Five Good Things: Awards and volunteering

2024 DMC Driver of the Year announced

DMC Insurance recently named Rob Jensen of Fremont Contract Carriers the 2024 DMC Driver of the Year. This award is presented annually to identify and celebrate the best-in-class drivers of DMC’s customers. The judging committee scores nominees based on their driving record, leadership within their organization, and service to their community and the trucking industry. Only one Driver of the Year is chosen from the many deserving applications submitted.

Jensen was unanimously selected as the winning driver by a committee comprised of trucking industry experts. The award and prize package will be presented to Jensen during an appreciation event that DMC and FCC will hold this summer. Representatives from DMC Insurance, as well as Jensen’s fellow drivers and staff, will be invited to attend to recognize and celebrate his achievements.

 “Rob is an excellent driver in all aspects,” said Troy Novotny, VP of safety at FCC. “He is safety conscious, professional, timely, and a mentor to new employees. His continual dedication to maintaining safe roadways is evident over his long tenure with Fremont Contract Carriers.”

While all the candidates were impressive, Jensen’s long history of safe driving and mentorship to new drivers set him apart. He has been a professional driver for more than 40 years and accumulated more than five million accident-free miles, four million being driven during his tenure with Fremont Contract Carriers.

Jensen’s focus on professionalism and safety is evident through his six victories in the Nebraska State Truck Driving Championships, 23 years of recognition awards from the Nebraska Presidential Safe Driving Club, and 27 years as an ATA Safe Driver Club award winner. He and his wife Annett, also a professional driver, have devoted decades to helping other FCC drivers prepare and train to compete in the NE State Truck Driving Championships, a competition that promotes friendly competition, skill and safety tests, and remarkable vehicle control.

Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for rescuing trapped truck driver after crash

The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Joseph Carroll a TCA Highway Angel for rescuing a truck driver after his vehicle crashed and he was trapped beneath debris. Carroll drives for Elgin Motor Freight out of London, Ontario, Canada.

Around 5 a.m. on March 29 of this year, Carroll was heading north on I-75, just past Wapakoneta, Ohio, when a tractor-trailer in front of him lost control. Apparently, the truck driver blacked out, causing the vehicle to hit the guardrail before a bridge, strike the bridge itself, and then crash through the guardrail into a 12-foot ditch.

“In just a matter of seconds, there was gravel all over the highway,” Carroll said. “The transport truck was lying on its side, the lights were dim, and there was no roof on the truck.”

Carroll brought his truck to a halt and rushed back to the scene. A young woman also stopped and called 911 as Carroll descended into the ditch to assist the truck driver.

“The truck and trailer were lying on the driver’s side,” Carroll said. “I was floored that someone actually made it through something like that.”

Carroll pushed the heavy roof off the driver, who was covered with the scattered contents inside the truck. To Carroll‘s amazement and relief, the driver was unhurt, though visibly shaken and confused by the traumatic event.

“I walked him up to the shoulder of the road—he could walk; he did not have a scratch,” Carroll said. “He was ejected from the truck.”

Carroll‘s quick thinking and courageous actions reflect the highest standards of Elgin Motor Freight, where he has been a valued team member since 2019. Carroll and the driver he assisted are still in contact, demonstrating the lasting impact of his heroic efforts.

“I have to help,” he said. “It’s who I am—I don’t care if I’m late for anything!”

Goodyear serves its communities during the seventh annual global week of volunteering

Associates across a record 40 Goodyear locations supported 100 nonprofit organizations with more than 11,000 volunteer hours.

Joni Fitch, director of community affairs and engagement, expressed the impact the Global Week of Volunteering makes for Goodyear’s culture.

“Team Goodyear’s dedication to building a better future in the communities where we live and work is inspiring,” Fitch said. “Every year, our volunteers go above and beyond to accomplish projects that create positive outcomes for people, our communities, and the world around us.”

Projects supported this year included donating basic-need kits to community members in Bogor, Indonesia; decorating cards of encouragement for the patients of Akron Children's Hospital; creating homemade marmalade for a Children’s Village in Vienna, Austria; and many more.

Following the Global Week of Volunteering, Goodyear also hosted its 2024 Professional Development Week from June 17-21, during which nonprofit professionals in the Akron community filled more than 620 course openings for 15 skills-based, free-of-charge sessions facilitated by Goodyear associates.

Through these annual initiatives, Goodyear supports environmental and societal needs today to build a better future tomorrow.

See also: Survey: Less than 1 in 20 American adults understand truck blind spots

Nissan Foundation awards $1.2 million in grants to 44 nonprofits, celebrating the value of our differences

The Nissan Foundation is awarding $1.2 million in grants to 44 nonprofits promoting cultural understanding that leads to acceptance and appreciation of our differences. This is the most the foundation has awarded in a single grant cycle. Grant recipients are based in communities surrounding Nissan facilities in Southern California, Middle Tennessee, Central Mississippi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Southeast Michigan, New York City, North Central New Jersey, and Atlanta.

Since its founding in 1992, the Nissan Foundation has awarded approximately $17 million to more than 150 nonprofits. The foundation was founded in response to the civil unrest that followed the Rodney King trial verdict. At that time, Nissan's then-U.S. sales headquarters was based just blocks from the riot's epicenter.

"In the 32 years since the Nissan Foundation was created, it has helped organizations—big and small—develop and grow programming designed to increase understanding and acceptance of what makes us different," said Chandra Vasser, president of the Nissan Foundation and Nissan's first chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. "It's an honor to uplift the important work of our grantees who are bettering our world by providing safe spaces to explore our similarities while celebrating our differences."

The 2024 grantees include mobile education programs, museums, history centers, libraries, and other nonprofits promoting diversity's many benefits to society. Each funded program aligns with the Nissan Foundation's mission of building community by valuing cultural diversity.

Werner marks 25 years of excellence in Mexico

Werner Enterprises is celebrating a milestone commemorating 25 years of Mexico-based operations. Since its inception in 1999, Werner has been at the forefront of facilitating trade between Mexico and the U.S., solidifying its position as a trusted partner for businesses across North America.

From humble beginnings with just three associates and one office in Mexico City, Werner has expanded its footprint over the past quarter-century. Today, the company maintains offices in Mexico City, Monterrey, Queretaro, and Guadalajara, in addition to terminals in Laredo and El Paso along the U.S.-Mexico border. Complementing these facilities are strategic properties in key border locations, including San Diego and Calexico, California; Brownsville, Texas; and Nogales, Arizona. 

"Our journey in Mexico has been one of growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our customers," said Lance Dixon, Werner’s SVP of Mexico/Canada/TCU Divisions. "We take pride in our ability to adapt and evolve with the changing needs of the industry while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service excellence. We deeply appreciate our partner carriers in Mexico who have made this success possible."

The Werner cross-border team comprises 150 associates across 10 offices in Mexico and the U.S. As Werner looks ahead to the next chapter of its journey in Mexico, the company remains dedicated to driving innovation, fostering relationships, and delivering value to its customers.