Five Good Things: Industry honors women, veterans, drivers, and sustainability efforts shaping fleet culture

The Women In Trucking Association names Dee Dee Cox the 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently named Dee Dee Cox, VP of human resources at Old Dominion Freight Line (OD), as the recipient of the 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking award. The award is sponsored by TrueBlue’s Centerline Drivers and recognizes the achievements of female role models and trailblazers in the trucking industry.

“Dee Dee’s leadership exemplifies the spirit of this award,” Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT, said. “Her dedication to professional development, inclusion, and a positive workplace culture reflects the very best of what this award celebrates. We are honored to recognize her contributions to the advancement of women in trucking.”

Cox has 30 years of experience in human resources and organizational development. She has worked in a variety of industries, including textiles, flooring, and transportation, both in the U.S. and abroad. As VP of human resources development at OD, she oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, leadership development, and engagement strategies.

Cox has been a driving force behind OD’s leadership and workforce development initiatives. She launched and expanded the Management Trainee Program, Supervisor Development Program, Apprentice Programs, and internships designed to create clear career pathways, particularly for women and historically underrepresented groups in transportation. These programs have steadily improved retention rates and increased female representation across the company.

“I am thrilled and honored to be recognized as the recipient of this award,” Cox said. “The real recognition goes to Old Dominion Freight Line for allowing me and the team to develop these programs. Our leaders at OD supported these opportunities, which have helped us continue to fulfill our vision of being the premier transportation provider while maintaining our unique OD Family atmosphere.”

ABF Freight driver George Lancaster honored with TCA Highway Angel Award

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named George Lancaster, from LaVergne, Tennessee, as its latest TCA Highway Angel for his courage following an incident on Interstate 24 near South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

On June 4, Lancaster was traveling westbound on I-24 when a dangerous situation unfolded in front of him. A Chevrolet Camaro, driving at a high rate of speed, rode up onto the bumper of another tractor-trailer.

“He thought he could get in between me and the truck,” Lancaster said about the driver of the Camaro. “He didn’t make it.”

The car ended up spinning out of control, went up an embankment, and rolled backward onto the right shoulder. Lancaster pulled over and rushed to assist.

“He was disoriented,” Lancaster said. “He’s lucky he lived. I was shocked, honestly, that the man survived.”

The driver tried to climb out through his windshield but eventually got out through the passenger-side window. Lancaster helped guide the disoriented driver and remained with him until emergency responders arrived. He said the driver told police he was driving over 140 miles per hour. Campbell County EMS later transported the injured driver for further evaluation.

Lancaster’s willingness to step in ensured the safety of everyone involved and prevented a dangerous situation from escalating further.

“I was born and raised here in Tennessee. We try to help people whenever possible,” he said. “It’s just the way I was raised.”

Hyundai and UCI Health promote child passenger safety in Southern California

Hyundai Motor America recently teamed up with UCI Health, one of California's largest academic health systems, to advance child passenger safety across Orange County. Through Hyundai Hope, the corporate social responsibility initiative, Hyundai donated $25,000 to UCI Health in support of its Federally Qualified Health Center Car Seat Safety Program. This new collaboration kicked off with a car seat safety event that provided free education and inspections to families in need.

"Safety is a responsibility we all share," Cole Stutz, chief safety officer, Hyundai Motor North America, said. "We're proud to work alongside UCI Health and make a direct impact here in Orange County, home to our North American headquarters. Together, we're helping families gain the knowledge and confidence they need to keep their children protected on every journey."

Hyundai and UCI Health joined together for a car seat safety event at UCI Health Family Health Center in Anaheim, California, where certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians educated caregivers on the correct installation and use of car seats. Technicians also checked expiration dates, manufacturer recalls, and proper fit, providing families with free replacements for any car seats that did not meet current safety standards.

"We're grateful to Hyundai for making this important work possible," Laurie Johnson, VP of ambulatory care at UCI Health, said. "Our car seat safety program is built on the belief that every child deserves to travel safely, regardless of a family's resources or background. With Hyundai's support, we're able to reach more parents and caregivers with hands-on education that helps prevent injuries and saves lives."

Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County, and southeast Los Angeles County. With this donation, UCI Health will be able to expand educational outreach and improve access to car seat safety resources for families throughout Southern California.

Averitt supports Tennessee State Parks as part of sustainability commitment

Averitt has continued its commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement through a recent contribution supporting Cummins Falls, Fall Creek Falls, and Burgess Falls state parks.

Located near Averitt’s corporate campus, these parks are important natural and recreational landmarks for the region. Averitt’s contribution helps support ongoing conservation and education efforts that preserve Tennessee’s natural beauty for residents and visitors alike.

“Averitt is proud to support efforts that protect and enhance the places that make our communities unique,” Barry Blakely, president and COO, said. “These parks are part of the landscape our associates and their families enjoy, and we believe it is important to contribute to their continued preservation for generations to come.”

Assurant honors California veteran with mobility-modified 2025 Chevrolet Suburban SUV

Assurant, a global protection company that safeguards and services connected devices, homes, and automobiles in partnership with the world’s leading brands, presented a specially modified 2025 Chevrolet Suburban to Marine Sergeant Josh Lopez. The mobility-modified vehicle, presented in partnership with the Assurant Foundation and Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS), is part of the WWFS Mobility is Freedom program. 

“Supporting our veterans is a cornerstone of our community involvement at Assurant,” Assurant President and CEO Keith Demmings said. “Last week, we were proud to be named among Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2025 and honor Josh’s service and sacrifice in partnership with Wounded Warriors Family Support. We hope this new vehicle will provide him with well-deserved mobility and independence.”

On April 2, 2012, just six weeks into his deployment, Corporal Josh Lopez was clearing a house with fellow Marines when he stepped on an IED while under enemy fire. The explosion hurled him 20 feet into the air, causing catastrophic injuries. He eventually lost his right leg below the knee and underwent a grueling recovery process. Lopez was promoted to sergeant during his recovery, a testament to his resilience and dedication. Reflecting on that life-altering day, Lopez said, “All I could think of was my son.” His son, Joshua Jr., was only two weeks old when Lopez deployed to Afghanistan.