Transportation Sector Rallies to Provide Help to Ukrainians
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The transportation industry has stepped up to assist the people of Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion of the country that triggered a refugee crisis.
“The war unfolding in Ukraine is a terrible tragedy,” Trucking Cares Foundation Chairman Phil Byrd said in a statement March 16. “The trucking industry stands with the Ukrainian people and we’re proud to do even a little bit to ease their suffering.”
The Trucking Cares Foundation donated $42,500 to Save the Children, the International Red Cross and the United Nations Children’s Fund. American Trucking Associations launched the group in 2018 as an avenue the trucking industry could use for humanitarian assistance.
“The Trucking Cares Foundation was established to help mobilize the trucking industry in response to disasters,” ATA Chairman Harold Sumerford Jr. said. “Providing relief and comfort to Ukrainians suffering as a result of this war is something we are called to do.”
The Trucking & Logistics Professionals for Ukraine recommend the three humanitarian relief organizations. The coalition of carriers and logistics companies was launched to help Ukrainian citizens affected by the invasion.
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“As of April 7, 2022, the Trucking & Logistics Professionals for Ukraine contributors have been able to raise over $2,000,000 in humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine,” Sergey Bort, vice president of marketing and strategy of GP Transco and founder of TLPU, said in a statement provided to Transport Topics. “When we at GP Transco started TLPU, we did not know what to expect, and today, frankly I am blown away by the support and I cannot thank our contributors enough; we still have new members joining us on a weekly basis.”
Among other industry contributions:
The UPS Foundation partnered with humanitarian relief organizations, providing $1 million in initial emergency funding and in-kind support March 2. The in-kind moves included 56,000 winter coats, 160,000 pounds of food for refugees, $4 million in medical supplies, 10,000 blankets and more than 100 pallets of hygiene items, diapers, sleeping bags and mattresses.
“The UPS Foundation and UPSers around the world are sending goods, money and services to Ukrainians as quickly as possible during this humanitarian crisis,” said Nikki Clifton, president of social impact and The UPS Foundation. “We are also linking our efforts throughout our global public-private partnerships to accelerate humanitarian aid through as many channels as we can influence.”
UPS Inc. ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.
FedEx Corp. committed more than $1.5 million in relief aid to provide humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the conflict March 4. It included a $550,000 cash donation to nonprofits. An additional $1 million has been allocated for in-kind shipping to nonprofit partners working to transport critical supplies.
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“This situation impacts many, including our own team members in Ukraine,” FedEx said in a statement March 4. “The safety and security of our team members remains our top priority, and we are providing direct financial assistance to our FedEx team members domiciled in Ukraine.”
FedEx Corp. ranks No. 2 on the TT 100.
Union Pacific made its largest-ever corporate disaster relief donation of $500,000 to support humanitarian relief efforts March 23. The donation was split evenly between the American Red Cross and Save the Children. Employees helped raise the money after the company announced it would match their contributions two to one.
“Our hearts are with the Ukrainian people who did nothing to provoke this attack and whose lives are irrevocably changed,” said Union Pacific Chairman Lance Fritz. “Our employees’ charitable donations clearly demonstrate they’re taking a stand with the Ukrainian people, and we’re proud to let their generosity guide our corporate contribution to two of many worthy organizations providing immediate aid.”
Pilot Co. launched a fundraising effort in recognition of the growing humanitarian crisis March 16. The in-store campaign allows its customers to round up their purchases with the difference going to Save the Children. The campaign involved 650 participating company-operated travel centers and ran through April 3.
“We are deeply saddened by the effects of this conflict and are doing a round-up in our stores to help raise funds for Save the Children that will go toward immediate assistance for Ukrainian children and families,” Pilot CEO Shameek Konar said in a statement March 16. “We will be matching up to $100,000 of donations raised as part of our commitment to giving back to our communities on a local and global scale.”
