Is it just us, or did 2016 go by in a blur? With all the ‘Fake News’ floating around we think it’s one of the blurriest years in recent memory. If you are like us, you probably did a lot of searching online to see if you could discern the truth. Check out Google’s Top Searches for 2016.
Google - Year In Search 2016
Four-Star General Praises TCA and the Trucking Industry for their Support of Wreaths Across America and National Wreaths Across America Day
Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Daniel B. Allyn, applauded the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and the trucking industry for their deep commitment to Wreaths Across America (WAA). His remarks were made in front of approx. 500 volunteers involved with the truck convoy and wreath-laying activities associated with National Wreaths Across America Day. The volunteer reception and dinner took place at the Hilton Crystal City and were hosted by TCA and WAA, with sponsorship by Pilot Flying J.
Allyn spoke of the importance of remembering those who gave their lives to preserve America’s freedom. He emphasized that the act of laying fresh remembrance wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and other veterans’ cemeteries across the nation on National Wreaths Across America Day is a meaningful way to remember the fallen. Allyn also stressed the importance of teaching our children to respect the sacrifices made by these selfless Americans. He praised TCA and the trucking industry for donating an estimated $1 million in funds, manpower, fuel, and equipment since September 2016 to support WAA’s efforts.
Russell Stubbs, TCA’s chairman and a third-generation motor carrier leader, said, “I was honored to hear a four-star general give his heartfelt thanks to our industry. It made me proud to be involved with Wreaths Across America, especially for this third consecutive year in which all graves at Arlington National Cemetery received wreaths. We’ve come such a long way in our work with WAA and in building partnerships to further their cause.”
Before the start of the dinner, Wendy Hamilton, senior manager of sales and marketing with Pilot Flying J and emcee of the night’s festivities, noted that 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of Morrill Worcester first laying wreaths at ANC. She acknowledged some of the special guests in the room, which included HMX1 and commemorative air force pilots, Miss District of Columbia Cierra Jackson, members of the American Gold Star Mothers, the Worcester family, professional truck drivers who hauled the wreaths from Maine to Arlington, police, and other key volunteers who made National Wreaths Across America Day possible.
When long-time WAA supporter Cari Baylor, vice president of Baylor Trucking of Milan, Indiana, came to the podium to say the blessing before the meal, Hamilton told an interesting story. Apparently, it was Baylor’s idea to decorate the Wheel in National Harbor – a huge Ferris wheel overlooking the Potomac River and parts of Washington D.C. – with “The National Wreath.” Because of her unique thinking, The Wheel was lit with the green and red of the holiday season for the first five minutes of each hour which concluded on Sunday, December 18th.
To view photos from the event go to www.truckload.org/Flickr.
Safety Tips for Winter Road Conditions
No doubt about it, Winter is here and Winter road conditions can lead to dangerous situations. Keep an eye on the weather reports and plan accordingly. Here are a few tips to pass on to family and friends to make Winter travels safe.
- Map your route: Know where you are going and be prepared, ahead of time, to exit off the highway when needed. Indecisive driving is a major cause of traffic problems.
- Avoid extreme weather conditions: Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight as much as possible.
- Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to ensure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.
- Slow Down: With winter weather conditions present, speeding becomes increasingly hazardous. Allow plenty of a space cushion and reduce your speed.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
- Watch for black ice, a thin layer of transparent ice that forms when temperatures are close to freezing. Black ice may make the road look slightly wet and is difficult to spot. Watch for ice build-up on your mirror arms, the antenna of your vehicle and the top corners of your windshield, all signs pointing to the formation of black ice on the roadways. Once the spray from tires on vehicles in front of you stops, the highways most likely are full of black ice.
- Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be cognizant of their large blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
- Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop. Avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
- Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Just two seconds of distraction time for a motorist double the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
- Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early to avoid anxiety associated with arriving late to your destination and to accommodate potential unforeseen delays.
Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
Reminder Call for Nominations
2017 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award
Women In Trucking Association (WIT) and Truckstop.com are seeking nominations for the 2017 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA). The award recognizes the achievements and leadership of outstanding individuals involved in logistics in North America.
Anyone may nominate a candidate by completing and submitting the nomination form at www.womenintrucking.org/DWLA by January 13, 2017.
The winner of the 2017 DWLA will be announced during the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) “Capital Ideas” Conference and Exhibition, April 5-8, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For additional information regarding the nomination process, send an email to lana@womenintrucking.org or call (920) 737-9490. |
