“You never know when a helping hand will change another person’s entire life.” Those words from late motivational speaker Zig Ziglar rang true this week, as people throughout the trucking industry continued to put others above themselves. Here are five good things that happened in trucking this week.
Old Dominion Freight Line honors U.S. military
Old Dominion Freight Line took delivery of a specially wrapped 2022 Freightliner Cascadia tractor as part of manufacturer Daimler Trucks’ 2021 Ride of Pride program. The tractor’s patriotic design honors America’s veterans, some of whom will have the chance to drive the tractor as it crosses the country over the next several years.
The Ride of Pride program launched several months after the 9/11 tragedy, as designers at Daimler’s Cleveland, North Carolina plant considered ways to honor past, present, and future military veterans. Old Dominion’s 2021 Ride of Pride tractor will begin its journey this month at the carrier’s Greensboro, North Carolina service center, from where it will haul freight for the next six months. After that, it will rotate to a different Old Dominion service center biannually and will be driven by veterans at each facility.
“Veterans’ skillsets transfer well to the workplace because they are detail-oriented people trained to execute a specific task,” Patrick Budd, communications manager at Old Dominion, said. “When you think about moving freight, it requires a plan and flawless execution. Veterans bring that to the table. They also bring a great sense of teamwork to the table, which is critical in our business. More specifically, some veterans have a supply chain background, so they understand the importance of trucking and how critical of a link it is."
America’s Road Team calls to help Road Captain John Lex fight cancer
John Lex has over 30 years’ experience as a professional truck driver, and as a Road Captain for America’s Road Team, has been an ambassador for the trucking industry with more than three million accident-free miles.
On November 5, 2020, Lex was able to “ring the bell” to celebrate his last day of chemotherapy, as he went into remission after suffering from colon cancer. Unfortunately, Lex learned that he once again has cancer.
Known as the “Selfie King,” Lex is known for making everyone he meets smile with his laughter, his abundance of joy and his passion. So, to celebrate National Selfie Day on June 21, America’s Road Team took to Twitter to help Lex in his time of need. As of June 25, Lex’s Go Fund Me has raised $30,725 of its $50,000 goal.
“As John would say ‘Happy Trails,’” the Go Fund Me noted. “So, let’s all make sure his trails are happy!”
Shell Rotella launches Road to Recovery campaign
Shell Rotella has launched its Road to Recovery campaign, which seeks to create opportunities out of change for people who drive trucks and operate heavy-duty equipment on- and off-highway. Through this campaign, the brand will celebrate and recognize those who are committed to getting the job done even in difficult circumstances.
In 2021, Shell Rotella will be helping drivers go safely, go further and get savings through multiple touchpoints throughout The Road to Recovery campaign:
- Go safely program with OOIDA: Shell Rotella has partnered with Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) to create the Go Safely award which highlights a hardworking truck driver that is dedicated to keeping themselves and others safe.
- Go farther on the road: Shell Rotella full synthetic and synthetic blend engine oils provide engine protection, durability and performance in extreme operating conditions and temperatures for trucks and equipment.
- Savings with synthetics: Shell Rotella offers a number of ways to save on their synthetic heavy-duty engine oils through coupons, rebates and sweepstakes throughout the year.
- Social media: Shell Rotella influencers will be sharing their own stories about their work and travels and how they are driving The Road to Recovery throughout the year. Keep an eye on the Shell Rotella social channels for updates as the brand spotlights and shares these stories.
- Brand events and activations: Shell Rotella will be integrating The Road to Recovery during key brand and industry moments in 2021 including the 39th Annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and National Farmer’s Day.
“As the industry, and North America, continue to navigate unprecedented times, hardworking men and women have been instrumental in driving us forward,” Annie Peter, North American brand manager for Shell Rotella, said. “Shell Rotella is proud to introduce The Road to Recovery campaign to put the spotlight on hardworking individuals, acting selflessly day in and day out by showcasing the resilience they have demonstrated in the face of uncertainty.”
Richmond tow truck driver helps quadriplegic man
When the Facebook page Love What Matters recently re-shared the story of Jason Rowan with On Time Towing in Richmond, Virginia, it touched tens of thousands of people. Rowan, the post read, stopped to help a quadriplegic man whose front tire fell off his modified van.
"Once Jason saw the hub assembly was not damaged, he offered to put on the spare tire for my son, so it did not have to be towed,” the post read. “It was a very hot and humid day today as well! Jason truly was a life saver for my son!"
"I would make more money if I would have put [the van] on the truck," Rowan explained. "He needed help and the tire can go back on. I just got a lug off each of the other wheels and put it back together for him so he could get to his appointment."
Rowan said he knew he had to help because the van was the driver's only mode of transportation.
"That's my job,” Rowan said. “If I see somebody, I stop to help. Regardless of what you do, if you see somebody in distress, you've got to help them."
Schneider's Pet Policy lets Team drivers add another cab companion
In March 2021, Schneider announced that Team drivers would be able to drive with an animal companion in the cab after receiving feedback from drivers explaining the benefits of being able to travel with their animal companion.
The policy allows Team drivers to travel with either one dog or one cat. The following are just a few requirements that must be met in order to take part in the Team Pet Policy:
- Drivers must be part of a formed team.
- The pet must be either a cat or a dog. No other types of pets are allowed.
- If the pet is a dog, it must be of a non-aggressive breed.
- Pet owners must provide the proper paperwork to prove their pet is licensed and all vaccinations are up to date.
- The pet must be properly secured in sleeper berth whenever the truck is in motion.
- Trucks must be kept clean while traveling with a pet.
- Drivers are not permitted to travel with their pet during orientation or training.
- Team drivers must pay a $300 non-refundable cleaning fee in order to bring their pet in their truck.
Have you seen good things happening in the trucking industry? Let me know by email or on Twitter with #FiveGoodThings.
