Five Good Things: Disaster relief, driver heroism, and veteran support across trucking

DHL Group activates Disaster Response Team to support relief efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa

DHL Group recently activated its Disaster Response Team (DRT) under the group's GoHelp program to support emergency relief efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck in late October.

Working in partnership with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and other humanitarian organizations, DHL's DRT is ensuring that supplies reach the hardest-hit communities quickly and efficiently.

"In a humanitarian crisis, logistics can mean the difference between life and death," Gilberto Castro, GoHelp regional head for the Americas, stated. "Getting aid to the right place at the right time is as critical as the aid itself. Our team is proud to bring DHL's global logistics expertise to support the people of Jamaica and ensure that relief supplies reach those who need them most and fast."

DHL's DRT teams, deployed in Kingston since October 31, have managed the logistics of incoming humanitarian shipments and supported warehousing and distribution efforts. To date, the teams have handled 220 tons of relief aid, including supplies processed at the DHL Express Kingston warehouse, which is currently operating at 70% capacity. The teams' activities include assembling and distributing shelter kits, managing warehouse inventory, and loading and unloading trucks and trailers arriving from seaports and Kingston airport.

DHL has operated six flights from Miami and Barbados to Jamaica to move needed relief supplies. In addition, the company is providing free temporary storage and logistics handling at its 10,000-sq.-ft. Kingston warehouse, which is currently serving as a central hub for relief distribution across the island. 

All DHL employees in Jamaica have been accounted for and are safe. While some team members reported property damage, internal support resources have been activated to assist with recovery.

AAA Cooper Transportation’s Marco Medel Morga named TCA Highway Angel for rescuing crash victims from burning vehicle

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Marco Medel Morga, a driver for AAA Cooper Transportation, the newest TCA Highway Angel for his actions at the scene of a crash in Kaneville, Illinois.

On July 15, Morga was traveling east on Interstate 88 near Kaneville when he witnessed an accident unfold in the left lane ahead of him. He managed to avoid contact with both of the vehicles involved.

“I was so close to hitting them, but I got lucky,” he said.

Morga pulled his truck onto the shoulder and ran to assist. Upon arriving at the scene, he discovered that one of the vehicles had caught fire.

“The car was on fire, and nobody was getting out of it,” Morga said. “I got nervous about the people in the car—I had to go help them.”

Morga helped one of the passengers escape from the burning vehicle, ensuring their safety before emergency responders arrived. The other person in the vehicle, a woman, safely exited the car.

Averitt partners with Operation Stand Down Tennessee

Averitt recently partnered with Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN) to provide additional support and resources for military veterans across the state. As part of this effort, Averitt was a sponsor of the organization’s annual Heroes Breakfast in Nashville, one of OSDTN's largest events, raising awareness and contributions for its programs.

“Averitt has a long history of supporting our troops and veterans, both within our company and the communities we serve,” Barry Blakely, president and chief operating officer at Averitt, said. “This partnership with Operation Stand Down Tennessee allows us to make an even greater impact, ensuring veterans have access to the resources and recognition they have earned through their service.”

Ryder sets new giving record with $1.17M donation to United Way

Ryder System’s annual United Way workplace campaign recently raised $1.17 million, the highest total in the company’s more than 40-year history of supporting United Way. The total 2025 donation includes employee donations and a contribution from the Ryder Charitable Foundation.

Through five days of virtual and in-person fundraising activities, Ryder employees across the U.S. joined together in support of this year's workplace giving campaign, "Provide Lasting Help, Right Here."

“Each year, Ryder employees go above and beyond in their support for United Way’s mission,” Robert Sanchez, Ryder chairman and CEO and past chairman of the board for United Way Miami, said. “This record-breaking milestone reflects our employees’ commitment to helping others and building stronger communities. I am grateful to everyone who contributed, as this milestone reflects the compassion and drive our people bring to every cause.”

With the contributions, United Way chapters across the country are able to meet local needs by expanding access to quality education, health care, and financial resources, and by building stronger, more resilient communities where Ryder employees also live and work.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change reaches $1M fundraising milestone for the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program

Henley Enterprises, the largest Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) franchisee, announced its nationwide fundraising campaign recently reached a new milestone—raising $1 million in support of the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program, which provides free transportation to medical appointments and treatment for people with cancer.

Throughout October, Henley-operated Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations across the country joined together for the Drive-Thru Donation Weekend, encouraging customers and employees to help ensure that reliable transportation is available so care is not delayed. The continued generosity of Henley VIOC customers and team members turned 15 years of partnership with the American Cancer Society into a record-breaking achievement.

“Reaching the $1 million mark demonstrates the strength of community support,” Kristyn Grime, executive director, Orange County for the American Cancer Society, said. “Henley Enterprises, through its Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations, is helping remove major barriers for people with cancer, allowing them to focus on their treatment and recovery.”

Lack of transportation can be one of the greatest barriers to receiving timely treatment and quality cancer care. Millions of Americans delay or have difficulty getting needed medical care each year because of the lack of available and affordable transportation to treatment. The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program connects volunteer drivers with those in need to ensure cancer patients can reach their appointments safely and on time.