Five Good Things: Trucking supports nonprofits and workforce programs nationwide

Bendix helps build home for local family

More than 170 employees of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems worked to frame a two-story house for a family in need. 

Bendix conducted the framing project in collaboration with Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity and Help Build Hope. The Bendix volunteers signed the finished wall frames with personal messages of encouragement. Then they loaded the frames for delivery to a Greater Cleveland Habitat development site, where the home will be completed.

“We share a lasting commitment at Bendix to building communities and having a positive impact on our neighbors,” said Maria Gutierrez, global head of HSE for Knorr-Bremse’s CVS division. “Our employees are the heart and soul of that effort through their generosity. Helping build a house for a local family is one way we live the company culture and strive to put our social responsibility to work.”

The 2026 build marks the 20th home framed by Bendix employees in Avon—and at the previous Bendix headquarters in Elyria, Ohio—since the initiative began in 2015. Bendix purchased the wood and fasteners for the house. In addition, the company contributed to the roof fund, along with support for wall transportation and coordination provided by CrossRoads Missions.

In a parallel effort, Bendix held a Habitat for Humanity ReStore collection drive leading up to the event.

The Truckload Carriers Association names Lamar Buckwalter a TCA Highway Angel

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Lamar Buckwalter, a driver with Buckwalter Trucking, a TCA Highway Angel for his response following a rollover crash in Colorado.

On April 2, Buckwalter was traveling on Route 34 near Greeley, Colorado, during a wind advisory affecting high-profile vehicles. While driving, he observed a tanker truck several lengths ahead suddenly veer off course before overturning.

“I’ve always believed that God puts us in the right places at the right times. Tonight, He proved this once again,” Buckwalter said. “All I could hear was the driver screaming, ‘Get me out of here, I’m hauling hazmat!’”

Buckwalter brought his truck to a stop and ran to assist. Upon reaching the overturned tanker, he made contact with the driver, who initially indicated he was not pinned but unable to escape. Moments later, the driver became unresponsive. Buckwalter broke through the windshield and, despite exposure to debris and engine fluids, pulled the driver from the wreckage.

Shortly after being removed, the driver regained consciousness. Concerned about the hazardous materials onboard, both men moved away from the vehicle. Another passerby stopped and contacted emergency services. Buckwalter remained with the injured driver, who had sustained bruising and head injuries, providing reassurance and support until first responders arrived. He later accompanied the driver in the ambulance so he could contact his employer and family, and then provided a statement to law enforcement.

“The officer told me he was very impressed with how quickly everything happened,” Buckwalter said. “I just did what I hope anyone else would do in that situation.”

Hands-on program at Yokohama’s Mississippi commercial truck tire plant helps employees build skills

Employees at Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi (YTMM) in West Point, Mississippi, are learning new skills while working and even earning degrees via the company’s Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. 

According to Philip Calhoun, YTMM’s GM/VP of operations, the program, implemented in 2024 and in partnership with East Mississippi Community College, was designed to help develop more skilled trade workers at YTMM.

“At Yokohama, employees are our most valuable asset,” Calhoun said. “Helping employees with hands-on experience to hone their skills or learn new ones paves the way for career advancement. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them and the company.”

The program is a blend of on-site training and classroom education. Employees can work toward an associate degree while gaining on-the-job experience, creating a direct pathway into maintenance and other technical roles at YTMM. Calhoun said Yokohama covers all expenses, including books.

Employees in the program begin on the production floor before moving into more technical roles, including maintenance. The transition introduces new challenges, but also new opportunities to build specialized skills and take on more complex responsibilities.

“It’s a win-win for Yokohama and our area,” said Dr. Michael Busby, VP of career technical and workforce education at East Mississippi Community College. “They’re coming to school, still employed, and giving back to the industry.”

Honda and the Honda USA Foundation support hundreds of programs expanding opportunity across the U.S.

From preparing students for careers in advanced manufacturing to addressing food insecurity, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation are supporting programs that empower the communities near Honda operations in the U.S. This funding cycle, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation provided more than $15.2 million to 271 nonprofit and school-led programs, expected to impact more than 45 million people positively.

“Honda and the Honda USA Foundation are committed to supporting programs that make people’s lives better,” said Marcos Frommer, department lead of corporate social responsibility (CSR) at American Honda Motor Co. “Whether it’s helping families meet essential needs or expanding access to mobility, our funding contributes to initiatives that strengthen communities nationwide.”

Honda CSR contributions are made to programs aligned with five strategic pillars: education, environment, mobility, traffic safety, and community. The full list of organizations receiving funding is available here. 

AutoNation Subaru Scottsdale donates $130,000 to Arizona nonprofits

AutoNation Subaru Scottsdale recently donated a combined $130,000 to two Arizona nonprofits during a day of giving led by GM Sara Bishop.

The morning ceremony, held at the AZAFAP community park, featured the presentation of a $120,000 check, the largest single contribution that AutoNation Subaru Scottsdale has presented to the organization.

“Friday marked a meaningful milestone in our 12-year partnership with AZAFAP and our long-term commitment to driving out cancer through Make-A-Wish,” Bishop said. “From investing in the rebuild of this community park to creating a memorable camping experience for Elsa and her family, we are proud to help make a lasting impact across the Phoenix community.”

The event included the unveiling of architectural renderings for the new park, remarks from AutoNation, Subaru, and AZAFAP leadership, and family-friendly activities for attendees. The donation builds on a 12-year partnership between AutoNation Subaru Scottsdale and AZAFAP that has now totaled more than $230,000 in donations. Over the course of the partnership, the store has served as the lead sponsor of AZAFAP’s annual back-to-school shoe drive, helping hundreds of children receive new shoes each year, and has supported the organization’s Operation Warm jacket distribution and its annual holiday bike and toy drive.

The afternoon ceremony, held at the AutoNation Subaru Scottsdale store, marked a $10,000 donation to Make-A-Wish Arizona and celebrated Elsa, a seven-year-old pediatric cancer patient from Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Sara and her team hosted a camping-themed party, inspired by Elsa’s wish to go camping with her family.