Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024:
Ruan names 2023 Driver of the Year
Dean Key, who operates out of Milbank, South Dakota, was named Ruan’s 2023 Driver of the Year. He has been with Ruan (CCJ Top 250, No. 27) since 1996 and has driven professionally for 40 years.
Ruan driver Dean KeyRuan
The search for Ruan’s 2023 Driver of the Year began in March when 149 drivers from Ruan’s 300 operations were named finalists based on their safety performance, industry experience, exceptional customer service, and more. After an extensive review, 12 of those finalists were named to the company’s 2023 Winners’ Circle.
Those drivers were then welcomed to Ruan’s Des Moines, Iowa, headquarters to be celebrated. During their time in Des Moines, the honorees toured the Des Moines campus and had the opportunity to share insights on safety, technology, retention, recruiting and equipment. They networked with leaders and support teams and were celebrated every step of the way.
Key was named the Driver of the Year at an award ceremony at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
Each Winners’ Circle honoree was awarded a trophy and cash prize. Key was presented a trophy, $5,000, and the 2023 Driver of the Year title.
Ruan also named its 2023 Operation of the Year, for which each Ruan vice president of operations identified finalists as the top performers in their business units. From the 10 finalists, Ruan's executive leadership team narrowed the list to three Winners’ Circle honorees: Spring Valley, Illinois, Huntsville, Alabama, and Fontana, California. The Operation of the Year Winners’ Circle was selected based on customer satisfaction, continuous improvement and innovation, financial performance, and a commitment to the company's "Megasafe" culture.
The Huntsville, Alabama, operation that serves Target and is led by Dedicated Transportation Manager Mike Steely was ultimately named the 2023 Operation of the Year. Ruan delivers safe and secure transport of general merchandise and milk delivery to stores. The 2023 Operation of the Year received a trophy and a celebration for all operation team members, which will occur later this year.
Trucking Cares Foundation donates $10K to St. Christopher Fund
The Trucking Cares Foundation has donated $10,000 to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, a non-profit dedicated to supporting the families of truckers who have been sidelined due to injuries or illnesses.
“Trucking is a close-knit family, and whenever one of our brothers or sisters falls on difficult times, we band together to help them get back on their feet,” said Phil Byrd, chairman of the Trucking Cares Foundation. “Whether it’s delivering the products that Americans depend on each day or transporting humanitarian relief when disasters strike, truck drivers are always there to serve our communities. The St. Christopher Fund honors the sacrifices truck drivers make by having their backs when their families need it most.”
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, founded in 2007, provides financial assistance to Class A CDL over-the-road truck drivers when an illness or injury forces them out of work. Over the past 15 years, the St. Christopher Fund has helped nearly 4,000 truckers cover nearly $5 million in necessary household expenses such as rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, vehicle loans, and insurance. The organization also offers free preventative health and wellness initiatives such as diabetes prevention, smoking cessation, vaccines, cancer screening, and chronic disease management.
“We are deeply grateful for the Trucking Cares Foundation’s continued support and generosity,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy for the St. Christopher Fund. “This donation provides essential support for drivers and their families by providing financial relief and free health and wellness programs that impact driver health and retention.”
STG Logistics secures $300M in financing for growth
STG Logistics this month announced the successful completion of a $300 million debt and equity financing package.
This financing, backed by STG's existing lenders and equity sponsors, will provide the company with significant capital to fuel its ongoing expansion and strategic growth initiatives, STG said.
"The strong commitment from our shareholders and financial partners not only reinforces confidence in STG's long-term strategic vision, but also strengthens our position to navigate the current freight market challenges," said Paul Svindland, Chief Executive Officer. "We are grateful for the continued support from our stakeholders and look forward to leveraging this capital to drive both organic and inorganic growth in the years ahead."
The new funding will enable STG to continue investing in innovative solutions, expand its service offerings, and enhance operational efficiency as it advances its mission of delivering best-in-class logistics services across the country.
