ATHS honors three trucking pioneers at Hall of Fame induction

The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) recently celebrated the people behind some of trucking’s most enduring names during the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame induction ceremony at ATHS headquarters.

The 2026 class honored Chester R. England, founder of C.R. England; Harold C. Groendyke, founder of Groendyke Transport; and Al Peterman, founder of Peterbilt. The celebration brought together guests and representatives of the inductees’ companies to reflect on the honorees’ accomplishments and influence. Trucks and trailers representing the inductees added a fitting backdrop to the day. The celebration featured 50 trucks, including 25 Peterbilts brought by Geis Dealer Group in Kansas City to honor Al Peterman. 

“We’re pleased with the response to our new Hall of Fame space and this year’s celebration, said Tom Mullen, Hall of Fame chair. “Chester R. England, Harold C. Groendyke, and Al Peterman each helped shape the trucking industry through their vision and determination. The Hall of Fame ensures their contributions are remembered, and their stories continue to inspire future generations.”

Loretta Holland named TCA Highway Angel for comforting crash victim

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Freymiller Driver Loretta Holland a TCA Highway Angel for her actions after witnessing a crash outside a truck stop in Mississippi.

On August 15, Holland was stopped at a Love’s Travel Stop in Lake, Mississippi, when she witnessed a Toyota SUV leave the roadway and crash into a group of trees. The female driver was trapped inside the SUV with injuries, while a male passenger had been thrown through the windshield and lay unresponsive on the ground.

After checking on the crash victims, Holland focused on the trapped driver, who was conscious but unable to move her arms or legs. Standing near the passenger door, Holland spoke to the woman, urging her to remain still while emergency responders made their way to the scene.

“I told her, ‘Stay calm and do not move. There’s emergency people on the way,’” Holland recalled.

Holland continued talking to the injured woman, asking questions and offering reassurance to keep her focused while she waited for help.

“I just kept trying to talk to her,” Holland said, describing how she encouraged the woman to remain still and let her know someone was there with her.

Mississippi State Trooper Rick Grey later updated Holland on the victims’ conditions. The female driver survived but lost an arm and a leg. The male passenger suffered neck injuries and was also recovering.

“I believe God was in this all the way,” Holland said. “I believe He set me up to be there.”

Fleet Advantage marks 10 years of supporting children at the IFDA National Championship Writing and Drawing Contests

At the 2026 International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) National Championship, Fleet Advantage celebrated the 10th year of sponsoring the event’s Children’s Writing and Drawing Contests, giving young family members a chance to recognize drivers and warehouse operators.

“Reaching 10 years of sponsoring the children’s contests is a meaningful milestone for Fleet Advantage because it reflects our longstanding appreciation for the families who tirelessly support this industry,” said Katerina Jones, chief marketing officer for Fleet Advantage. “The children's entries offer a unique perspective on the impact drivers and warehouse operators have beyond their work, and it’s always inspiring to see how they express their pride in the loved ones they look up to. We’re proud to continue supporting an initiative that recognizes these personal connections and the next generation of foodservice distribution families.”

Children in second grade and below participate in the Drawing Contest by creating a picture that illustrates why their championship participant is special to them. The Writing Contest, open to children in third grade and above, invites participants to answer three questions about their participant. Entries are evaluated on originality, creativity, and clarity of thought, with an emphasis on personal expression and meaningful connections.

To recognize the children’s efforts, writing contest prizes are awarded across three grade-level categories: third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade, and ninth through 12th grade. Each category awards $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place. The Drawing Contest winner received a gift basket from Fleet Advantage.

You can view the full list of contest winners here.

Valvoline kicks off annual Children’s Miracle Network fundraising campaign

Valvoline recently kicked off its annual in-store fundraising campaign benefiting Children’s Miracle Network. Throughout November, customers at participating Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Great Canadian Oil Change, and Oil Changers locations can donate to support children and families in their local communities.

This year marks Valvoline’s 17th year supporting Children’s Miracle Network, a partnership that began in 2009. Throughout the partnership, Valvoline and its customers have contributed nearly $10 million to support children’s hospitals through its fundraising efforts.

“Supporting the communities we serve is an important part of who we are at Valvoline Inc.,” said Lori Flees, president and CEO of Valvoline. “For 17 years, our team members and customers have helped make a difference for children and families through Children’s Miracle Network. We’re proud to continue that tradition and invite our customers to join us again this year.”

Customers who visit participating service centers during the campaign can donate to Children’s Miracle Network, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the local children’s hospital. 

Pilot team members give back during Fall Volunteer Day

In October, 696 Pilot team members from office locations in Knoxville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Orange, California; and Roswell, Georgia participated in service projects with 65 nonprofit organizations for Fall Volunteer Day. 

In Houston, Texas, team members volunteered at Magnificat Houses, which provides housing and support to people experiencing homelessness, hunger, and mental illness. Team members helped cook and serve a meal and spent time organizing donated clothing and supplies.

At Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, team members spent time with patients receiving treatment in the oncology unit. Team members, the children, and their families made bracelets, colored together, played bingo and Uno, and handed out prizes to many children. 

Pilot team members lent a helping hand to Special Olympics Texas (North Region) in Richland Hills by loading and unloading event equipment from a trailer and box truck. They also organized the warehouse, helping prepare the organization for an upcoming move to a new location. 

A Pilot volunteer team helped the Friends of the Smokies, an organization that works to preserve and protect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, prepare for an upcoming road race fundraiser. They assembled race packets, including 1,000 tote bags of items for the runners, attached race medals to lanyards, and sorted T-shirts at the organization’s Kodak, Tennessee, office.