Five Good Things: Fleets fuel future leaders, honor heroes, and give back nationwide
Every week, fleets and drivers across the country prove that trucking moves more than goods—it moves communities forward. Read five reminders of the good happening in our industry in this week’s Five Good Things.
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Suburban Propane with Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and the Women in Trucking Association partner for "Trucks are for Girls: Fueling the Future" event
Suburban Propane Partners recently partnered with the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and the Women in Trucking Association to host "Trucks are for Girls: Fueling the Future,” an interactive event designed to inspire girls to explore careers in energy, sustainability, and transportation.
The event welcomed Girl Scouts from across Northern New Jersey for an evening of hands-on learning and leadership development. Girl Scouts participated in breakout sessions focused on science, innovation, and entrepreneurship, learning how Suburban Propane powers communities through clean energy solutions, as well as how their own curiosity and creativity can fuel tomorrow's workforce.
Highlights included a behind-the-scenes look at Suburban Propane's operations, climbing aboard a propane delivery truck, and testing skills on a driving simulator in the Women in Trucking Association's WITney trailer.
"Suburban Propane is proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey to inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers," Fran Cleffi, VP of human resources for Suburban Propane, said. "Through Trucks are for Girls: Fueling the Future, we hope to empower young girls to see themselves in industries that are driving America's energy transformation and to help them build the confidence to pursue any career they choose."
Volvo Trucks provides VNL to the Virginia Commission’s Mobile Museum
Volvo Trucks North America recently presented an all-new Volvo VNL 860 to Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), the Commonwealth of Virginia's official body to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and U.S. independence. Volvo Trucks is loaning the fully equipped truck to tow the commission’s mobile museum “Out of Many, One,” a traveling exhibit highlighting Virginia’s role in the American Revolution through interactive storytelling, education, and community engagement.
“The Volvo Group has invested more than $760 million in Virginia since 2011, and we’re proud to say our flagship North American Volvo truck plant is located here in Dublin, Virginia,” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said. “We are committed to this community for the long haul and are proud to be part of the VA250 Mobile Museum, showcasing the people and places in Virginia that helped build America.”
“Go Pink!” with Martin Engineering for October Breast Cancer Month
Martin Engineering has expanded its popular annual “Go Pink!” program to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation in its efforts to fund breast cancer education, screening, treatment, and research worldwide.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the world, so Martin is replacing its iconic orange paint with pink on selected products. When customers purchase selected products, the firm donates a portion of its sales to the Komen Foundation.
“The Susan G. Komen organization is near and dear to our hearts because, like Martin Engineering, it was started right here in Illinois and has since gone global,” Susie Orlandi, vibration business development manager, said. “Through the efforts of employees, their families, and our dedicated customers, the company has raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years.”
Martin Engineering staff from around the world have expanded the cause and participated in similar efforts. In the U.S., together with its donations, the company hosts a team in the More Thank Pink Walk held in Peoria, Illinois, to show support and raise individual contributions to this worthy cause.
Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for actions during vehicle crash
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named truck driver Travis Braun, of Bates City, Missouri, a TCA Highway Angel for his quick thinking and actions during a roadside emergency in Kansas. Braun drives for ABF Freight out of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
On the morning of August 15, Braun was traveling on the turnpike through Lawrence, Kansas, when he witnessed a crash on the highway.
“What I saw was the car going straight to the median, hitting the median, and then just instantly going backwards all the way across the interstate and then down an embankment,” Braun said.
Braun pulled over and ran toward the smoking vehicle. Another motorist stopped as well, and together they were able to free an unconscious woman trapped inside and move her to safety.
“I had to force the door open,” Braun explained. “We physically carried her out of the car and laid her on the hill. She was all bloody, and I think she had a broken leg.”
Moments later, a highway repair crew arrived and assured Braun that emergency personnel were on their way. Since the woman was now safely out of danger, he departed. Thanks to Braun’s courage, a life was saved that day.
“I was there—I felt like I needed to do it,” Braun said.
J. J. Keller helps ensure safe transport of the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
J. J. Keller & Associates will sponsor and support the safe journey of this year's U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, “Silver Belle,” from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This effort is in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters.
The Society of American Foresters contacted J. J. Keller on behalf of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative in September for assistance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) permitting that is required to move the load along the nation’s roadways.
“Our permits team is honored to guide the tree and truck through 10 states and 14 whistlestop appearances,” Mark Siebenaller, VP of service operations at J. J. Keller, said. “We’re proud to help ensure safe transport of this national symbol.”
The J. J. Keller Permit Service operates 24/7, helping fleets legally transport nearly 100,000 loads annually. DOT permits are essential for motor carriers to ensure safety on U.S. roads and highways.
The 53-ft. red fir will be harvested in late October and travel through a number of cities, including Carson City, Nevada; Lovelock and Elko, Nevada; Ely, Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada; Hooever Dam, Nevada; Flagstaff, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Amarillo, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Lenexa, Kansas; St. Louis, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky; Lexington, Kentucky; Chillicothe, Ohio; Eighty Four, Pennsylvania; and Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The tree lighting ceremony will take place in early December.
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.