Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022:
Progressive gives away truck to military veteran
30-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran Lt. Col. James C. "JC" Rose, shown with his family, received the keys to a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia through Progressive's Keys to Progress program.
“Keys to Progress is one of the most impactful events we do every year,” said Karen Bailo, Progressive’s Commercial Lines President. “We are celebrating 10 years of giving back to our veterans who have selflessly sacrificed so much for all of us. The continuation of this program has allowed hundreds of our veterans to move forward in life by providing them a personal or commercial vehicle to support themselves or their small businesses.”
The recipient of the Keys to Progress truck giveaway -- who has also been gifted $50,000 toward business startup expenses -- is Lt. Col. James C. “JC” Rose, from Kathleen, Georgia.
Nominated by the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, Rose is a 30-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He will use the 2019 Freightliner Cascadia as a driver for Prime, Inc. Rose hopes to start his own fleet and employ fellow veterans.
“I was humbled and honored to even be asked to apply for Keys to Progress, and now that I know I’ll be receiving this truck and unbelievable care package, I’m more dedicated than ever to building a fleet and starting my own trucking business,” Rose said. “I hope to hire many of the veterans I’ve met over the years who are struggling in their transition to civilian life.”
Rose received the truck during a giveaway ceremony on Oct. 19 at SelecTrucks of Houston.
This marks Progressive’s second commercial semi-truck donation giveaway through the Keys to Progress program. Past commercial truck recipient and Army veteran-turned-truck-driver, James Rogers, made the most of his vehicle since receiving it in 2018.
The truck giveaway is an extension of Progressive’s larger Keys to Progress program. On Nov. 10, more than 100 veterans in need across the country and their families, along with 12 military-related organizations, will receive the keys to vehicles. Since the program’s inception in 2013, Progressive has honored more than 900 veterans with vehicles provided through the Keys to Progress program.
Three trucking leaders to be honored by American Truck Historical Society’s hall of fame
The 2022 American Trucking and Industry Leaders Hall of Fame inductees.
The 2022 inductees are:
- Earl & Lillian Congdon (Old Dominion Freight Line founders)
- Leland James (Freightliner Trucks founder)
- Bill & Carolyn Moon (Iowa 80 Group founders)
The full event at ATHS headquarters will be held from 1-5 p.m. Central on Oct. 26, with the ATIL Hall of Fame induction ceremony being held from 1:15-2:45 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Following the induction ceremony, ATHS facility tours will be available from 3-5 p.m. In addition, there will be several trucks on the property for visitors to enjoy, and the ATHS Visitor Center will be open.
ATHS expects representation from all three companies, with confirmed attendance from the President/CEO of Daimler Truck North America, John O’Leary; the Moon Family of Iowa 80 Group; and the Congdon Family of Old Dominion Freight Line.
“ATHS is pleased to welcome back past inductee recipient and ATHS Visionary Partner, Cummins; and past inductee and radio trucking great Dave Nemo, who will be the Master of Ceremony,” said Tom Mullen, ATIL Hall of Fame Chair. “We hope to continue to grow this event each year. There is no better way to honor the trucking industry than by celebrating professional drivers and trucking industry leaders.”
Love’s opens 600th location
Love’s Travel Stops is continuing its growth plans by opening the company’s newest location in Perry, Oklahoma.
The Perry store, located off I-35, is the company’s 600th location and adds 60 truck parking spaces to its network. It also features an Arby’s restaurant, six diesel bays, five showers and more.
“As Love’s opens its 600th location in the U.S., and 81st in its home state of Oklahoma, the company remains committed to being the best and most comprehensive travel stop on the highway and adding new amenities and services to get customers back on the road quickly and safely,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s.
Love’s announced it has joined Amazon’s package pickup network to provide its customers with access to Amazon Lockers at more than 50 locations nationwide. These alternate pickup locations offer customers convenience, flexibility and the security of knowing when and where their package will be waiting for them. Customers making a purchase on Amazon will have the option to choose the Love’s location nearest them, if applicable.
