This week, the trucking industry is celebrating all kinds of achievements: anniversaries, award winners, good deeds, and more. Learn more about each achievement in this week’s Five Good Things.
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Buyers Products launches financial assistance program for employees’ children’s extracurricular activities
Buyers Products recently launched its first annual All-Star Dogg program, designed to provide financial assistance for employees’ dependents’ extracurricular activities, covering registration fees, equipment, and other related expenses. This program supports activities such as sports, arts, swimming lessons, music, theatre, outdoor education, and more.
“Extracurricular activities at an early age are important for our family, as they help balance work and home life while still giving my child fun learning experiences,” said employee Alana W., whose son is taking swimming lessons through the All-Star Dogg program. “Being able to watch and participate in his lessons has been a great bonding time for the both of us, all without having to worry about the cost. I am so appreciative!”
Along with the formal application, employees were encouraged to submit a 250-500-word essay written by their dependent(s) explaining how the activity aligns with Buyers’ core values: pride, teamwork, integrity, passion, innovation, and a sense of urgency.
“Buyers Products would not be where we are today without the hard work and dedication of our employees,” said Gwen Blagg, director of human resources. “The All-Star Dogg program is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation, not only to our employees but to their families as well. We’re honored to be able to help the children in our local communities explore their passions, whether it be dancing, swimming, playing soccer, or anything in between.”
Over 50 employees participated in this year’s inaugural program. In addition to the monetary contributions, Buyers Products also provided each child with an All-Star Dogg t-shirt. The second annual All-Star Dogg program will kick off in the summer of 2025.
Women In Trucking Association names Tracy Rushing as 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking
The Women In Trucking Association recently presented Tracy Rushing, executive director of safety and recruiting for RE Garrison Trucking, Inc., with the 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking award. Daimler Truck North America sponsors the award and recognizes the achievements of female role models and trailblazers in the trucking industry.
“Women In Trucking is honored each year to name a leader in our industry who demonstrates remarkable grit, talent, and passion to advance opportunities for women in trucking,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. “We’re thrilled to give this honor to Tracy Rushing this year. Tracy’s commitment to this profession and desire to mentor future leaders is an example for all of us.”
The winner was announced during the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas. The conference session concluded with Rushing sharing HERstory with nearly 2,000 attendees. She shared personal stories, including her early years in trucking and the importance of relationships in the industry. She encouraged the audience to find their "why" in trucking and strived to leave a legacy of support, inclusion, and opportunity for future generations of trucking professionals.
"I'm incredibly grateful to be named 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking, but this honor isn't mine alone. It belongs to all the women who have paved the way and continue to push our industry forward. I’m just proud to be a part of this community of strong, dedicated women who work tirelessly to keep America moving. We’re all in this together, and I’m thankful every day that I get to be a trucker," Rushing said.
Rushing is an active member of the Society of Human Resources Management, Truckload Carriers Association, and the Alabama Trucking Association’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council. She serves on the Risk Management Advisory Committee of the ATA Comp Fund and the Women In Trucking Membership Committee and is the chair of the Truckload Carriers Association’s Safety, Recruiting, and Retention Committee.
Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for rescuing driver of overturned vehicle
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Terry Pearson, from Southside, Arkansas, a TCA Highway Angel for rescuing a woman who flipped her vehicle. Pearson works for FirstFleet, Inc. out of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
On October 27, around 11:15 a.m., Pearson was traveling on Interstate 40 near the Clarksville, Arkansas, exit. He witnessed a serious accident involving one vehicle.
Pearson pulled over and ran to the overturned vehicle to discover a woman trapped in the car. She had some cuts and bruises from the crash.
“I had to cut her out of the seatbelt,” Pearson said. “She was hanging upside down. She was hollering, ‘Get me out of here!’”
Pearson stayed with the crash victim until emergency personnel arrived.
“I have family, and if something happened to one of them, I would like for someone to stop to make sure everybody is OK,” he said, explaining why he stopped at the scene.
See also: Gene England, 105, leaves behind long trucking legacy of family and safety
Wreaths Across America announces matching campaign from Norfolk Southern
Wreaths Across America recently announced that Norfolk Southern issued a Veterans Day challenge to help raise funds to sponsor veterans’ wreaths for placement at Marietta National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day.
Norfolk Southern will match every $17 wreath sponsorship made at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NorfolkSouthern through Tuesday, December 3, up to $100,000.
“At Norfolk Southern, Veterans Day is about honoring those who have sacrificed so much, and it’s also about active support, partnership, and gratitude for their sacrifices. To us, that means continuous, year-round support through meaningful contributions and partnerships that make a difference,” said Ed Elkins, EVP and chief marketing officer. “For several years, Norfolk Southern has been deeply involved in supporting the mission of Wreaths Across America, and we’re proud to provide this additional assistance to champion their mission in 2024.”
Saia LTL Freight celebrates 100 years
This year, Saia Inc. celebrates Saia LTL Freight’s 100th anniversary. From humble beginnings in Louisiana in 1924, this milestone is a testament to the company's legacy of innovation, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
Founded in response to the many requests Louis Saia Sr., of Houma, Louisiana, received from his customers to haul their goods to New Orleans where he'd travel to pick up produce, this anniversary is a celebration of not only Saia’s storied past but also its enduring commitment to the employees and customers who have been central to its success. From its earliest days, Saia has recognized that employees are the backbone of the company and emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. Saia strives to foster a family-like atmosphere, where every employee’s role is recognized as essential to its collective success.
Recently, the company held a recognition event at its Johns Creek, Georgia, headquarters where employees, families, friends, and local dignitaries, including Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry, came together to celebrate team members and the company’s 100-year anniversary. Similar events recognizing employees were also held throughout the company’s network as well as at its Houma general office.
At the Johns Creek event, Bradberry shared a few remarks: “Congratulations on your 100-year anniversary. We look forward to your continued success in Johns Creek over the next 100 years. Thank you for being a great member of our community."
In tandem with its 100th anniversary, Saia announced it would be making a $1 billion investment in its operations this year. Saia currently operates 213 terminals across the country, employs over 15,000 people, and owns a fleet of over 6,500 tractors and 22,000 trailers.
As Saia celebrates a century of success, the company is looking ahead to the next 100 years with plans for further expansion, technological advancements, and ongoing commitments to sustainability and community involvement. "Our centennial is not just about looking back at our achievements but also looking forward to the innovations and opportunities that lie ahead," said President and CEO Fritz Holzgrefe.
To commemorate this achievement, Saia launched two mobile museums that will stop at select venues for private events and visits. Guests can step into a real Saia truck and experience the company's 100-year history through interactive artifacts.
