Turning Appreciation into Action

Earlier this year at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), Shell Rotella invited attendees to record messages of gratitude in its “Thank-a-Trucker” studio. For each message shared, both Shell Rotella and Love’s pledged $20 to SCF — an organization dedicated to helping truckers facing unexpected financial or medical challenges.

In total, 72 heartfelt recordings were made, adding up to a combined $2,880 donation to SCF. Shell emphasized the power of turning appreciation into action: “Seventy-two voices of gratitude echoed through MATS, each one a heartfelt ‘thank you’ that turned words into action. In total, these messages generated a $2,880 donation made in honor of the hardworking people who keep the country moving.”

Spotlighting the People Behind the Wheel

The donation is being presented this week during NTDAW, along with a virtual check presentation video rolling out on social media. The video will feature thank-you messages from Shell Rotella and Love’s representatives, paired with the unveiling of the donation check, creating a shareable way to recognize truck drivers nationwide.

Julie Wright, North American brand manager for Shell Rotella, underscored the importance of the effort: “Truckers are the unsung heroes of the highway, and their sacrifices and commitment deserve our deepest gratitude. We are honored to shine a spotlight through this shared tribute to every mile, every sacrifice, and every story worth celebrating through our continuing support of SCF.”

A Gift That Makes an Impact

For drivers, this support can make a real difference. Diane Hutsell, director of philanthropy at SCF, explained: “Every donation, every thank-you message, makes a difference. Shell Rotella and Love’s Travel Stops continue to show up for drivers in a meaningful way, and this gift will help us continue our mission to support truckers in need.”

Amplifying Voices Across the Industry

To reach even more drivers, Shell Rotella partnered with trucking influencers Clarissa Rankin (@iamclarissarankin) and Tarik Al-Amin II (@tarik_alaminii). Their platforms helped amplify the project, encouraging drivers to share personal experiences and stories of gratitude that reflect the strength and heart of the trucking community.

Courtney Franklin, manager of community relations at Love’s Travel Stops, noted how the partnership reflects shared values: “It’s an honor to align with Shell Rotella in sharing a sincere thank you to the people who drive the transportation industry and economy. This partnership reflects our shared respect for drivers and our commitment to their health and success.”

Wrapping Up NTDAW with Thanks

As NTDAW comes to a close on Sept. 20, the donation and tribute video serve as reminders that appreciation for drivers shouldn’t stop once the week ends. With millions of miles traveled and countless sacrifices made, this initiative highlights the dedication of professional truckers and the importance of recognizing their role in keeping America moving.

To see the “Thank-a-Trucker” tribute video and virtual donation presentation, visit Shell Rotella’s official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Source: Shell

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The Reality of Trucking

Social media offers truck drivers a platform to showcase the authentic side of being on the road. It’s more than just hauling goods; it’s about sharing the highs and lows of life behind the wheel. From scenic highway stretches to dealing with delays caused by traffic or weather, drivers are creating a window into an otherwise misunderstood profession.

Personalities like Clarissa Rankin and Brenda Villanueva have taken to platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to illustrate what trucking really looks like. Their honest and relatable content helps humanize the industry while connecting with audiences who may never fully grasp the realities of the job. For fellow drivers, these spaces are a vital source of camaraderie and support, creating a tight-knit community that understands the unique challenges of the profession.

Authentic Branding in the Trucking World

Social media isn’t just for drivers; it has also become a pivotal tool for companies in the trucking sector. Businesses are leveraging social media to build authentic connections by partnering with influencers within the trucking community. These partnerships bring the company brand to life, showcasing the real people and values that drive the business.

By stepping away from traditional corporate branding and sharing more transparent, relatable content, trucking companies can foster trust and stand out in an increasingly competitive market. This authenticity resonates with both potential customers and employees, reinforcing their reputation as approachable and human-centered organizations.

A Hub for Learning and Staying Updated

Social media has also become an essential resource for truckers seeking to stay informed and educated. Whether it’s updates on new industry regulations, safety tips, or road navigation advice, these platforms are becoming a go-to source for real-time information.

For example, fellow drivers frequently share insights on preventive maintenance, the best tools for the job, or strategies for tackling challenging weather or terrain. Social media has created an ecosystem where knowledge exchange is quick and accessible, helping drivers improve their safety and efficiency on the road.

Social Media’s Lasting Impact on Trucking

It’s clear that social media is much more than just a pastime for the trucking community. It has redefined the way drivers connect, learn, and share their stories with the world. For trucking companies, it offers a chance to reach audiences in a way that feels genuine and relatable, far from the impersonal ads of the past.

Moving forward, as these platforms evolve, their role in the trucking industry will only grow. Social media helps build stronger professional communities, foster safer working environments, and develop relationships that drive the industry forward. It’s not just a tool; it’s a catalyst for change in this space.

