Five good things happening this week in the trucking industry

As the deliverers of goods, the trucking industry knows that you need the right resources to succeed. Read about how the industry is supplying necessary resources in this week’s Five Good Things.

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Geotab representatives visited the organization's Normal, Illinois, location, touring the facilities and meeting with logistics staff to see firsthand how their technology will enhance emergency food response efforts.

Geotab donates fleet technology to Midwest Food Bank

Midwest Food Bank recently announced a donation from Geotab. Geotab is donating 100 of its GO tracking devices, asset and reefer monitoring, along with full access to its fleet management platform, MyGeotab. This technology will provide near real-time vehicle data such as location, route efficiency, and maintenance alerts—helping Midwest Food Bank improve the safety and efficiency of its food delivery operations.

"The ability to track utilization, maintenance, and driver behaviors will help us drive safety, elevate the health, and better manage our assets to streamline our operations," said Karl Steidinger, Midwest Food Bank's procurement director.

Geotab representatives visited the organization's Normal, Illinois, location, touring the facilities and meeting with logistics staff to see firsthand how their technology will enhance emergency food response efforts.

"At Geotab, we believe data can be a force for good," Sherry Calkins, SVP of global strategic accounts at Geotab, said. "By equipping Midwest Food Bank with insights into their fleet operations, we're helping them boost efficiency, enhance compliance, and proactively manage maintenance. But more importantly, we're helping them stay focused on what matters most—delivering critical hunger relief and disaster response to the communities that need it most."

At the heart of the event is a virtual reality simulator that shows students firsthand the dangers of distractions behind the wheel.

Students learn safe driving skills with distracted driving simulator

In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the National Safety Council Southeastern Chapter, State Farm, and local law enforcement are collaborating to host a safety event for students at Wando High School on April 23 and Lucy Beckham High School on April 24.

At the heart of the event is a virtual reality simulator that shows students firsthand the dangers of distractions behind the wheel. Students wear virtual reality goggles and operate a real SUV in a stationary position while they navigate a variety of conditions, including road work in work zones, roundabouts, busy interstates, winding rural roads, and more. Next, law enforcement officers will lead mock traffic stops, helping students understand what to expect and how to respond if they are pulled over while driving. Finally, a golf cart course with fatal vision impairment goggles shows students how alcohol or drugs can affect motor skills and judgment, without the real-world consequences.

"State Farm is committed to keeping everyone safe on our roadways," Rasheed Merritt, AVP of corporate responsibility at State Farm, said. "We are proud to support the National Safety Council Southeastern Chapter and their distracted driving simulator program aimed at saving lives by engaging and educating teens about safe behavior choices behind the wheel and as passengers in vehicles."

Craig Daniels of Columbus, Georgia; Jay Hosty of Diamondhead, Mississippi; and Darryl Tolle of Cynthiana, Kentucky, were selected for the recognition.

TA announces its 2025 Citizen Driver Award honorees

TravelCenters of America recently announced its 12th annual Citizen Driver Award honorees. Craig Daniels of Columbus, Georgia; Jay Hosty of Diamondhead, Mississippi; and Darryl Tolle of Cynthiana, Kentucky, were selected for the recognition.

The award was created to recognize professional drivers who demonstrate a high level of respect for the truck driving profession through leadership, good citizenship, safety, health and wellness, and community involvement.

“It is a true privilege to recognize professional drivers who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and citizenship,” Michael Stuewe, SVP of fleet sales, said. “Their dedication extends far beyond the road—through community service and volunteering, they give back in meaningful ways, strengthening the communities they serve. It was a true honor to celebrate their hard work, generosity, and unwavering impact.”

As a Citizen Driver recipient, honorees may select a TA, Petro Stopping Center, or TA Express location to be dedicated in their name. To celebrate their career and contributions, a bronze historical marker with the driver’s picture and story is installed on the front of the building, and a dedication ceremony is held with dozens of their closest family and friends. Additionally, TA makes a $2,500 donation to each winner’s chosen charitable organization.

TAT’s Harriet Tubman Award nominations now open

Each year, TAT presents its Harriet Tubman Award, along with a $5,000 check and a trophy, to a member of the trucking, bus, or energy industry whose direct actions have either helped save or improve the lives of those exploited or prevented human trafficking from taking place. 2025 award nominations are now open through July 30, which is World Human Trafficking Day. Readers can learn more about the award and nominate someone here.

TAT created the award in 2013 and named it to honor famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman, whose actions transported 300 slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad and whose role in the freedom movement was instrumental in the freeing of thousands more. Born into slavery in 1820, Tubman was the first African American woman buried with full military honors and the first to have the inaugural Liberty ship named after her—the SS Harriet Tubman—by the U.S. Maritime Commission. The Harriet Tubman Award was presented to a travel plaza general manager in Washington for the first time the following year.

SCF was selected as the non-profit beneficiary to partner with MATS in hosting the Silent Auction during the opening night reception that kicked off the truck show.

Over $13,500 raised for St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund at MATS 2025

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund had over $13,500 raised for it at the 2025 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, from fundraising activities.

“I want to extend a truckload of gratitude to the generous donors and dedicated volunteers who made our silent auction and booth activities such a success,” Norita Taylor, SCF president, said. “Your support, along with the participation of the auction winners, helped us raise the funds that will continue to fuel our mission. Thank you for being a part of something truly special.”

SCF was selected as the non-profit beneficiary to partner with MATS in hosting the Silent Auction during the opening night reception that kicked off the truck show. The auction, which directly benefits SCF’s mission to provide financial assistance to professional truck drivers in need, was made possible by the donors listed below. Attendees at the show placed competitive bids on items provided by those donors.