Five Good Things: Trucking community supports disaster relief, workforce development, and charitable giving initiatives

The Trucking Cares Foundation supports Nebraska wildfire relief

American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Cares Foundation (TCF) recently donated $2,500 to the Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA) to support wildfire relief.

Wildfires ignited in western Nebraska last month, burning hundreds of thousands of acres in their path. Fueled by strong winds, the fires affected large swaths of ranch and pasture lands; destroyed homes, barns, and fences; and injured or killed livestock and wildlife.

With more than 35,000 cattle displaced and acres lost, demand for feed and supplies is high. Trucks are needed to transport it all, but the soaring cost of fuel is hampering the response.

To help, NTA launched the Nebraska Trucking Heroes Stipend through its charitable arm, the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund. Truck drivers, farmers, and ranchers who assist with transporting emergency relief supplies can receive aid to offset the high cost of fuel. The stipend offers $0.50 per mile, up to 500 miles per trip.

“Having TCF join our relief effort is huge,” Kent Grisham, NTA president and CEO, stated. “With that donation, along with the support coming in from individuals and companies, we are now able to double our initial commitment to our Trucking Heroes Wildfire Relief Fund. We are seeing trucks roll to the devastated areas from throughout the region, some of them making many round-trips. Rebuilding our legendary grazing territory in the sandhills of Nebraska will be a long-haul effort for everyone, but I know our trucks will keep rolling for as long as it takes, like always.”

NAFA partners with Cleveland nonprofit to build bikes for foster children at I&E

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, recently joined forces with Building Bikes, Spreading Love, a local nonprofit group that connects children with bicycles, at the 2026 Institute & Expo (I&E), which will take place April 13-15, in Cleveland, Ohio.

As part of NAFA Gives Back, the community service initiative at I&E, members and conference attendees will gather on the afternoon of April 15 to assemble new bicycles for children in the region’s foster care system.

"A bicycle is more than just a toy for a child in foster care,” Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA, stated. “A new bike represents freedom and a connection to their community. NAFA is honored to support Building Bikes, Spreading Love this year. This event allows our attendees to roll up their sleeves, bond with their colleagues, and leave a lasting, positive footprint on the host city of Cleveland."

The Truckload Carriers Association names ABF Freight driver Michael Alpine a Highway Angel

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Michael Alpine, a driver for ABF Freight, a TCA Highway Angel for his swift response following a crash on Interstate 5 in California.

In the early morning hours of March 19, Alpine was traveling near Gustine, California, when he witnessed an accident unfold in front of him. A small passenger vehicle moved in front of a tractor-trailer, causing the truck to swerve, overturn, and crash down an embankment. Debris from the truck, including lumber, was scattered across the roadway.

“I saw the brake lights of the truck come on and then immediately swerve … and then it started rolling over,” Alpine said. “It was dangerous.”

Alpine pulled over and called 911. Drawing on nearly four decades of experience and first aid training, Alpine moved to secure the scene before assisting those involved.

“The first thing I needed to do was protect myself and then try to protect the scene,” he said. “I have little LED flares, so I immediately threw those out … because the lumber was across both ways of the road.”

Alpine checked on the occupants of the vehicles after ensuring traffic was slowing. The driver of the passenger car was conscious but suffering from neck and back pain. Two individuals from the overturned truck had managed to climb back up the embankment with injuries, including visible head trauma.

“I kept asking them if they were okay … one of them had blood all over his forehead,” Alpine said. “But they were moving, and that was a relief.”

Alpine remained on scene, relaying information to dispatch and helping stabilize those involved until emergency responders arrived 20 minutes later.

“I reminded them help was coming and told them to stay put,” he said. “It’s always a good day when people can walk away from a crash. You can replace material things—you can’t replace people.”

“I encourage everybody to get first aid and CPR training,” Alpine added. “Sometimes we are the first responders out there.”

Averitt team donates over $1.4M to St. Jude

Averitt Charities, the company’s nonprofit charitable organization, has donated $1,400,001 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in partnership with the Averitt Cares for Kids program. The contribution marks the seventh consecutive year Averitt associates have given more than $1 million to support the St. Jude mission of advancing treatments and cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases.

Since 1990, Averitt Charities has contributed more than $18 million to support organizations such as St. Jude. Averitt Charities is fueled by the generosity of associates, with close to 97% participating in the Averitt Cares for Kids associate-giving program through weekly payroll deductions of just $1. In addition to associate contributions, the company makes matching donations to Averitt Charities in honor of associates’ community service hours, achievements, life events, and milestones.

“I’m humbled by the way we step up every year to support the life-saving mission of St. Jude,” Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and CEO, stated. “Helping people succeed is at the heart of Averitt, and I’m thankful to be part of a team that is focused on giving back.”

Kumho Tire USA pledges $25,000 to the Tire Industry Association scholarship fund

Kumho Tire USA recently pledged $25,000 in support of the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Tire Industry Scholarship program, created in partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF). Kumho has committed $5,000 per year for the next five years to invest in the future workforce of the tire and automotive service industry.

The TIA Tire Industry Scholarship program awards $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing higher education or trade programs related to the tire and automotive service industry. 

"Our five-year pledge to the TIA scholarship program reflects Kumho’s broader commitment to developing and supporting the next generation of tire industry professionals," Ed Cho, CEO of Kumho Tire USA, stated. "We are proud to invest in education and help provide greater opportunities for the future workforce who will shape our industry."