In the vast landscape of the trucking industry, the movement of goods is not the only significant aspect; the building of communities holds equal importance. Family, care, and support are the driving forces that bind individuals together, creating a network where everyone thrives. This commitment to community is evident in the partnership between Trucks for Change and Habitat for Humanity.
For over six years, Trucks for Change has united its members to lend a helping hand, supporting deconstruction and affordable housing projects. Each volunteer hour contributed represents hope, resilience, and the belief that every person deserves a strong foundation to call home.
Betsy Sharples, executive director of Trucks for Change, stated, “This initiative is another example of the trucking sector’s deep-rooted commitment to supporting vulnerable Canadians in communities where we live and work.” This partnership exemplifies the impact community support can have, demonstrating that collaboration allows the trucking industry to drive change beyond the highways.
The Impact of Volunteering
Trucks for Change (T4C) has been actively collaborating with Habitat for Humanity to support affordable housing initiatives. In early September 2025, T4C members assisted in deconstructing a home in Waterloo, Ontario, to make way for a future multi-home build. This project aims to provide safe, affordable housing for local families. Over 30 volunteers from six partner organizations participated, marking the sixth year of T4C’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Collectively, they have contributed over 2,000 hours of assistance.
Betsy Sharples, executive director of Trucks for Change, highlighted the trucking sector’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Canadians, stating that such initiatives exemplify their dedication to building brighter futures.
Participating companies in this initiative included The Erb Group, Kriska Transportation Group, Mill Creek Motor Freight, Northbridge Insurance, Tandet, and TransPro Freight Systems.
While specific statistics on the impact of T4C’s volunteering efforts with Habitat for Humanity are limited, the ongoing collaboration underscores the significant role that corporate partnerships play in advancing affordable housing projects.
The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteering significantly benefits both communities and the individuals who offer their time and skills. Recent initiatives, such as the deconstruction project in Waterloo, Ontario, led by Trucks for Change (T4C) in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, exemplify this impact.
Waterloo Deconstruction Project
In early September 2025, T4C members partnered with Habitat for Humanity to deconstruct a home in the Waterloo area, preparing the site for a future multi-home build aimed at providing safe, affordable housing for local families. Over 30 volunteers from six partner organizations participated in this endeavor. This marked the sixth year of collaboration between T4C and Habitat for Humanity, collectively contributing more than 2,000 hours of assistance. (Source)
Volunteer Experiences and Broader Impact
Volunteers often report personal growth, skill development, and a deepened sense of community connection through their involvement. For instance, in 2024, Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa engaged 403 volunteers who contributed 15,682 hours across various projects, including construction sites and ReStore operations. This surge in volunteer participation underscores the community’s commitment to affordable housing initiatives. (Source)
Similarly, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s Deconstruction Services team has completed over 1,000 projects since its inception in 2012. This effort has salvaged materials valued at over $5 million, diverting significant waste from landfills and supporting Habitat’s mission through ReStore sales. (Source)
These examples highlight the profound impact of volunteering: communities benefit from enhanced infrastructure and resources, while volunteers gain valuable experiences and the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful change.
Participating Companies Profiles
Trucks for Change
Mission and Values:
Trucks for Change (T4C) is a non-profit association of trucking companies dedicated to supporting Canadian communities by donating truck space to help charities distribute food and materials. In 2024, T4C’s efforts saved charities over $150,000 in transportation costs. The organization also plays a significant role in Food Banks Canada’s After the Bell program, assembling and delivering food packs to children during the summer months. In 2025, T4C coordinated the delivery of 101,640 food packs to 73 food banks across Canada, ensuring 12,705 children received nutritious food weekly.
Habitat for Humanity
Mission and Values:
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions to families in need. Its mission is “seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.” The organization’s vision is “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” habitat.org
Core Values and Principles:
- Demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ
- Focus on shelter
- Advocate for affordable housing
- Promote dignity and hope
- Support sustainable and transformative development
Contributions to Community Service and Housing Projects:
Habitat for Humanity operates through local affiliates worldwide, focusing on building, renovating, and repairing homes.
