Five Good Things: Scholarships, recognition, and record donations boost trucking communities
The Truckload Carriers Association names Daniel Garcia a TCA Highway Angel
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently recognized truck driver Daniel Garcia of Warren Transport with a TCA Highway Angel Award for his quick thinking and actions that helped prevent a vehicle fire in Dallas, Texas.
On the morning of August 10, Garcia was traveling through Dallas when he noticed flames coming from underneath a vehicle traveling ahead of him. As the motorist pulled to the side of the road, Garcia stopped his truck ahead of the vehicle and sprang into action.
“She was not aware that there was fire on the chassis,” he said. “I told her, ‘Do you know your car is on fire?’ and she said, ‘No…oh my God!’”
Garcia retrieved a fire extinguisher from his truck and worked to extinguish the flames coming from the engine compartment. His swift response prevented the fire from spreading to the vehicle’s oil pan—a development that could have resulted in serious damage, injury, or worse.
“I told her that she had an oil leak, and she was lucky the fire didn’t catch up to the oil,” he said. “We caught it on time—we were just lucky.”
Lily Transportation and Transervice partner with the Toys for Tots program
Over 1,000 toys collected by employees at sister companies Lily Transportation and Transervice Logistics for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program were delivered to local Toys for Tots centers throughout the country for distribution during the holidays to less fortunate children in their respective communities.
“For the past seven years, Lily employees have donated thousands of gifts for this worthy cause,” Sean Schnipper, director of marketing for Lily and Transervice, said. “Recently, Transervice employees were excited to partner with them to help increase the number of gifts collected and communities supported.”
OOIDA opens applications for Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund
OOIDA is encouraging members to remind their children, grandchildren, and legal dependents to apply for the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund.
Established in 1998, the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund supports the educational goals of OOIDA members’ families. Eligible applicants must be at least a high school senior and no older than 22. Five scholarships are awarded each year: one scholarship of $2,000 and four scholarships of $1,000.
Children, grandchildren, and legal dependents of OOIDA members planning to attend a college or trade school are encouraged to apply. Truck drivers who are not currently OOIDA members but have children or grandchildren in need of scholarship assistance are also encouraged to consider joining the Association.
Each applicant must submit a completed application, including a 500-word essay addressing trucking-related questions. All application materials are reviewed by the OOIDA Scholarship Committee, which is appointed by the OOIDA Board of Directors. The committee conducts a blind evaluation of essays and supporting documents before selecting scholarship recipients.
Scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than February 1. Funds are typically available during the first week of August. Each scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, contingent upon completion of an annual renewal form.
Valvoline Instant Oil Change breaks records as it raises $1.8 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Valvoline and participating franchise Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Great Canadian Oil Change service centers raised more than $1.8 million, a nearly 40% increase over what the company raised in 2025.
Funds were raised through guest donations at the time of service, corporate-led fundraising efforts, and contributions from Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchisees, helping support children’s hospitals in the local communities where Valvoline team members live and work.
“This milestone reflects the generosity of our guests and the dedication of our team members and franchisees,” Lori Flees, president and CEO of Valvoline, said. “For 16 years, our partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has allowed us to support families when they need it most, and we’re proud to see our collective impact continue to grow.”
The Women In Trucking Association opens nominations for the 2026 Image Team
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently opened nominations for the Image Team Class of 2026. This group of professional female drivers serves as the voice of women behind the wheel, sharing their experiences, advocating for the industry, and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in trucking. The deadline for nominations is February 6.
Founded in 2015, the Image Team brings together drivers with diverse experiences across the trucking industry. Image Team members participate in media interviews, attend community and industry events, provide educational outreach, and offer ride-alongs to showcase women in the trucking industry.
“Drivers are the heartbeat of our industry, and WIT’s Image Team highlights how rewarding a career behind the wheel can be,” Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO, said. “We are excited to showcase women who are passionate about their careers, confident in sharing their stories, and committed to supporting and elevating others across the trucking profession.”
Nominations must be from a current employer or supervisor who supports the driver’s participation and time commitment. Owner-operators may self-nominate. Eligible nominees must meet the following requirements:
- Be current CDL holders actively working in the industry with a clean safety record
- Demonstrate safety excellence and professionalism
- Be comfortable with public speaking and media engagement
- Exhibit passion for WIT’s mission
- Have a presence or willingness to engage on social media
Finalists will take part in interviews in February. The Class of 2026 Image Team will be announced at the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville on March 27.
About the Author
Jenna Hume
Digital Editor
Digital Content Specialist Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November 2023 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of Fine Arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri.