XPO sponsors Pat Tillman Foundation’s annual Pat’s Run
XPO is sponsoring the Pat Tillman Foundation’s 21st annual Pat’s Run for the second year in a row. The event will raise funds for the Tillman Scholars Program, which offers educational scholarships to service members, veterans, and their families. Nearly 30 XPO employees are scheduled to volunteer at and participate in the run. In addition to its sponsorship, XPO is providing in-kind donations, including forklifts and other equipment needed for the event.
“We're thrilled to welcome back XPO as a sponsor of Pat’s Run,” Katherine Steele, CEO of the Pat Tillman Foundation, said. “In their second year of support, XPO continues to demonstrate their commitment to honoring Pat’s legacy and empowering our Tillman Scholars. Their support helps us make Pat’s Run a meaningful experience for our community while furthering our mission to uplift and empower those who serve. We’re grateful for this partnership and XPO’s dedication to service beyond self.”
Since its inception in 2005, the Pat Tillman Foundation has honored the legacy of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger who gave his life in service to his country. The foundation’s mission is to provide educational scholarships and professional development opportunities to service members, veterans, and their families. All funds raised from this event go directly toward supporting the nearly 1,000 Tillman scholars.
Wreaths Across America celebrates 17 carriers for 10-plus years of service as Honor Fleet members
Wreaths Across America is celebrating 17 transportation partners with 10 or more years of service as an “Honor Fleet” member. WAA’s Honor Fleet is responsible for transporting and delivering millions of veterans’ wreaths across the U.S. In 2024, 739 loads of veterans’ wreaths were hauled by 397 trucking companies to over 4,900 participating locations, including Arlington National Cemetery.
Trucking partners are the backbone of the nonprofit’s annual wreath-laying event, which is why the following partners are being honored for their efforts, generosity, and commitment to honoring veterans and their families.
This year’s honorees are:
- Abilene Motor Express
- Jetco Delivery
- Hirschbach Motor Lines
- Boyd Grain Inc.
- Big G Express
- Knight Transportation
- Classic Carriers
- Leonard’s Express
- Hoekstra Transportation
- Convoy Systems
- Paul MH Sagehorn
- Hampton Roads Moving & Storage
- Total Transportation of Mississippi
- Heartland Express
- Waste Masters Solutions
- J.B. Hunt
- Matrix Expedited Service
“Many of our partners donating their time each year are veterans themselves, including the professional drivers hauling the loads,” Courtney George, director of transportation and industry relations for Wreaths Across America, said. “Professional drivers and carriers that join WAA’s Honor Fleet have the desire to do something meaningful to honor veterans and their loved ones, and many say that Wreaths Across America provides a way for them to do that.”
Bendix expands community impact with record volunteer hours and donations in 2024
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and its employees raised the bar in 2024, awarding over $1 million in grants and donations while surpassing their 10,000-hour volunteer goal by contributing more than 11,260 service hours to community initiatives.
In 2024, Bendix contributed approximately $432,000 in grants, donations, employee fundraisers, and Dollars for Doers incentives, an initiative that rewards employees who dedicate their time to nonprofit organizations of their choice.
Beyond its local efforts, Bendix continued its strategic philanthropic partnerships through Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America, the North American charitable arm of its parent company, Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse. KBGCNA funds long-term community enrichment initiatives in the areas surrounding Knorr-Bremse’s largest North American operations: Bendix in Avon, Ohio; Knorr Brake in Westminster, Maryland; and New York Air Brake LLC in Watertown, New York.
In 2024, KBGCNA awarded $634,000 in grant funding to support various projects, bringing the combined total of Bendix and KBGCNA community contributions to $1,066,500 for the year.
Employee engagement also reached new heights, with Bendix team members collectively volunteering more than 11,260 hours—a 20% increase over the previous year. Whether through corporate-sponsored events or personal volunteer initiatives, employees continued to make an impact in their communities.
“Team Bendix truly went above and beyond in 2024, volunteering both in person and virtually,” Maria Gutierrez, Bendix senior director of environmental, social, and governance, said. “At both the corporate and individual levels, we contributed in countless ways—from donating funds to directly supporting those in need. We helped build homes, crafted blankets, and rolled up our sleeves to donate blood. We provided toiletries, toys, food, school supplies, and clothing. Our Local Care teams welcomed new members and exchanged a wealth of innovative ideas. Overall, it was an inspiring year that demonstrated Bendix’s deep commitment to supporting our communities.”
See also: 2025 FleetOwner 500: Top for-hire heavy-haul fleets
Mack Trucks names Tri-State Truck Center its 2024 North American Dealer of the Year
Mack Trucks has announced Tri-State Truck Center of Memphis, Tennessee, as its 2024 North American Dealer of the Year. The honor was revealed yesterday during Mack's annual dealer executive meeting.
Mack presents the Dealer of the Year awards to dealers that exceed business targets for sales, parts, leasing, and financing through Mack Financial Services, as well as those that continue to grow the business and score highly among customers for satisfaction.
“Congratulations to Tri-State Truck Center in Memphis and the entire Tri-State team for being the Mack Trucks North American Dealer of the Year,” Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America, said. “This dealership exemplifies excellence across all aspects of the business, from sales performance to customer satisfaction. Their commitment to the Mack brand and their customers has proven them to be a leader in our dealer network.”
Tri-State Truck Center was also named the Southeast Regional Dealer of the Year and Mack Leasing System Dealer of the Year.
Mack Trucks also named 2024 winners for its regional sales divisions:
- Northeast region: TransEdge Truck Centers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Southeast region: Tri-State Truck Center, Memphis, Tennessee
- Central region: Kriete Truck Center, Madison, Wisconsin
- Southwest region: Bruckner's Truck & Equipment, Shreveport, Louisiana
- West region: TEC Equipment, Portland, Oregon
- Canada: Vision Truck Group, Cambridge, Ontario
Martha Payne honored with 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award
The Women In Trucking Association, Truckstop, and Transportation Intermediaries Association announced today that Martha Payne, transportation attorney at Benesch, has been named the winner of the annual Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award.
Payne’s career spans over four decades. As one of the few women in the transportation and logistics field early in her career, she broke barriers and overcame challenges, exemplifying perseverance and determination.
“Martha’s career is a shining example of leadership, dedication, and a commitment to making the logistics industry a better place for everyone, especially women,” Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT, said. “We are proud to honor her with this prestigious award.”
Payne is recognized not only for her legal acumen but also for her mentorship and advocacy for diversity. A long-time member of both WIT and TIA, she has served on committees in both organizations, leaving an impact on the industry through the professionals she has mentored and inspired.
With experience in cargo liability, risk management, and supply chain management, Payne has worked with U.S. carriers, third-party logistics companies, and shippers and served on the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade’s Sub-Committee on Uniform Liability Regime. She has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Transportation Lawyers Association and continues to serve on the board of Fields of Peace, a nonprofit promoting a global peace movement inspired and led by children.
The other finalists for the award include Peggy Mecca, president and CEO of Mecca and Son Trucking, and Sharon Johnson, chief legal officer, chief compliance officer, and corporate secretary at MODE Global. Both women have made substantial contributions to the logistics industry and were recognized for their leadership and commitment to the field during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition.
