Five Good Things: Big wins and bigger hearts on America’s highways
Trucker Path announces winner in National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes
Trucker Path has selected the winner of the fourth annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes (NTDAS) on behalf of its sponsor partners. The winner was chosen from entries submitted by drivers across the country and will receive over $10,000 in prizes intended to make life on the road more comfortable and rewarding.
Trucker Path revealed that David Whaley of Citra, Florida, has been selected as this year's grand prize recipient. Whaley received his CDL through Springfield, Missouri-based Prime Inc. in December 2021 and has since been a lease operator for the company.
“I’ve never come close to winning anything like this,” said Whaley when he learned he was the 2025 National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes winner. “I just can’t believe it. I’m so appreciative.”
This year’s NTDAS prize package from sponsors includes:
- Sheetz: $3,000 gift card and a $500 merchandise bundle
- Double Coin Tires: $4,000 American Express gift card
- Exxon Mobil: $500 gift card
- Red Roof Inn: 25 $100 vouchers for stays
- Rokform: $500 gift card
- Trucker Path: 1 year of SiriusXM service ($275 value)
- Wyndham Hotels (La Quinta): 10 certificates worth 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points each ($1,950 value)
“Supporting the nation’s truck drivers by recognizing their hard work and dedication is part of our mission at Trucker Path and for all NTDAS sponsors,” Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path, said. “The National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes is our way of thanking them for their continuing contributions with prizes that provide comfort and convenience on the road. We are pleased to present this program for the fourth year in a row.”
Annual golf tournament raises $625,000 for Texas Children’s Hospital
Musket Corp. and Love’s Alternative Energy, both companies of Love’s, raised $625,000 at its 12th annual Drive for a Child fundraiser campaign benefiting Texas Children’s Hospital to improve the lives of children. Since 2013, the companies have raised more than $4.25 million for Texas Children’s Hospital.
“We are proud of this annual tradition that continues to grow each year, thanks to the unwavering support of our valued sponsors who are helping raise funds to change children’s lives and advance their health,” JP Fjeld-Hansen, EVP of Musket and Love’s Alternative Energy, said. “This year’s event, held at Top Golf in Spring, Texas, marked another milestone with more funds raised and appreciated attendees all in support of our partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital and goal to make a life-changing difference for children and their families.”
Hyundai donates $5M to establish the college of education at Savannah State University
Hyundai recently donated $5 million to Savannah State University (SSU) to name the Hyundai College of Education at Savannah State University. This partnership marks the largest corporate investment in the university's 135-year history and represents a shared commitment to advancing education, workforce development, and community impact across Georgia's coastal region.
"The Hyundai College of Education represents more than just a name or sponsorship; it's a proud milestone in our commitment to transformative community impact and expanding pathways for students from all backgrounds to excel," said Erik Thomas, director, experiential and multicultural marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "Through this partnership, we are investing in educational excellence and creating opportunities that will empower future leaders and strengthen the fabric of coastal Georgia for generations to come."
The Hyundai College of Education will serve as a center for training future educators and workforce professionals while expanding access to learning opportunities for students in Georgia and beyond. Through the partnership, Hyundai and Savannah State will expand access to learning opportunities, scholarships, and technology that support the evolving needs of 21st-century education.
Founded in 1890, Savannah State University is Georgia's oldest historically Black public university. The new Hyundai College of Education builds on SSU's legacy of academic excellence and community engagement while aligning with Hyundai's vision for a sustainable, inclusive future.
Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for actions during roadside vehicle fire
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver Joshua Tyler, a former TMAP instructor and current KCI Road Driver for ABF Freight, a TCA Highway Angel for his quick thinking and actions during a roadside emergency in Kansas City.
On August 17, Tyler was returning home from Denver when he spotted flames underneath the engine of a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 670 E near the Kansas/Missouri state line. He pulled his truck over, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and ran to the scene.
“The two occupants were still in the vehicle,” Tyler said. “Without opening the hood, because I could feel the heat off the hood already, I was trying to use the fire extinguisher inside the grill; anything to try to get the fire out.”
The vehicle’s occupants safely exited but were attempting to retrieve personal items as the fire spread. Tyler called 911 when he realized emergency responders had not yet been contacted and urged the motorists to move a safe distance away. After emptying his extinguisher, Tyler began directing traffic around the burning vehicle until fire crews arrived and took over.
Tyler, who served for 22 years in the U.S. Army before starting his six-year truck driving career, said: “If you see people in trouble, you try to help them out.”
Tyler’s company, ABF Freight, is proud of his heroic actions.
“Joshua exemplifies the very best of our industry—courage, integrity, and a commitment to protecting others,” Jordan Gosvener from ABF Freight, said. “We are proud to see him recognized as a TCA Highway Angel. His actions demonstrate the professionalism and compassion that define America’s truck drivers.”
Women In Trucking Association announces finalists for 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking Award
The Women In Trucking Association recently announced four finalists for the 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking award, sponsored by TrueBlue’s Centerline Drivers. Established in 2010, the award honors female leaders who are shaping the future of trucking and inspiring others through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing women in the industry.
The 2025 Influential Woman in Trucking award finalists are:
- Cindy Ellers, chief customer officer, Fleetworthy
- Dee Dee Cox, VP of HR, Old Dominion Freight Line
- Katerina Jones, chief marketing officer, Fleet Advantage
- Leah Shaver, president and CEO, The National Transportation Institute (NTI)
The award finalists will participate in a panel discussion at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo taking place November 9-12 in Dallas, followed by the winner announcement.
About the Author
Jenna Hume
Digital Editor
Digital Editor Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November of 2023 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of fine arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri.