QAGOP

Penske Pink Out Celebrates 10 Years of Breast Cancer Awareness

Penske associates across the organization will join today for Penske Pink Out – an associate-led breast cancer awareness event now celebrating its 10^th year.

Maggie Seaman, National Account Manager - Northeast Region, whose mother passed away in 2017 from breast cancer, created Penske Pink Out to promote breast cancer education and to provide support to those battling the disease.

Penske Pink Out first began in 2015 with 200 associates in New Jersey and New York and has grown into a global movement.

Last year, more than 20,000 associates participated across Penske’s global footprint. Associates in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Mexico and the U.S. are expected to participate this year.

“I’ve seen a big shift in how we are open and communicating about breast cancer. Associates have embraced breast cancer awareness and demonstrated it is a very worthy cause,” Seaman said.

Breast Cancer by the Numbers

Penske Pink Out coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which seeks to bring attention to breast cancer and raise funds dedicated to finding a cure.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Canada and the U.S. trailing only skin cancer.

In Canada, 30,500 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, representing 25% of all new cancer cases in women in 2024, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. 1 in 8 women, or approximately 13% of the female population will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, according to the NBCF.

Driving Breast Cancer Awareness

In the weeks leading up to Penske Pink Out, associates held fundraisers, shared breast cancer information, and rallied around those who shared their connection to breast cancer.

Community service is an important part of the Penske Pink Out movement.

Nearly 200 associates in 15 states are participating in 24 American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks, which raises awareness and funds dedicated to research, 24/7 support for cancer patients and access to lifesaving screenings.

“Penske Associates, their families and friends that participate in their community at a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event; whether it is forming team/joining a team, organizing fundraisers or volunteering on the event planning committee are at the heart of advancing the mission of the American Cancer Society (ACS) to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families,” said Stephanie McDonald, Director of Corporate Relations for the American Cancer Society.

“Their involvement allows ACS to fund research breakthroughs in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship - and most notably, allows ACS to provide direct patient support to cancer patients and their families, whether it is providing a free ride to treatment or a free place to stay when they are traveling far from home for their cancer treatments,” McDonald said.

In addition, associates have also donated time to support the ACS’ Hope Lodge communities. The network of more than 30 lodges provides a free place to stay for people facing cancer and their caregivers when they travel to seek treatment.

Penske Pink Out could not have been as successful as it has been without the support of associates and leadership across the organization, Seaman said.

“Without leadership support, this would have never taken off in the first place. I think we have not only leadership at Corporate, but senior leaders and area leaders in the field who have embraced it, and it has been something they have encouraged their teams to support and to give back to the community,” Seaman said.

Follow Penske's Facebook, Instagram and X pages to learn how our associates are marking #PenskePinkOut24.

Click the video below to learn more about Penske Pink Out and the associates who support it.

By Bernie Mixon

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Penske Celebrates National Technician Appreciation Week

Penske celebrates National Technician Appreciation Week Sept. 22 – 28 to spotlight and thank the force behind our fleet.

Please join us in celebrating the more than 11,000 skilled Penske technicians and customer service representatives (CSRs) who keep our customers – and our world – moving forward in the safest, most well-maintained fleet in the industry.

The expertise and commitment of our technicians and CSRs keep Penske’s fleet running and our supply chains and economy moving. Together, our team maintains over 445,000 vehicles from more than 1,000 locations across the country.

“From maintaining industry repair standards to supporting state-of-the-art sustainable technology and innovation, our technicians and customer service representatives are the industry’s experts,” says Gregg Mangione, executive vice president of maintenance at Penske Truck Leasing. “They truly are the force behind our fleet.”

Hear more from Mangione, along with, Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing, and Mike Duquette, senior vice president of maintenance field operations, in the video below.

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Penske VP of Sales Systems and Analytics Named Top Woman to Watch in Transportation

Sue Maier, vice president of sales systems and analytics for Penske Truck Leasing, has been named to the Women in Trucking Association’s (WIT) 2024 list of Top Women to Watch in Transportation. This prestigious list recognizes top performers who go the extra mile to advance gender diversity in transportation.

“I’m thrilled to accept this recognition alongside so many outstanding women in transportation,” said Maier. “I’d like to thank the talented and diverse team at Penske, who shares my passion for collaboration, mentorship and continuous improvement.”

