The Log Book is a weekly rundown of human-interest stories related to the transportation industry. This week: Schneider donates to the American Red Cross to provide pandemic relief in India, ATA opens its online store earlier for National Driver Appreciation Week merch and the St. Christopher Fund holds its first art auction.

Schneider, American Red Cross supply aid for pandemic relief in India

Coming off record COVID case numbers and vaccine shortages, India continues to fight against the possibility of a third wave with continued pandemic restrictions and increased vaccine orders.

This week, transportation and logistics provider Schneider National Inc. (NYSE:SNDR) announced an undisclosed donation to the American Red Cross to provide hospital and medical supplies to help India in its fight against the pandemic.

The gift will help the Red Cross provide volunteers to distribute food and transport patients to medical facilities, supply masks, and help spread information on proper hygiene.

“Schneider has been a longtime supporter of the American Red Cross,” said LuEllen Oskey, director of the Schneider Foundation, in the announcement. “This donation will aid in COVID-19 relief efforts with much-needed medical supplies and resources during an extremely challenging time for India.”

The Schneider Foundation provides support to a number of nonprofit organizations throughout the world, granting millions to programs including Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way and the YMCA.

The foundation has provided funds for its domestic team members who have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout 2020 as well. It has paid $1.3 million to employees who have been unable to work remotely and $2.4 million in claim costs related to health plan members who have been affected by the pandemic.

The Schneider Foundation was able to redirect $155,000 to support COVID relief through organizations like the Salvation Army Metropolitan Division, Indianapolis Public School system and Feeding America Northeast Wisconsin, which also received a 53-foot trailer to help transport fresh produce and other perishable goods.

ATA opens online merchandise store early for driver appreciation

Celebrated annually, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) aims to recognize the millions of professional truck drivers who remain essential to the U.S. economy.  

While the week is scheduled for Sept. 12-18, the American Trucking Associations announced this week it would start the celebration early with the opening of its NTDAW online merchandise store.

Our store is the only place to get official #NTDAW2021 merchandise to thank the truck drivers in your life. Whether it be for the official NTDAW week or just to show your appreciation, these items have been hand-selected for the professional truck driver. https://t.co/YPLUrdzZw4 pic.twitter.com/5bb9FIdrMo

— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) July 12, 2021

Businesses, families and friends can now visit the ATA’s website to buy gifts for truck drivers or personal gifts to show their appreciation for the trade. The wide selection of items includes baseball caps, coolers, water bottles, dress socks, trailer hitches, shirts and more.

Individual companies can also put in a request to use the ATA NTDAW logo to incorporate into their custom gear to celebrate their companies’ drivers directly.

“For over a year, the nation’s truck drivers have delivered hope for Americans from coast to coast,” said Elisabeth Barna, executive vice president of industry affairs for ATA, in the release.

“First by delivering life’s essentials during the depths of the pandemic, then ultimately vaccines to fight the virus and now, helping carry our nation’s recovery. They have done it safely, showing grace, dedication and professionalism, and it is important that we appreciate them during NTDAW and year-round.”

The ATA also announced this week Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC would be returning as the sponsor of its grand championship title for the group’s Virtual Truck Driving Championship, a spin on its in-person championship event that has been postponed due to pandemic-related restrictions.

Related article: ATA announces Virtual Truck Driving Championship

“This has been a challenging year and a half for our industry and our country, but we are thankful we are turning the corner into recovery,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “While we are looking very much forward to gathering together next year to declare a driver the Bendix Grand Champion in person, we are pleased that Bendix is supporting this year’s virtual event, the National Battle of the States.”

Merchandise for the virtual event is now available for purchase on the association’s website as well.

St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund hosts first art auction 

In an effort to help professional truck drivers in need, the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) has raised over $3.3 million for programs related to driver health and other circumstances that tend to take drivers off the road without notice.

The nonprofit has been able to help over 3,000 drivers cover costs related to these circumstances and to continue to build support for the group’s mission, SCF will be holding its first-ever art auction.

Until July 26, SCF is taking handmade art submissions from its supporters, including items like woodwork, paintings, fabrics, quilts and jewelry. Artists are asked to send in photos and descriptions of the pieces to be auctioned on the organization’s website on July 30.

Our first-ever #ARTAUCTION is happening soon! Help us make a difference for drivers in need. We’re accepting ANYTHING handmade. Submit your art before July 26th. Check out this awesome piece by Glassworks by Van Camp. Auction is July 30th! For more: https://t.co/D4giSa7bsj pic.twitter.com/soN1Gpk90G

— Truckers Relief Fund (@truckerfund) July 8, 2021

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