Five Good Things: Truck drivers giving back, heroes behind the wheel, and industry acts of kindness

Truckers for Troops' 19th annual campaign aids U.S. military personnel and veterans

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is getting ready to launch its annual Truckers for Troops campaign from November 10-16, beginning the same week as Veterans Day. This annual drive focuses on supporting U.S. troops overseas and veterans back home.

The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veteran facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.

This project transitions veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with “tiny homes” filled with amenities. All veterans can also access a community center for other types of support and services.

Truck drivers can join or renew for one year for $35 during the one-week campaign period, with 10% of that amount going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10% dollar-for-dollar. 

More info can be found at the Truckers for Troops website.

Boyle Transportation driver honored as TCA Highway Angel for actions in Texas

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Amity Cataldo of Boyle Transportation a TCA Highway Angel for her quick actions and compassion following a crash in Texas.

During the early morning hours of September 24, Cataldo witnessed a truck overturn in front of her as she was traveling outside Amarillo, Texas. She slowed her truck, activated her four-way flashers to warn approaching traffic, and called 911.

“His tires went off the road. It was in a construction zone, it had been raining, and there was mud from the construction on the road—I feel so bad for this driver,” Cataldo said.

She then rushed to the injured driver’s side, finding him disoriented and bleeding.

“The driver was out of the truck, but he was really confused,” she said. “The poor kid—he was really cut up—he was bleeding on his arms and his knuckles.”

Cataldo stayed with him, offering reassurance and care until emergency crews arrived minutes later.

Her willingness to act helped prevent further danger on the road and ensured the injured driver was not alone during those critical moments.

“What I did was what I would hope any other driver would do,” Cataldo said.

ATA names 31 drivers as finalists for 2026-2027 America’s Road Team

The American Trucking Associations recently released its list of 31 professional truck drivers named as finalists for the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team. 

“These men and women were selected as finalists for America’s Road Team because they have outstanding safe driving records, share a passion for the trucking industry, and serve as role models among their peers,” Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, said. “They proudly represent ATA and exemplify some of the very best professional truck drivers on the road today. Their dedication and professionalism continue to inspire the entire industry.” 

America’s Road Team, a group of truck drivers with superior safety records, was created in 1986 to represent the trucking industry and is sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America. With support from their companies, America’s Road Team Captains dedicate a few days each month to attending industry events, speaking at schools, or meeting policymakers on behalf of the trucking industry. 

The 31 finalists advance to the final round of the selection process, which will be held this January in Washington. A panel of judges from different sectors of the industry will evaluate the contenders on their knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate the industry’s messages, and overall safe driving record. The finalists have a combined total of 57 million safe-driving miles and 737 years of professional experience. They are dedicated highway safety experts, eager to share their knowledge and experiences with the motoring public. 

The newly chosen 2026-2027 America’s Road Team will be announced on January 20  following a ceremony at ATA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Captains from previous teams continue to serve as ambassadors to the industry and are called upon frequently to participate in safety events, speaking appearances, and industry conferences. 

"Being named a finalist for America’s Road Team is a tremendous honor for professional truck drivers, and ATA applauds each of them for this accomplishment,” ATA COO Dan Horvath said. “These drivers are the very best of the industry, sharing their expertise and commitment to safety while educating the motoring public about the vital role trucking plays in our economy.”  

This year’s finalists hail from 19 different states, haul a diverse assortment of products and materials, and range from short-haul drivers to over-the-road drivers operating in all the lower 48 states. You can view the list of finalists here.

Peterbilt supports United Way with annual Pride & Class Parade

Peterbilt recently supported the local community of Denton, Texas, through its annual United Way Giving Campaign, culminating in the highly anticipated Peterbilt Pride & Class Parade.

The week-long campaign is an opportunity for Peterbilt employees to contribute to the cause through a variety of company-led fundraising events, initiatives, and individual donations.

“The United Way Giving Campaign is a reflection of Peterbilt’s commitment to our community,” Jake Montero, Peterbilt GM and Paccar VP, said. “The parade is a fantastic tradition that unites our employees, customers, and the Denton community. It celebrates the dedication of our employees and their shared loyalty and passion with Peterbilt owners, dealers, and fans.”

Peterbilt owners and drivers from across North America traveled to Denton to showcase their customized trucks. This year’s parade featured a lineup of Peterbilt trucks, ranging from a classic 1969 Model 358 to the 2026 Model 589.

“Peterbilt and United Way of Denton County have built a longstanding partnership that has strengthened our community for more than three decades,” said Gary Henderson, president and CEO of United Way of Denton County, said. “Peterbilt’s ongoing financial support and employee engagement have created a meaningful and lasting impact across Denton County.”

H-E-B honored with the Trucking Cares Foundation’s John Lex Premier Achievement Award

The Trucking Cares Foundation recently bestowed its 2025 John Lex Premier Achievement Award to H-E-B, a Texas-based supermarket chain. In previous years, this award has been given to a particular individual, but this year, for the first time, an ATA member company and its employees received the award.

“In the immediate aftermath of this summer’s catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country, H-E-B sprang into action with such impressive speed and commitment to those in need, it earned itself the nickname ‘FEMA of Texas,’” Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, said. “This humanitarian mission was the most recent example of H-E-B’s generosity in action, a defining characteristic for this company with deep roots in the community that date back to 1905. We applaud H-E-B and its employees for their selflessness, passion, and dedication to deliver hope where it is needed most.”

On July 4, Central Texas was hit with a deluge of rainfall, triggering flash flooding that claimed the lives of at least 135 people.  

In response, H-E-B’s disaster response team deployed three disaster relief sites in Central Texas to distribute water, ice, snacks, cleaning kits, gift cards, shelter support, and even a Mobile Kitchen to serve hot meals staffed by H-E-B partners. The Butt family, H-E-B, and the H.E. Butt Foundation committed $5 million to help fund nonprofits providing aid and recovery support to communities most in need.

In addition to honoring H-E-B with the 2025 John Lex Premier Achievement Award, TCF will be making a $5,000 donation to the charitable organization on H-E-B’s behalf. The charity H-E-B selected is the West Kerr Public School Foundation, which supports the district's teachers and counselors in meeting their healing needs.