The trucking industry is all about growing in new ways. The Five Good Things of this week emphasize growth in a literal sense, with multiple companies planting trees to benefit the environment and their communities.
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Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for helping truck driver after crash
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Rudy Castellanos from Tucson, Arizona, a TCA Highway Angel for rescuing a truck driver after his vehicle overturned on the highway. Castellanos drives for Hi Pro Inc. out of Twentynine Palms, California.
Around 7 a.m. on July 2, 2024, Castellanos was driving in the mountains near Tucson. He was following a semi-truck when one of its rear trailer tires burst, causing the vehicle to overturn.
“There was a big noise,” Castellanos said, “and the truck just laid down on its right side.”
Castellanos parked his truck and rushed to help the driver out of the debris. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, though the driver sustained several lacerations to the head. Castellanos called 911, made sure the driver was safe, and went on his way.
“I was the only one who stopped,” Castellanos said. “I called 911 from my phone and then I told him I had to leave to get back to work.”
Council of Remanufacturing Excellence donates 100 trees to the North Carolina National Forests
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers recently held the inaugural meeting of its newly established Council of Remanufacturing Excellence, a member-driven platform for advancing remanufacturing through knowledge-sharing and collaboration among members.
The first meeting of CoRE was held last month in Greenville, South Carolina. Members discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the remanufacturing industry. Topics included core management, economic pressures and market shifts, supply chain resilience, and digitalization.
In celebration of this inaugural meeting, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers has donated 100 trees to be planted near Greenville in the North Carolina National Forests.
"In honoring our members, we wanted to lead by example, choosing to invest in something meaningful for the planet," said Nikki Rankin, council director. "This donation celebrates our remanufacturing community’s key role in the circular economy and our CoRE members' commitment to environmental stewardship."
Third annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes honors unsung heroes
Trucker Path recently announced the third annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes (NTDAS).
Sponsors of the program will provide prizes that cater to truck drivers' everyday wants and needs. Title sponsors for this year’s NTDAS include Trucker Path, The Trucker Media Group, Sheetz, Double Coin Tires, and Zoa Energy Drinks. Supporting sponsors include Motel 6 and ExxonMobil.
“The National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes enables key sponsors to show their appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and contributions of all U.S. commercial truck drivers,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “Supporting drivers is the key mission of Trucker Path. We are pleased to sponsor this program and help recognize the nation’s drivers, an essential and invaluable part of the supply chain that U.S. citizens rely on daily.”
Active U.S. truck drivers with a valid commercial driver’s license in the 48 contiguous states can register for the NTDAS through an online portal. Throughout the sweepstakes entry period from July 22 to August 31, participants can enter to win weekly prize drawings worth more than $2,100 each. Drawings will be held July 28 and August 4, 11, 18, and 25.
Winners of the weekly prizes will also be eligible to win the grand prize, worth nearly $9,000, in a drawing to be held on September 1, 2024. The Grand Prize includes:
- $2,500 in Sheetz gift cards
- $2,500 AMEX gift card, compliments of Double Coin Tires
- 25 complimentary one-night vouchers, good at any U.S. Motel 6
- $500 ExxonMobil fuel card
- Apple iPad, compliments of ZOA Energy Drinks
- Beats by Dre Bluetooth Headphones, compliments of ZOA Energy Drinks
- ZOA Energy Drinks RTIC Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Cooler
- ZOA Energy Drinks-branded clothing
- 12 months of SiriusXM, compliments of Trucker Path
Weekly winners will be announced via social media, and the grand prize winner will be announced on social media and through an online video event during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 15-21.
See also: Fleets Explained: History of the 7 major heavy-duty truck manufacturers in the U.S.
Bison Transport raises awareness of human trafficking
Bison Transport recently became the first company to wrap a trailer with TAT’s new logo. TAT is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking across multiple industries.
On social media, Bison Transport posted the following message: “Bison is proud to help bring awareness to the harsh reality of human trafficking by partnering with TAT through our new trailer wrap. We are committed to raising awareness and working toward the prevention of human trafficking within the transportation industry. Join us in taking a stand against human trafficking.”
Bridgestone Retail donates 54,000 trees in annual campaign
Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, recently announced more than 54,000 trees will be planted in communities nationwide as a result of the company’s second annual “Download the App, Plant a Tree” campaign. The campaign encouraged customers of Firestone Complete Auto Care and Tires Plus to help the tire and automotive service locations reduce paper waste.
Between Earth Day (April 22) and the conclusion of Bridgestone’s Sustainable Business Week (May 12), BSRO partnered with the National Forest Foundation to plant a tree for every new My Firestone and Tires Plus app download. This year’s campaign resulted in more than 54,000 app downloads, providing 54,000 trees to communities lacking access to greenery.
“Our stores play an integral role in Bridgestone’s larger commitment to sustainability, and we are proud of this year’s campaign results,” said Marko Ibrahim, BSRO president. “Enriching the communities we serve through initiatives that directly improve access to green space is a great example of our Promise to Care in action."
To commemorate this year’s campaign results, BSRO teamed up with Boys and Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee on July 18 for a special event. The group planted cherry blossom trees at the club’s Andrew Jackson Clubhouse in North Nashville. The tree donation will help the club expand access to greenery, provide ample shade for club kids in the coming summer months, and foster opportunities for outdoor education.