Sue Maier

Maier assumed the brand-new role of vice president of sales systems and analytics in May 2022, and has since built a robust, cross-disciplinary team that has transformed the systems and processes underpinning Penske’s lease sales experience. Maier’s portfolio includes oversight of Penske’s customer relationship management software and management of Penske’s unique specification and rating system, sales support teams, and sales reporting.

Maier is proud to lead a highly visible, predominantly female team in a vertical that straddles sales and information technology, two historically male disciplines. She has also demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship by co-founding a highly successful sales mentorship program, which in its pilot year matched 37 diverse associates (including 24 women) with 18 sales leaders.

Each year, the Top Women to Watch list is selected by the editorial staff of Redefining the Road, WIT’s official magazine. It has previously featured Christiane Meyer, director of strategic accounts for Penske Logistics; Angela Tracy, vice president of sales for Penske Truck Leasing; Chavela Brown, area vice president for Penske Truck Leasing, and Amy Ilyes, vice president of logistics engineering for Penske Logistics.

A longstanding partner of WIT, Penske has been honored as a Top Company for Women in Transportation for the past five consecutive years.

By Emily Foreman

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7 Simple Words for Safe Back-to-School Driving

As an estimated 480,000 school buses return to U.S. roads over the next few weeks, it’s time for professional drivers to brush up on their own lesson plan: How to drive with care during back-to-school season. Remember these 7 words that can help you avoid an accident and potentially save a life.

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Stay Alert! 7 Tips for Safe Night Driving

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, Daylight Saving Time will end. And while we'll all gain an extra hour of sleep, we'll also lose an hour of daytime driving.

Even though there's often less traffic on the roads at night, 50% of all traffic fatalities occur after sunset, according to the National Safety Council. The peak time of day for fatal crashes from October through March is between 4 – 7:50 p.m.

Get ready for the time change. Take this quick refresher on safe habits for driving in the dark.

1. Use your high beams – Make sure your truck's headlights are properly adjusted. When it's dark, use your high beams whenever it's safe to do so. High beams allow you to see twice as far ahead (500 feet) than low beams (about 250 – 300 feet). Switch to low beams whenever you're within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

2. Slow down – No matter how good your vision is, it's a simple fact that drivers can't see as much of the road at night as they can during the day. That means you should always drive the speed limit at night, and slow down even further if inclement weather or other conditions limit your visibility further.

3. Reduce glare – In just 5 seconds, a truck driving 55 mph travels the length of a football field. So, 5 seconds of blindness from glare can be dangerous. Cut down glare by keeping a clean windshield. Replace your wiper blades frequently. Dim your dashboard lights.

4. Look away from oncoming lights – Staring at the headlights from oncoming traffic can cause discomfort and reduce your reaction time. When bright lights come your way, look toward the center or the right-hand edge of the road until traffic passes. Also, adjust your mirrors so other drivers' headlights and high beams won't blind you.

5. Stay extra-alert – Night driving has many hazards, including an increased risk of collisions with wildlife, livestock, and impaired motorists. Know these risks and keep an eye out for them at all times.

6. Know your limits – According to the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration, about 100,000 police-reported crashes occur each year due to drowsy driving, with peaks seen between midnight – 2 a.m. and 4 – 6 a.m. Aim for seven-and-a-half hours of sleep each night. Also, know when you start to get tired and pull over immediately and take a break.

7. Get your eyes checked. The American Optometry Association recommends getting an eye exam at least once every two years even if you don't wear glasses, and at least once a year if you wear glasses or if you are at risk for vision problems.

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Answers to 7 Common Back-To-School Driving Safety Questions

It's almost back-to-school time! Here are answers to seven of the most common questions professional drivers have when it comes to safe driving during the school year.

1. When must I stop for school buses?

You must stop on an undivided roadway whenever a bus has its yellow or red lights flashing or has its stop arm extended. You also must stop on a divided roadway if you're heading in the same direction as the school bus. Passing a stopped school bus is against the law in all 50 states.

2. How far should I stop behind a school bus?

Stop at least 20 feet behind the bus. This gives children the room they need to move to, from and around the school bus.

3. Do I have to slow down in a school zone even if the start of school is delayed?

If yellow traffic signals are flashing in a school zone, you must obey school zone laws no matter what. Drive the posted school zone speed limit. Obey traffic officers and crossing guards. Stop for children and pedestrians no matter where they cross – whether it's at a posted crosswalk or in the middle of a school zone.

