National Tank Truck Carriers recently donated $2,500 to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) on behalf of 2021-22 Tank Truck Driver of the Year Thomas Frain and Highway Transport—longtime supporters of the non-profit’s mission to assist truckers who are unable to work due to injury or illness.
Frain presented the oversized check to Shannon Currier, SCF director of philanthropy, after the safety champions panel during NTTC’s Tank Truck Week in Houston.
“It’s an honor to have a donation sent in my name to a group that gives back in such an impactful way to the trucking community,” Frain said. “St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund does an outstanding job of assisting my fellow drivers and their families during hardships.”
The Watkins family, who own Highway Transport, have long believed in SCF’s mission to help over-the-road semi-truck drivers care for their families when they’re unable to hit the open road. SCF’s assistance often comes in the form of direct payment for household living expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, vehicle payments, and insurance. The SCF also provides health and wellness programs such as diabetes prevention and smoking cessation.
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“We want to congratulate Tom for his well-deserved national recognition and thank NTTC for its support,” Currier said. “There are so many unknowns when a family member gets sick or is suddenly out of work, and these situations leave families stressed and confused on how to proceed with everyday life. Donations allow us to further enhance the health and well-being of semi-truck drivers and their loved ones when an unexpected illness or injury occurs.”
Frain succeeded G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation’s Ron Baird as NTTC’s top driver earlier this year during NTTC’s Annual Conference in San Diego. The 30-year trucking veteran and Smith System trainer has driven for Highway Transport the last seven years after previously pulling refrigerated trailers for Sysco.
He boasts more than 2.3 million accident-free miles.
Frain and William Lusk, NTTC’s manager of education and government relations, recently appeared on SCF’s “Highway to Hope” podcast to discuss careers in trucking, the Driver of the Year program and the association’s donation.
The podcast is available at truckersfund.org/scf-podcasts.
“The NTTC is pleased to provide this donation to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund on behalf of Mr. Frain,” Lusk said. “It’s important for us to recognize the leaders in our community while also giving back to those who move our industry forward.
“Our hope is that this funding will help SCF fulfill its mission to aid drivers and their families during a difficult season.”
