Even more of the stuff that happened at the big show

There’s so much going on at the Mid-America Trucking Show, it’s difficult to see it all, much less cover it all.

So with that in mind, here are a few things we saw at MATS this past weekend but didn’t get a chance to write about until today.

TravelCenters presents $112, 946 to Truckers Against Trafficking

TravelCenters of America, in partnership with High Noon Sales, raised $112,946 in sales of merchandise with the Truckers Against Trafficking logo on it during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. They presented a check for those funds to TAT at a ceremony on Friday at MATS. Helen Van Dam, Freedom Drivers project director for Truckers Against Trafficking, accepted the ceremonial check on behalf of the group.

In her remarks, Van Dam said truckers and the trucking industry are important players in the fight to end trafficking.

“Drivers have made over 2,200 calls into the National Human Trafficking Hotline number, which has led to the identification of over 1,100 individual victims,” she said. “That’s so impressive. So it’s really demonstrating that not only is this a reality of what’s happening out there but it’s also a demonstration of the powerful impact that the trucking industry can have when trained and equipped to do something about it.”

TravelCenters of America operates TA and Petro Stopping Centers. They have partnered with TAT since 2011.

Shell Rotella donates $10,000 to OOIDA’s Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund

Also on Friday, Shell Rotella presented a pair of checks to OOIDA – $10,000 dollars for the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund and $5,000 for the OOIDA Safe Driving Award.

Dave Waterman, North American marketing manager for Shell Rotella, made the presentation to OOIDA staff and board members. Shell and OOIDA have a longstanding relationship, one Waterman says has always been important to the company.

“(OOIDA) has the ear of drivers and the owner-operators in particular,” Waterman said in an interview with Land Line Now’s Terry Scruton. “And we just need to get out there and let (drives) know that we appreciate what they do.”

To capture the MATS experience, check out Land Line’s interactive map, which includes exclusive stories and photos from the show.