Five good things that happened in trucking this week – Feb. 5

Bad things happen every day. Whether we like to admit it or not, it’s true. This week, two FBI agents, dedicated to investigating crimes against children, were killed issuing a search warrant. This horribly sad act casts a dark shadow around the good that happens in the world. That’s why this blog is so important. To remind and inspire others to do right by others in the community. Here are five good - plus one – things that happened in trucking this week.  

CVSA now accepting applicants for college scholarship award

CVSA is accepting applications for college scholarship awards for students who will be graduating from high school this year and attending college in the fall. The Alliance will award $1,000 college scholarships to select outstanding graduating seniors whose parent or legal guardian is a member of the Alliance in good standing.

High school seniors will be critiqued by weighing academic performance, volunteer work/community service and extracurricular activities.

Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the scholarship award.

The candidate must:

• Be a legal dependent of a Class I Member, Class II Local Member, Class III Associate Member or Class IV Federal Member (cannot be a legal dependent of a member of the CVSA Board of Directors)
• Be a graduating high school senior
• Have a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.0
• Be a citizen and/or permanent legal resident of Canada, Mexico or the U.S.

All applications must be completed and received by Friday, April 30, with all of required documentation submitted together at the same time. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

OOIDA advocates for truckers to receive COVID-19 vaccine

On Feb. 1, Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) wrote to Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), urging her to exempt truck drivers from having to be in their hometown to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Few truckers know precisely where they will be from week-to-week, making it difficult to return home for shots and often impossible to predict where they may be located when it’s time for a second booster,” Pugh explained in the letter. “Even those who are capable of getting vaccinated while they work will undoubtedly experience difficulty accessing vaccination sites – visiting a clinic, pharmacy or medical facility by car is much easier than finding a location to temporarily park a commercial motor vehicle.”

Pugh even offered a solution to the CDC director.

“Providing vaccinations, preferably one-time dosages, at the already available truck stop clinics or rest areas throughout the country would be a viable solution to ensuring essential workers in the trucking industry are receiving the protection they need,” Pugh suggested.

On Feb. 4, Pugh took the fight to Congress.

“When many Americans began working from home, truckers continued to crisscross the country, picking up and delivering the things that we all need,” Pugh stated. “The media and government were quick to send generous praise for truckers. Now it’s time for Congress to turn that appreciation into tangible support for owner-operators and professional drivers.”

Schneider to provide grants to non-profits supporting diversity, equality and inclusion

Through Schneider’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Grant Program, the company will be granting more than $75,000 to 11 non-profit organizations throughout 2021 who work to promote diversity, equality and inclusion in the communities where company associates live, work and volunteer.

“We are honored to commit grant dollars to diversity, equality and inclusion work, because it is vital to the future success of our communities,” said LuEllen Oskey, director of the Schneider Foundation. “We know it will make a difference and generate positive change.”

The selected organizations include:

• Boys and Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana
• Atlanta Pride Committee
• Shaping Tomorrows Stars - Atlanta
• Glenwood Academy – Chicago
• Crowned Scholars – Dallas
• CollegeReady – Green Bay
• YWCA of Greater Green Bay
• Group Scholars Program – Indianapolis
• A Step Ahead Foundation – West Memphis
• Agape Child and Family Services, Inc. – West Memphis
• Entrale - Mexico

Grantees were nominated by Schneider associates like LaDarius Campbell who nominated Crowned Scholars, located in Dallas, Texas.

Photo: Schneider National

“The work Crowned Scholars is doing is truly priceless,” said Campbell. “They are giving young black men not only math, science, leadership and life skills, but they are also giving them hope. When I look at the young men this organization is impacting, I see myself in them. I come from very humble beginnings. Anything is possible for these young men.”

UPS delivers more than 10,000 pairs of donated socks

On Feb. 3, more than 10,000 pairs of socks were delivered to Wayside Christian Mission in downtown Louisville as part of a "Warm the Soles" drive organized by UPS for charities across the country.

According to WDRB, socks are one of the most requested items from shelters and organizations that help the homeless.

Photo: WDRB

"Here at UPS, we are proud to serve the communities in which we live and work, so not just by delivering packages and delivering vaccines, but by offering a helping hand to those in need," said Justin Heckel, spokesman for UPS community relations.

UPS has a national day of service for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and that evolved into a call to action for the entire month of January.

Cargo Transporters, XPO Logistics recognized for their company-wide inclusion efforts

Cargo Transporters received a score of 100/100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

“We are proud to have earned a top rating for the third year in a row,” says John Pope, Chairman of Cargo Transporters. “Being a diverse employer is very important to us.  We want every team member to feel not only welcome, but that they are an integral part of our success.”

XPO Logistics also received high honors with a rating of 85/100 on the CEI for LGBTQ+ inclusion for the second consecutive year.

The announcement, made by the HRC Foundation, recognized XPO in the category of Mail and Freight Delivery. The CEI distinguishes employers that take tangible steps to ensure equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer workers and their families.

“Members of the LGBTQ+ community have always been valuable contributors to our success and we appreciate the diversity they bring to the team,” said LaQuenta Jacobs, chief diversity officer of XPO Logistics. “By partnering with the HRC and other organizations committed to equality, we can continually improve our workplace and benefit from the diversity of our employees.” 

UPDATE: Abandoned puppy finds 'furever' home with rescuer  

In last week’s edition of Five Good Things, Aaron Kinsel, a Rumpke Waste & Recycling driver, was recognized after saving an abandoned puppy in Colerain Township just outside Cincinnati.

Kinsel was servicing customers when he noticed a discarded backpack along the roadway. After additional observation, he noticed the bag was moving, so he got out of the truck to investigate. Inside the bag he found a distraught 10-week old puppy.

Photo: Rumpke Waste & Recycling/Twitter

Since being found, the female, Boxer-mix has been treated at a local veterinarian’s office for dehydration and a broken leg.

“I felt like I was meant to find her,” Kinsel said. 

Kinsel and his family have decided to adopt the dog – who he is calling Tipper, which is a fitting name for her. A tipper is mechanism used on the back of residential garbage trucks that helps pick up trash containers. You could call it a driver’s helper.

On Feb. 3, Tipper’s rear leg – that was broken in two places – was amputated to preserve her quality of life. After a successful surgery, Tipper is recovering well, and her furever home with Kinsel is excited for her return.  

“For their safety, as well as for the safety of our customers, Rumpke drivers are trained to remain observant. We do our best to take care of our communities and always do the right thing,” said Kendra Catherman Cincinnati safety manager at Rumpke. “We are very proud of Aaron and delighted to make Tipper an honorary member of our Rumpke team.”