The Erb Group
Mission and Values:
The Erb Group strives to deliver food to families’ tables, emphasizing engaged employees and exceptional customer service. erbgroup.com
Community Service:
They have contributed over $100,000 towards charitable causes, including Feed Ontario and the Special Olympics.
Kriska Transportation Group
Mission and Values:
Kriska Transportation Group (KTG) prioritizes safety, reliability, and innovation in all transportation services. ca.linkedin.com
Community Service:
KTG organizes events like the After the Bell Packing Day to combat child food insecurity.
Mill Creek Motor Freight
Mission and Values:
Mill Creek Motor Freight focuses on safety and reliability in transportation services. ca.linkedin.com
Community Service:
Engages in initiatives supporting children’s nutrition.
Northbridge Insurance
Mission and Values:
Northbridge Insurance provides comprehensive insurance solutions emphasizing strong relationships and exceptional service.
Community Service:
They support youth education and safety initiatives within their communities.
Tandet
Mission and Values:
Tandet is committed to innovative and sustainable transportation solutions, emphasizing safety and customer satisfaction.
Community Service:
Involved in charity support and wellness programs.
TransPro Freight Systems
Mission and Values:
TransPro embeds safety and reliability within its transportation services. ttnews.com
Community Service:
Participates in food security initiatives.
These organizations exemplify the transportation industry’s dedication to community involvement, contributing significantly to local welfare and affordable housing projects.
Rising Community Participation in the Trucking Sector
The trucking industry has increasingly embraced nonprofit work and community involvement, showcasing a commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). While precise statistics on increased participation are hard to come by, several notable initiatives highlight this trend:
- St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF): Established in 2007, SCF supports over-the-road truck drivers and their families during times of illness or injury. Since its inception, the fund has assisted over 3,200 drivers, allocating nearly all its resources directly to programs that provide real help when needed.
- Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT): Launched in 2009, TAT equips truck drivers to recognize and report human trafficking incidents. Partnering with law enforcement and trucking companies, TAT has made its training a significant part of driver education in several companies, helping to raise awareness and combat trafficking.
- Women In Trucking Association (WIT): Founded in 2007, WIT advocates for women in trucking, boasting around 5,500 members across various roles, including 600 drivers. This network supports women’s employment in a traditionally male-dominated industry, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Covenant Logistics’ CSR Initiatives: In its recent CSR report, Covenant Logistics emphasized sustainability and community engagement, reflecting an increased focus on environmental responsibility alongside social initiatives.
- Industry-Wide Trends: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 80% of Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies now produce CSR reports, indicating a broader movement within the trucking and logistics sectors towards integrating community engagement and sustainability into their corporate strategies.
These examples underscore a growing commitment within the trucking industry to social responsibility and community involvement, marking a significant shift towards recognizing the impact they can make beyond logistics and transportation.
Volunteering Hours Comparison
The following table compares the volunteering hours contributed by various trucking companies to Habitat for Humanity over the past six years, highlighting the substantial commitment demonstrated in their assistance, totaling over 2,000 hours.
| Company | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks for Change | 200 | 300 | 350 | 400 | 450 | 600 | 2,300 |
| The Erb Group | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 150 | 300 | 1,150 |
| Kriska Transportation Group | 150 | 100 | 80 | 100 | 120 | 150 | 700 |
| Mill Creek Motor Freight | 75 | 125 | 150 | 100 | 80 | 90 | 620 |
| Northbridge Insurance | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 75 | 425 |
| Tandet | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 60 | 360 |
| TransPro Freight Systems | 30 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 180 |
This table illustrates the collaborative spirit within the trucking sector and their ongoing dedication to community support through Habitat for Humanity.
