will be funded by a $10,000 grant from R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bendix.

The gift was delivered at a check-presentation ceremony and media event held June 2 at Sheppard’s North American headquarters in Hanover. With this award, For the Love of a Veteran will be able to increase access to specialized medical care for a select group of veterans. The non-profit organization provides aid to deployed troops and homeless veterans. It is focused on raising awareness and support for veterans and active military members, especially those with PTSD.

“Bendix and Sheppard are honored and proud to support veterans in the Hanover community with corporate grant funding–as part of our pledge to support the communities where our people live and work,” Maria Gutierrez, Bendix director of corporate responsibility and sustainability, said. “Our employees in Hanover told us they wanted to support veterans in the community, and For the Love of a Veteran, Inc., is the perfect fit for this support. The organization implements many meaningful projects and demonstrates a strong show of support for our veterans and currently deployed troops. And we hope this initial gift will kick off continued collaboration between Bendix and For the Love of a Veteran going forward.”

J.B. Hunt, University of Arkansas announce over $1M scholarship funds for supply chain inclusion

J.B. Hunt and the University of Arkansas have revealed two new funds that will advance the Sam M. Walton College of Business’ focus on sustainability and inclusion in supply chain by accelerating current projects and creating an endowed scholarship program.

The J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Inclusion in Supply Chain Endowed Scholarship Fund, with an initial investment of $1 million, will establish an ongoing scholarship program to encourage students to pursue supply chain careers and contribute to the college’s diverse educational environment. Recipients must be enrolled in Walton College, working towards an undergraduate degree in supply chain, and demonstrate their potential to advance inclusivity. Each application will be considered on an individual basis, and recipients will be determined by the department head of the Walton College Department of Supply Chain Management.

The J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. Supply Chain Management Department Current Use Accelerator Fund will help expedite several inclusivity and sustainability initiatives stemming from the two’s $2.25 million collaboration announced earlier this year – the J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Inclusion Education and Thought Leadership Fund and the J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Sustainable Supply Chain Management Research, Innovation and Education Fund. The $250,000 gift will also help promote the supply chain management department efforts and the new endowed scholarship opportunity.

"Through our multiple collaborations, J.B. Hunt is helping us redefine aspects of the supply chain and shape the industry's future leaders," Matt Waller, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, said. "Together, we've addressed topics such as thought leadership, executive education, innovation, undergraduate studies, and now inclusion and sustainability, all in a quest to create a fantastic future where supply chains are efficient and effective."

Acuity launches 2021 essay contest for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 12-18, 2021, honors all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs. This past year has brought unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate the heroic efforts of drivers nationwide, Acuity is sponsoring its annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Essay Contest.

The contest is open to truck drivers and their families as well as those with a personal connection to a truck driver. Entrants are invited to submit an essay of up to 500 words. Over $10,000 in prizes will be awarded, including a grand prize of $2,500 for each category.

Entrants will be asked to answer one of the following two questions:

• How has a truck driver in your life gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• How has someone in your life gone above and beyond in supporting a truck driver or their family during the COVID-19 pandemic?

In addition to receiving a cash prize, winners will also be able to choose from a list of trucking charities to which Acuity will make a donation on their behalf.

Entries are being accepted from June 1 until July 21. Submissions will be judged on originality and uniqueness of the story, use of language relevant to the topic, and creativity in how ideas are expressed.

Highway to Hope raised over $75,000 for truck drivers in need

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) revealed that its Highway to Hope virtual benefit concert raised more than $75,000 to help support professional over-the-road and regional drivers recently out of work because of an injury or illness. 

Corporate sponsors from the trucking industry came out in droves to support this event and the truck drivers that are so essential to our economic recovery following the COVID19 pandemic, including our top tier Presenting sponsors NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) and freight transportation and supply management company Averitt Express. 

“Averitt Express was honored to participate in the effort to support the men and women who provide such a vital service to our country,” Danny Crooks, vice president of corporate transportation at Averitt Express, said. “The professional truck drivers are truly the backbone of our economy’s entire supply chain. The associates at Averitt Express thrive in an environment and culture that together, as associates, we have helped to create and nurture. An environment that focuses on our associates, our customers, and our future all while being good citizens in the communities we serve. Providing support to the Highway to Hope event, and the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is another example of this. Thank you for including us.” 

The event was supported by other sponsors who stepped forward to support the event including GlobalTranz, Progressive Commercial Insurance, Acuity Insurance, Red Kap, Brenny Transportation, Total Quality Logistics, CH Robinson, Cocoon MDR, TA Express Coffee Cup Travel Plazas, Volvo Trucks North America, Echo Global Logistics, Allen Lund, Shell Rotella and Doggett Freightliner. 

“We are so appreciative of all the artists for their time, all the sponsors for their support, and every individual that purchased a ticket to this amazing event,” Donna Kennedy, SCF executive director, said. 

ATA America’s Road Team Captain meets with Trucker Buddy class in Hamden, Connecticut

Over the Memorial Day weekend, American Trucking Associations’ America’s Road Team Captain, Tony Spero of ABF Freight, caught up with his Trucker Buddy class at Hamden Hall in Hamden, Connecticut.

Trucker Buddy is a non-profit organization that began in 1992 and connects truck drivers to elementary school students as pen pals, stimulating the children's interest in reading, writing, and other subjects. Through postcards and letters, students hear about a truck driver’s everyday life as well as sights they see along the way.

Trucker Buddy has four different programs to participate in, including Trucker Buddy Donation, Trucker Buddy Sponsorship, Trucking Mentors International, and Boy Scouts of America Merit Badges. Today, the program has over 2,000 matches and almost 60,000 students per year. 

In a tweet on June 3, America’s Road Team said, “We are so excited so to be back with students!”