Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for pulling driver from flipped truck
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Haasanpreet Singh Sidhu a TCA Highway Angel for stopping to pull a disoriented truck driver out of his tractor-trailer after it flipped over in a ditch. Singh drives for Canadian National Transportation Limited out of Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
At 8:45 p.m. on January 12, 2025, while traveling through Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Singh encountered an intermodal tractor-trailer combination vehicle that had left the roadway and flipped over in a ditch.
“I was just finishing my shift, and I noticed there was a truck just rolled over in front of me,” Singh said. “There was a lot of diesel spilled; it could turn worse very soon, so I quickly decided to help.”
Singh stopped his vehicle, climbed to the side of the flipped tractor cabin, and assisted in extracting the disoriented driver involved in the incident. While climbing up the side of the rolled truck to assist the driver, Singh suffered a minor injury to his leg.
“Yes, it was a bit dangerous, but I don’t know; I just made a quick decision,” he said. “It was my natural instinct to help a fellow driver in need.”
Averitt associates volunteer over 37,000 hours in 2024
Averitt associates dedicated a record-breaking 37,401 hours to community service in 2024 through the company’s Team Up Community Challenge initiative. With participation from 115 teams, associates supported 235 organizations across Averitt’s network.
The Team Up program encourages associates to volunteer with local organizations and has grown significantly since its inception. This year’s participation saw a notable surge, with thousands of associates contributing their time to various causes, including food banks, educational initiatives, and environmental projects.
“Our associates’ dedication to giving back continues to impress and inspire,” Barry Blakely, president and COO, said. “The increase in participation and hours served this year reflects their passion for making a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work.”
Women In Trucking Association names 2025 Top Women to Watch in Transportation
The Women In Trucking Association recently announced its 2025 Top Women to Watch in Transportation list. The editorial staff of Redefining the Road, WIT’s official magazine, selected these individuals based on their character and career accomplishments in the past 12 to 18 months.
“Part of WIT’s mission is to recognize women for their career accomplishments, their meaningful impact on the success of their companies, and their contributions to the industry at large,” Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO, said. “These 74 professionals exemplify the mission and values of the Women In Trucking Association and truly are impressive women to watch in our industry.”
Redefining the Road magazine has been recognizing top performers in the industry for nine years, according to Brian Everett, group publisher and editorial director of the magazine. Those identified on the 2025 Top Women to Watch in Transportation list work for a range of company types, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, equipment manufacturers, professional services companies, technology innovators, and private fleets. Their job functions include operations (33%), corporate management (25%), sales and marketing (15%), strategic initiatives (11%), HR/talent management (10%), engineering (3%), and technology (3%), Everett said.
You can view the total list of Individuals recognized as 2025 Top Women to Watch in Transportation here.
See also: Safety culture breeds excellence
Hyundai and One Tree Planted celebrate 750,000 trees planted across North America
Hyundai Motor North America has expanded its collaboration with nonprofit organization One Tree Planted, committing to plant 110,000 trees in California. This is a direct response to the devastating California wildfires, underscoring the need for wildfire reforestation throughout the state. This year's contribution brings the total number of trees planted throughout the region to 750,000 since the partnership began in 2022.
"Fostering a sustainable planet for future generations is core to Hyundai's progress for humanity vision," Claudia Márquez, COO of Hyundai Motor America, said. "We are proud of our partnership and this milestone with One Tree Planted to advance our common goal of a cleaner tomorrow, particularly in support of California reforestation this year and home to our North American headquarters."
In celebration of the ongoing partnership, Hyundai employees participated in a volunteer planting event with One Tree Planted in Huntington Beach, California. During the event, volunteers planted and watered over 120 coastal native plants and cleared the restoration area of invasive species.
"We are deeply grateful for Hyundai's continued and generous support of One Tree Planted," Hank Lynch, president and CEO of One Tree Planted, said. "Thanks to their commitment, trees have been planted, biodiversity is flourishing, and communities have been empowered. On behalf of all the team and our planting partners at One Tree Planted, thank you."
Blaies named Women In Trucking Association’s 2025 Driver of the Year
The Women In Trucking Association has named Kathy Blaies, a professional carhauler at United Road, as the recipient of the 2025 Driver of the Year Award.
Blaies was among four finalists for the award. The other finalists include Ericka Norfleet, owner-operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking; Gina Jones, company driver, Werner; and Sandy Winters, company driver, Leonard’s Express.
The announcement was made during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event hosted by WIT at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The event honors female commercial drivers for their contributions and successes in the trucking industry.
“Kathy was selected for her remarkable contributions to the trucking industry, her unwavering commitment to safety, and her dedication to mentorship, particularly of women in the trucking industry,” Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO, said.
Blaies’ journey into trucking began with hauling cars. She proved her doubters wrong despite being told she wouldn’t make it in the industry. She earned respect not just for her driving skills but for her efforts to help others succeed. She regularly advises newcomers, helping them navigate the complexities of car hauling and find success in an industry often known for its challenges.
Beyond her technical expertise, Blaies’ professionalism and leadership have earned her accolades. With over one million safe driving miles, she is a four-time recipient of United Road’s prestigious Gold Elite Award and a two-time recipient of the Damage-Free Elite Award.
Blaies’ performance has been highlighted by her peers and leaders. Mark Anderson, United Road’s president and CEO, praised her commitment: “Kathy’s outstanding performance reflects her personal drive to achieve excellence and the positive impact she has on our operations. She is a standout driver whose dedication, skill, and leadership make her truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.”