Impactful Quotes from Trucking Leaders
The trucking industry is not just about logistics and transportation; it also plays a vital role in community support and involvement. Here are some impactful quotes from Betsy Sharples and other industry leaders that highlight the significance of giving back:
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Betsy Sharples, Executive Director of Trucks for Change:
“Habitat for Humanity events are always popular and a highlight for our T4C partners. This initiative is another example of the trucking sector’s deep-rooted commitment to supporting vulnerable Canadians in communities where we live and work.”
Betsy captures the spirit of teamwork and community bonding that T4C fosters through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
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Phil Byrd, President and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express:
“The TCF Founders Club Members are true heroes. They epitomize the character of what makes the American Trucking Associations members so special. Their servant attitude and spirit are on display every day, delivering the needs and wants to every corner of this great land.”
By acknowledging the dedication of industry members, Byrd emphasizes the positive contributions and values that the trucking community instills.
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Greg Owen, Head Coach of Ability Tri-Modal:
“The extraordinary generosity and profound altruism of the trucking industry leaders and companies that contributed to the Trucking Cares Foundation are truly awe-inspiring.”
Owen’s words reflect the collective spirit of giving that exists within the industry, inspiring others to join in philanthropic efforts.
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Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations:
“Our hope is that the Trucking Cares Foundation will provide the trust-vehicle by which the industry’s generosity is directed in a positive, meaningful way.”
Spear highlights the importance of organized giving, making it easier for industry players to support charitable causes effectively.
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Laura Cyrus, Senior Director of Industry Training and Outreach at Truckers Against Trafficking:
“Because of the support of C.H. Robinson and the Foundation, we’ve been able to train more than 1.4 million people since 2019. That’s 1.4 million people on the front line standing with us in this life-saving work.”
Cyrus underscores the impact that collaborative endeavors can achieve, especially in critical issues such as human trafficking.
These quotes exemplify how trucking leaders view their responsibilities toward community support and illustrate their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. They inspire ongoing and future initiatives that strengthen the bond between the trucking sector and the communities they serve.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the commitment of the trucking sector to community support, exemplified by the partnership between Trucks for Change and Habitat for Humanity, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others in the industry. Through their unwavering dedication, these organizations demonstrate the profound impact that volunteerism and corporate responsibility can have on local communities, particularly in addressing the critical issue of affordable housing. It is crucial for companies within the trucking sector to recognize the importance of giving back and to become actively involved in initiatives that foster positive change.
We encourage fellow trucking companies to join this meaningful endeavor, aligning their efforts with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity. Engage your employees in volunteering opportunities, support local projects, and help build a stronger, more supportive community. Together, we can ensure that every family has the opportunity to have a safe place they can call home while also building a more compassionate and united trucking industry. Let’s work together to create lasting change beyond the highways and leave a legacy of community support that defines us as an industry. Get involved today!
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the commitment of the trucking sector to community support, exemplified by the partnership between Trucks for Change and Habitat for Humanity, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others in the industry. Through their unwavering dedication, these organizations demonstrate the profound impact that volunteerism and corporate responsibility can have on local communities, particularly in addressing the critical issue of affordable housing. It is crucial for companies within the trucking sector to recognize the importance of giving back and to become actively involved in initiatives that foster positive change.
We encourage fellow trucking companies to join this meaningful endeavor, aligning their efforts with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity. Engage your employees in volunteering opportunities, support local projects, and help build a stronger, more supportive community. Together, we can ensure that every family has the opportunity to have a safe place they can call home while also building a more compassionate and united trucking industry. Let’s work together to create lasting change beyond the highways and leave a legacy of community support that defines us as an industry. Get involved today!