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Kevin Worley

With an impressive tenure of 48 years, Kevin Worley launched his trucking journey by transporting automobiles. His extensive experience spans nearly every interstate, and he is distinguished for his meticulous equipment care and unwavering commitment to safety standards.

Kirk Phillips

A seasoned driver at Johnsonville Trucking for 43 years, Kirk Phillips boasts a remarkable record of over 3.1 million safe miles. A fixture in the Wisconsin Motor Carriers President’s Safe Driver’s Club for 25 years, Phillips is known for his mentorship and safety advocacy. He drives the renowned ‘Big Taste Grill’ truck, which provides food and supplies during disaster relief efforts.

Roger Machback

After 24 years on the road, Roger Machback turned a personal tragedy into inspiration, overcoming the loss of his right arm in a boating accident in 2008. He not only crafted a custom prosthetic arm but also became one of the first individuals in Maine to qualify for interstate travel following an amputation. Machback now advocates for other amputees, helping them regain their CDLs and adapt to life post-amputation.

Fidel Herrera

With a career spanning over 20 years, Fidel Herrera began at a local supermarket before obtaining his CDL. He is recognized for his dedication to safety and the mentorship he provides to fellow drivers. Herrera thoroughly enjoys the freedom of the road and providing excellent service as a respected owner-operator and an advocate for the trucking community.

Deb Labree

Deb Labree, with her 18 years of experience, plays a pivotal role in the Women in Trucking organization, serving on its board and Image Team. She demonstrates that trucking is not just a ‘man’s job’ and is a role model for aspiring female drivers. Labree’s commitment to safety and efficiency makes her a beacon of inspiration for all within the industry.

A distinguished celebrity judging panel will evaluate these five outstanding drivers, ultimately selecting two winners for the 2024 Haul of Fame. This year’s judges include:

• Jeff Gordon: A legendary NASCAR driver, four-time NASCAR Series Cup champion, and vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.

• Timothy Dooner: An award-winning podcaster known for hosting FreightWaves’ WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

• Clarissa Rankin: A leading female truck driver, CDL school owner, and TikTok influencer with over 1.8 million followers advocating for women in trucking.

• Ryan Droege: CEO and co-founder of Relay Payments.

The winners will enjoy several exciting prizes, including a trip to the Quaker State 400 race weekend in Atlanta from Sept. 6-8, coinciding with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Relay Payments is a proud sponsor of NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team. Additionally, the winning drivers will feature on a podcast with Dooner and will receive a $250 fuel voucher.

Source: Truckers News

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According to a recent press release, the winners will be awarded a variety of prizes, including an all-expenses-paid trip to the NASCAR Race Weekend in Atlanta from September 6th-8th, just ahead of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Relay Payments is also a proud sponsor of NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team.

This year saw more than 160 professional drivers nominated for their dedication to safety, mentoring others, and exceptional customer service—double the number of nominations from last year. Together, the 15 finalists boast a combined 394 years of driving experience, covering millions of miles and delivering countless goods across the country. It’s worth noting that 80 percent of all goods in the United States are transported by truck drivers at some point. Here are the finalists, along with their years of experience:

• Cholonda Allen, 5 years

• David Blankenship, 40 years

• Bruce Bryant, 38 years

• Fidel Herrera, 24 years

• Nic Hurtado, 5 years

• Deb Labree, 18 years

• Bobby Land, 34 years

• Roger Mackbach, 24 years

• Dario Morton, 24 years

• Jason Neymeiyer, 20 years

• Kirk Phillips, 43 years

• Michael Smith, 35 years

• Sydney Thomas, 4 years

• Joe Unverzagt, 30 years

• Kevin Worley, 50 years

“Our country’s truckers literally drive the American economy every single day. They spend countless hours on the road, away from their families and dealing with traffic, weather, and multiple frustrations. Truck driving is tough work, and we launched the Haul of Fame contest to bring attention to their critical role,” said Relay’s CEO Ryan Droege. “This year’s nominees are all incredible, and the 15 finalists are truly remarkable individuals who deserve recognition.”

Public voting for the 15 finalists is open until July 31st, 2024. After voting closes, the top five finalists will be evaluated by a celebrity judging panel, which includes:

• Jeff Gordon: Four-time NASCAR Series Cup champion and vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.

• Timothy Dooner: Award-winning podcaster and host of FreightWaves’ WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

• Clarissa Rankin: Renowned female truck driver, CDL school owner, and TikTok influencer with 1.8 million followers.

• Ryan Droege: CEO and co-founder of Relay Payments.

The two Haul of Fame winners will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip for themselves and a guest to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where they will meet William Byron. They will also be featured on FreightWaves’ WHAT THE TRUCK?!? podcast with Timothy Dooner and receive a $250 fuel voucher.

To vote for your favorite finalists, head to relaypayments.com/hauloffame. Remember, votes are accepted once per day until July 31st.

Source: The Trucker

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