Five Good Things: When trucking shows up, from crash scenes to community giving

Carrier celebrates Earth Day with new milestone: 1 million trees planted toward goal of 5 million by 2030

On Earth Day, Carrier marked progress toward its pledge to plant 5 million trees by 2030, with 1,009,514 trees funded in 2025 across high-impact regions worldwide in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.

"Carrier and its employees are proud to help drive lasting change through the 'For the Air We Breathe, For the World We Share' initiative," said Ashley Barrie, executive director, corporate social responsibility, Carrier. "Through nature-based solutions, we're helping to boost air quality levels, revive habitats, and enhance climate resilience in areas impacted by environmental degradation."

This past year, the initiative supported nine reforestation projects across critical ecosystems, including the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, the Cauvery River Basin in India, farmland in Kenya, and additional projects worldwide.

Employees, customers, and the public voted to select a final 2025 project—helping restore 290 acres of California's forestland damaged by wildfire in 2021. Carrier employees also supported local climate resiliency efforts, with nearly 500 volunteers contributing more than 1,600 hours across nine global tree-planting events.

Carrier will accelerate this momentum in 2026 by supporting 14 reforestation projects, organizing global volunteer tree-planting events, and hosting an educational webinar with the Arbor Day Foundation. The company will again invite stakeholders to help select one of the annual planting locations, to be announced later this year.

Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund awards more than $1 million

The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund recently awarded more than $1.13 million in grant funding during the first half of 2026. Of the total funding awarded, more than $575,000 in direct grants support nonprofit organizations serving Middle Tennessee.

“Community investment is not separate from our business—it’s part of how we operate as one of the world's largest tire manufacturers,” said Wade Munday, director of corporate philanthropy and social impact at Bridgestone Americas. “Through these grants, we’re helping support organizations that understand their communities deeply and are delivering real, measurable impact. That’s true whether the work is happening in our hometown of Nashville or in communities across the country where our teammates move, live, work, and play.”

Grants awarded during the first half of 2026 supported nonprofit partners working across a range of areas in Nashville, including $100,000 to support road safety initiatives in partnership with the Civic Design Center and $100,000 to support the capital-building campaign of Second Harvest Food Bank. Nationally, the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund continued its multi-year partnerships with a $130,000 grant to TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking) and a $150,000 grant to Techforce Foundation.

TCA honors Scott Miller as Highway Angel for response to bus crash

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named driver Scott Miller of America’s Service Line a TCA Highway Angel for his actions following a bus crash in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

On March 22, Miller was traveling near Interstate 43 when he witnessed a tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers lose control while exiting the highway. The bus sped across multiple lanes, struck a curb, went airborne, and traveled more than 100 yards before plunging over a 5-ft. embankment and coming to rest between two buildings.

The crash left at least 41 people injured, including two in critical condition, and required a large-scale emergency response with assistance from multiple jurisdictions. Miller, who said he narrowly avoided being struck himself, sprang into action.

After calling 911, Miller relied on his 32 years of professional driving experience to assess the situation before approaching the bus. Once at the scene, Miller discovered passengers trapped and injured inside the bus, including Audrey Pierce, who was wedged in the stairwell near the door.

“He stayed on the scene until the police and paramedics arrived,” Pierce said. “He held my hand and talked to me while I was trapped. He kept me awake and talking.”

Miller remained on the scene for approximately 90 minutes, helping direct emergency vehicles, assisting passengers, and supporting first responders as they treated the injured. Many of the passengers were elderly, which made the experience even more emotional.

“They’re basically like your grandma and grandpa,” Miller said. “It really pulls your heartstrings.”

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, including potential mechanical failures. Law enforcement has also charged the driver in connection with the incident. 

“I would never just call 911 and keep going,” he said. “We’re all here to help one another.”

J.B. Hunt recognizes 54 Million Mile drivers

J.B. Hunt Transport Services recently honored 54 drivers in Lowell for achieving 2, 3, 4, and 5 million miles without a DOT-reportable preventable accident. The recognition took place during the company’s annual Million Mile celebration, which marked the program’s 30th anniversary.

The annual Million Mile celebration brought the newest class of Million Mile drivers and their families to corporate headquarters for a multi-day experience that included time with company leadership, recognition moments, and the Million Mile Walk of Fame. Drivers and their families were welcomed by company leaders, thousands of employees, investors, and customers as they arrived at corporate headquarters to walk the Million Mile Walk of Fame. The celebration also created time and space for drivers and leaders to share best practices and carry lessons learned back to the road.

J.B. Hunt has recognized more than 5,000 company drivers who have achieved at least 1 million safe miles. This year’s group also included four drivers who achieved 4 million safe miles and one who achieved 5 million, milestones reached by only a small number of elite drivers. All Million Mile drivers’ names were etched into the Million Mile Wall at corporate headquarters. On average, it took a driver approximately 7–10 years to achieve 1 million safe miles.

“You can tell a lot about a company by what it chooses to celebrate, and year after year our Million Mile celebration is our biggest opportunity to recognize the drivers who set the standard for safety,” Nick Hobbs, J.B. Hunt COO, said. “Multimillion-mile achievements are earned one decision at a time through preparation, disciplined habits, and the judgment to do the right thing on every trip, in every condition, without exception. We are proud to recognize this class of drivers and their families, and as a company, we will keep strengthening the support that helps everyone get home safely.”

Pilot rallies guests and team members to help save lives this Stroke Month

This May, in recognition of American Stroke Month, Pilot is rallying support to raise funds for the American Heart Association’s stroke prevention and education programs.

From April 30 to May 21, guests can help make positive change by rounding up their purchases during checkout at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Travel Center locations nationwide.

Throughout the month, Pilot and the Heart Association are promoting the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs:

• B – Balance Loss: Does the person appear unsteady?
• E – Eye (vision) Changes: Is vision blurred or temporarily lost?
• F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?
• A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
• S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred?
• T – Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

In addition to the round-up campaign, Pilot is prioritizing the health of its team members by providing access to the Heart Association’s stroke prevention education, resources, and screenings to be more aware of the signs of stroke. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting the local American Heart Association office. This marks the second year Pilot has extended that commitment to include fundraising specifically for American Stroke Month.