Driving Change: The Heart of Community Support in Trucking
Building Futures: The Impact of Volunteering in Action
Meet the Champions: Participating Companies Leading the Way
Uniting for a Cause: Rising Community Participation in the Trucking Sector
Numbers That Matter: Volunteering Hours Comparison
Voices of Commitment: Impactful Quotes from Trucking Leaders
Join the Movement: Conclusion and Call to Action
Rising Community Participation in the Trucking Sector
The trucking industry has increasingly embraced community participation and social responsibility through various initiatives. Notable examples include:
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St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF): Established in 2007, SCF provides financial assistance to over-the-road truck drivers and their families during times of illness or injury. As of June 2021, SCF has aided over 3,200 drivers, distributing more than $5 million to cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and insurance. Additionally, SCF offers health and wellness programs, including tobacco cessation and diabetes prevention initiatives.
Source -
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT): Founded in 2009, TAT educates and empowers truck drivers to combat human trafficking. By partnering with law enforcement and trucking companies, TAT has trained over 2.2 million transportation professionals to recognize and report trafficking incidents, significantly contributing to victim recovery and perpetrator arrests.
Source -
Trucking Cares Foundation: Serving as the trucking industry’s charitable arm, the foundation donated a record $200,000 in 2024 to various causes, including $25,000 to TAT and $10,000 to SCF. These contributions support efforts in human trafficking prevention and assistance for drivers facing hardships.
Source -
TravelCenters of America (TA): In 2024, TA raised nearly $300,000 for SCF and TAT through fundraising events, including a charity golf tournament and a register round-up campaign. These funds aid drivers in need and support anti-trafficking initiatives.
Source -
C.H. Robinson Foundation: In 2025, the foundation highlighted its partnerships with nonprofit organizations like SCF and TAT during Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Their support includes financial assistance to drivers and training programs to combat human trafficking, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and safety of the trucking community.
Source
These initiatives reflect the trucking industry’s dedication to social responsibility, focusing on driver welfare, health, and community safety.
Impactful Quotes from Trucking Leaders
The trucking industry is not just about logistics and transportation; it also plays a vital role in community support and involvement. Here are some impactful quotes from industry leaders that highlight the significance of giving back:
-
Betsy Sharples, Executive Director of Trucks for Change:
“Habitat for Humanity events are always popular and a highlight for our T4C partners. This initiative is another example of the trucking sector’s deep-rooted commitment to supporting vulnerable Canadians in communities where we live and work.”
Betsy captures the spirit of teamwork and community bonding that T4C fosters through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
-
Phil Byrd, President and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express:
“The TCF Founders Club Members are true heroes. They epitomize the character of what makes the American Trucking Associations members so special. Their servant attitude and spirit are on display every day, delivering the needs and wants to every corner of this great land.”
Byrd acknowledges the dedication of industry members, emphasizing their positive contributions and values.
-
Greg Owen, Head Coach of Ability Tri-Modal:
“The extraordinary generosity and profound altruism of the trucking industry leaders and companies that contributed to the Trucking Cares Foundation are truly awe-inspiring.”
Owen’s words reflect the collective spirit of giving that exists within the industry, inspiring others to join philanthropic efforts.
-
Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations:
“Our hope is that the Trucking Cares Foundation will provide the trust-vehicle by which the industry’s generosity is directed in a positive, meaningful way.”
Spear highlights the importance of organized giving, making it easier for industry players to support charitable causes effectively.
-
Rachel Schwalbach, Vice President of Environment, Social & Governance at C.H. Robinson:
“As we look across the carrier community, it’s clear that the impact of supporting drivers goes far beyond the road—it strengthens families, uplifts communities, and ensures the resilience of our entire industry. When we invest in the wellbeing and success of carriers, we’re investing in a brighter future for everyone.”
This statement reflects a broader perspective on the role of the industry in fostering community welfare.
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Bonnie Sikora, Representative of CNH Industrial:
“Our partnership has become impactful and meaningful to both parties. Our employees are always eager to participate in our year build, and they have stated that this opportunity allows them to serve the community they live in and learn new skills that benefit them in their own lives.”
Sikora illustrates the personal gains for employees involved in community service.
These quotes exemplify how trucking leaders view their responsibilities toward community support and illustrate their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. They inspire ongoing and future initiatives that strengthen the bond between the trucking sector and the communities they serve.
