Five good things that happened in trucking this week—Jan. 21
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”
Martin Luther King Jr., known for his civil rights advocacy through nonviolence, dedicated his life to fighting for equal rights on behalf of the African American community. For the last 22 months, I have showcased all of the ways the trucking industry has given back to others and its community. For the 95th week, here are five good things that happened in trucking this week.
ATA names 2022 America’s Road Team Captains
American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced 22 professional truck drivers who will be 2022-23 America's Road Team Captains. The drivers will serve as trucking industry ambassadors, traveling the U.S. to spread the message of safe driving while teaching about the industry and opportunities in it.
America’s Road Team, a group of professional truck drivers with superior safety records, was created in 1986 to represent the industry. Captains, with support from their companies, dedicate a few days each month to attend industry events, speak at schools, or meet policymakers on behalf of trucking.
“This industry, like our country, is diverse, hard-working, and patriotic, and this new class of America’s Road Team Captains reflects all of that,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said in an ATA release announcing the new team. “I’m proud that they will be representing the industry and ATA as our newest and best ambassadors—educating the country about trucking’s essential role in keeping America moving safely and efficiently.”
Click here for the full list of the 2022-23 America’s Road Team Captains.
Rolling Strong, WIT launch health competition for women
Rolling Strong and Women In Trucking have partnered on a first-ever women-only health competition for female truck drivers. Women In Wellness Health Competition begins on Feb. 1 and ends on Feb. 28.
Joining a competition with Rolling Strong gives participants access to the Rolling Strong Wellness App with nutrition, fitness, coaching, and more. Learn to log healthy behaviors, earn points and compete against others for a chance to win huge prizes.
TCA names Owner-Operator of the Year
Bryan Smith was named as the 2020 Owner-Operator of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Administration with a $25,000 prize attached. According to Overdrive, the award was a long time coming—Smith's presence at the TCA convention as one of three finalists for the award this year marked the fifth time he'd been a contender.
It was no surprise to those who know him best, according to Tucker Freight Lines Dubuque Open Deck Manager Bob Schmitt, who ran alongside Smith as an owner-operator himself with the company for 18 years. "He runs a very tight ship," with an almost selfless commitment to getting the job done that pays dividends in his relationship with the fleet. They've been his principal partner through nearly three decades for often oversize loads hauled on low-profile step decks, flatbeds and RGNs.
"He’s the guy that would do anything for you," Schmitt added. "Even now with me being in dispatch, if I ever have a favor to ask of him, he’ll drop his plans and run a load for me."
SCF accepting participants for diabetes prevention program
St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund’s (SCF) Driving Down Diabetes, sponsored by Southern Recipe, is still accepting participants for this year’s program. This free diabetes prevention program, approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, starts on Feb. 1.
Driving Down Diabetes is a yearlong program that offers weekly, biweekly, and monthly consultations. A specially trained lifestyle coach will work with participants throughout the process, providing access to CDC-approved curriculum as well as a support group with similar goals and challenges.
In addition to genetics, time spent away from home, poor eating habits, an aging working population, and stress of the job add to the risk for truck drivers. For employers, loss of production and healthcare costs also can be negatively affected. According to the CDC, participating in a structural lifestyle change can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes for those with prediabetes by 58%.
Complete SCF’s risk assessment test here to see if you are eligible for the program.
World’s Largest Cast Iron Skillet travels to Lodge Cast Iron Museum
Lodge Cast Iron hauled a massive skillet this week on route to its final destination as a museum attraction in Tennessee.
According to the company, the truck was hauling the largest cast iron skillet in the world—measuring over 18 ft. from handle to handle and weighs 14,360 lb.
The skillet will be an attraction at the Lodge Cast Iron Museum in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, set to open in late summer 2022.
