Five Good Things: Trucking expands veteran support through partnerships and Memorial Day initiatives

Four private fleet drivers inducted into 2026 NPTC Driver Hall of Fame

Four drivers, who collectively have driven for more than 152 years while racking up nearly 15 million miles of service without a chargeable accident, injury, or moving violation, have been inducted into the NPTC Driver Hall of Fame. 

The drivers are from NPTC member companies and have met the minimum qualifications of 20 years, three million miles, or 50,000 hours of driving without a preventable accident. Many of the drivers have exceeded these qualifications and are known for their contributions to their industry and communities. Since its inception in 1987, 160 drivers have been installed in the Driver Hall of Fame.

This year’s NPTC Driver Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Robert Baity, Unifi Manufacturing in Yadkinville, North Carolina: Baity began his driving career in 1976 on his family farm in Yadkin County, North Carolina. There, he learned to drive a 10-speed, single-axle truck hauling corn, soybeans, and hay. He has more than 48 years of combined driving experience, including time with other companies before joining Unifi. In that time, he has accumulated 3.6 million miles without a chargeable accident, injury, or moving violation. In his 13 years with Unifi, he has racked up more than 900,000 accident-free miles.
• Matthew Dosland, John Deere, assigned by CPC Logistics in Davenport, Iowa: In 30 years behind the wheel, Dosland has driven 3.25 million miles without a chargeable accident, injury, or moving violation. He started his driving career with Dundee Trucking in Oxford Junction, Iowa, in 1996. The following year, he joined Hainstock Trucking in Lost Nation, Iowa, before becoming a driver for John Deere Shared Services at CPC Logistics two years later. During his time with CPC Logistics, he has logged three million safe driving miles. As a result of his dedication, he has earned one-, two-, and three-million-mile safe driver awards from CPC and was named an NPTC National All-Star Driver in 2018.
• Eddie McAllister, Shaw Industries Group: In 39 years behind the wheel, McAllister has driven 4.2 million miles without an accident, an injury, or a moving violation. McAllister started his driving career with Shaw as a spotter. After earning his CDL, he moved into a driving position. He has driven day cabs and sleeper trucks and has pulled various trailers (with and without lift gates) and pulled bulk and liquid tankers. Part of his time at Shaw, he was an OTR driver, and more recently, he has delivered yarn, carpet rolls, and flooring products to retail locations throughout North Georgia and Southern Tennessee.
• Paul Ramirez, Circle K/Fuel South Express, Columbus, Indiana: Ramirez began his driving career in 1991, and in those 35 years, he has racked up 3.5 million miles without an accident, injury, or moving violation. Ramirez began his driving career in the military, serving in the U.S. Army for four years, during which he developed a work ethic, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. In 1996, he joined National Freight as a driver, a position he held for four years until he joined Road Runner. In 2004, he joined Benito Petroleum, which Circle K/Fuel South Express subsequently acquired. He has built a reputation as a dependable and safety-focused fuel hauler.

The Truckload Carriers Association names Chris Wetzel a TCA Highway Angel

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Chris Wetzel, a driver with Anderson Trucking Service, a TCA Highway Angel for his assistance following a crash involving a law enforcement officer in Missouri.

On April 1, Wetzel was traveling on Interstate 49 in Joplin when a deputy responding to an emergency call collided with the trailer of a semi-truck ahead of him.

Wetzel stopped and rushed to assist. Working alongside others at the scene, he helped extract the injured deputy from the vehicle.

“We were able to get him out and call for help right away,” said Wetzel.

Wetzel used the officer’s radio to issue a 10-33 emergency call, alerting dispatch to an officer-down situation and providing their location.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after, and the deputy was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition. Wetzel remained on scene to assist as needed following the incident.

Hankook Tire partners with Cumberland River Compact to support clean waterways

Tire manufacturer Hankook Tire recently partnered with Nashville-based Cumberland River Compact, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River basin’s waterways. 

“The Cumberland River flows through the heart of Nashville, the home of our North American headquarters,” said Rob Williams, president of Hankook Tire America. “Our commitment to our local community extends to the environment, especially as we hone our focus on global sustainability. We are proud to partner with the Cumberland River Compact to make a difference throughout the coming year.”

To kick off the partnership, the Cumberland River Compact hosted an information session last week to educate Hankook employees on how to have a positive impact on protecting waterways. Through Hankook’s partnership, employees will also participate in volunteer efforts throughout the year, including a stream cleanup in North Nashville early next month.

In addition, Hankook has signed on as a sponsor of the Compact’s flagship event, Hellbender on the River, an evening of live music and local food to celebrate the streams and rivers of the Cumberland River watershed. 

Kumho Tire USA, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, and the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation partner to support Georgia’s veterans

Kumho Tire USA (KUSA) and the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation (GVSF) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), formalizing a long-term partnership in service of Georgia’s approximately 680,000 veterans and their families.

Through this partnership, KUSA and GVSF commit to identifying and delivering programs that create impact for Georgia’s veteran community. Specific initiatives will be announced as the partnership develops.

The partnership first came into public view earlier this year, when GVSF representatives were honored as co-captains at Kumho Tire Night at State Farm Arena, a moment before the Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics game.

“At Kumho Tire USA, we believe that doing business in America means giving back to America,” said Edmund Cho, CEO of Kumho Tire USA. “We are honored to stand alongside the GVSF in this commitment, and we look forward to building something lasting together for Georgia’s veterans.”

Hyundai marks 10th annual National Salute to America’s Heroes with $100,000 donation to Folds of Honor

Hyundai commemorated Memorial Day Weekend with the return of the 10th annual National Salute to America’s Heroes on the sands of Miami Beach. The two‑day public event marked ten years of bringing Americans together to honor the U.S. military, first responders, and their families. This year’s celebration also coincided with Hyundai’s 40th anniversary in America and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

As part of this milestone year, Hyundai will contribute $100,000 to Folds of Honor, doubling its 2025 donation. The contribution will help provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.

“At Hyundai, we are proud to stand with the service members, veterans, first responders, and military families whose sacrifice and commitment inspire our nation,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “This year’s event is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, Hyundai’s 40 years in America, and our nation’s 250th anniversary. We are also honored to deepen our support for military families with a $100,000 donation to Folds of Honor, reflecting our enduring commitment to those who serve and the loved ones who support them.”