4. What times of day have the most school bus traffic?

Expect heavier than normal traffic in cities and neighborhoods. Plan for congestion at key school opening and closing times, usually early in the morning and mid-afternoon. Use extra caution before dawn or in inclement weather, times when visibility is worse.

5. Are school zones the only areas I should worry about?

No. Remember to keep all crosswalks clear. Also, children are unpredictable. They may walk or run across the street from between two parked cars. They may ride a bicycle, scooter or skateboard on the side of the road or in the street. Stay alert and distraction free. Avoid turning the radio, texting, talking on the phone, eating or doing anything other than driving.

6. How can I avoid school bus traffic?

Look at GPS data prior to your route. Avoid neighborhoods. Choose highways and interstates instead.

7. What other safety tips should I take this school season?

Watch for an increase in the number of student drivers on the road. Look for bus stops and other areas where children might gather. And be patient. Never honk your horn at a bus or a child trying to cross the street; it could cause an accident.

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Stay on the Road: Avoid Marijuana and Controlled Substances

Drug and alcohol violations bring serious penalties for holders of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs). A positive test will keep you off the road until you complete substance abuse counseling and receive a negative test. It may even cost you your job altogether.

That's why the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) urges all professional drivers to exercise caution when considering the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products. While many are sold over the counter for pain relief, anxiety, and movement disorders, some can lead to a positive drug test. Here's why:

DOT lists all forms of marijuana as Schedule I controlled substances. That means drivers can't legally use marijuana for recreational or medical reasons, even in states where marijuana use is legal.
CBD products contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It's the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.
A THC concentration of more than 0.3% will take you off the road following a drug test.
CBD products carry misleading labels. Because CBD products aren't regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a CBD product could contain higher levels of THC than the product label indicates.

CBD is not a legitimate excuse for a positive lab test result. Medical Review Officers will verify any drug test at a concentration of 0.3% THC even if a driver claims he or she only used a CBD product. It is the responsibility of the CDL holder to understand and comply with all FMCSA/DOT regulations. This is the law.

Positive drug tests for marijuana remain a problem for drivers. On January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched its Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. It's a secure online database that gives employers, drivers and government agencies real-time access to information about CDL and CLP driver violations.

From January 6, 2020, to May 1, 2021, the FMCSA recorded 69,565 drivers with at least one drug or alcohol violation. Marijuana is the No. 1 violation, accounting for 56% of all positive tests. Other commonly found illegal substances include cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. In all, positive drug tests accounted for 81% of the total violations reported.

The message is clear. Avoid any type of drugs or alcohol, including marijuana and CBD products, so you can stay on the road and keep yourself and others safe.

Drivers who want to view their clearinghouse record can register for the clearinghouse. Visit: clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register

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Breast Cancer by the Numbers

Driving Breast Cancer Awareness

Important Penske Information

Penske Facilities Questions:

1. Eliminate all distractions.

2. Know the signs.

3. Always assume a train is coming.

4. Red flashing lights at the tracks mean stop.

5. Look left and right twice for approaching trains before crossing.

6. Take extra caution at multiple tracks.

7. Know the law.

8. Don’t get hung up on the tracks.

9. Once you start crossing, don’t hesitate.

What can I expect?

What happens if inspectors find a brake problem?

What's my risk of getting a brake-related OOS?

What is the focus area for inspectors?

How can I make sure I pass a brake inspection?

1. Stop

2. Slow

3. Plan

4. Scan

5. Watch

6. Know

7. Focus

What is a proper speed?

What is the proper following distance?

1. Conduct Thorough Pre-, During- and Post-Trip Inspections

2. Know the Signs of Wheel-End Problems

3. Don't Forget the Rest of Your Truck

4. Know Which Wheel-End Items Inspectors Will Check

1. Buckle Up

2. Put Your Phone Down

3. Keep Your Cool

1. Slow Down!

2. Keep Your Distance

3. Plan Your Route

4. Move Into the Open Lane

5. Avoid Distraction

Don't: Think they're optional.

Do: Know what to check.

Don't: Kick-check the tires.

Do: Double-check the brakes.

Don't: Do an inspection differently each time.

Do: Take your time.

Don't: Forget the interior.

Do: Check your wheels.

Do: Keep accurate logs.

Don't: Ignore potential problems.