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TA and Petro Locations Launch Third Annual Round Up for St. Christopher Fund

From July through September, customers at select TA, Petro, and TA Express sites contribute spare change to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, continuing a long-standing industry initiative for medical aid.

Trucking photo

Washington, D.C. — TravelCenters of America Inc. has commenced its third annual Round Up campaign, designed to channel small contributions from customers directly into the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. The initiative runs from July 1 through September 1, allowing patrons at participating TA, Petro, and TA Express locations to round up their transaction totals to the nearest dollar. The difference is donated immediately to the fund, providing financial support to professional drivers who have been forced off the road due to injury or illness within the preceding twelve months.

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund addresses a critical gap in support for the nation’s heavy-hauling workforce. When a CDL-A driver faces a medical emergency or debilitating injury, the loss of income can quickly become a financial crisis. This campaign ensures that drivers who cannot work due to medical reasons receive tangible assistance during their recovery. TA has been a consistent backer of SCF since 2012, accumulating over $3 million in contributions through various initiatives and marketing efforts over the last decade.

The Round Up program is now in its third year of operation, following the success of previous campaigns. The CEO of TravelCenters of America has expressed strong advocacy for supporting hardworking truckers who are temporarily unable to maintain their livelihoods. By integrating the donation option into standard retail transactions, the network makes it easy for the public and fellow drivers to contribute without significant effort. The funds raised help cover medical expenses and living costs for those who have been sidelined by health issues, ensuring they have a safety net while they heal.

What This Means for Drivers

For owner-operators and fleet employees, this fund serves as a vital financial buffer during unexpected medical setbacks. A CDL-A driver who suffers an injury may face months of lost wages, a period where traditional insurance often falls short. The St. Christopher Fund helps bridge that gap, allowing drivers to focus on recovery rather than mounting bills. Trucking companies hiring new talent often look at the broader industry support systems, and initiatives like this demonstrate a commitment to driver welfare that extends beyond the cab of the truck.

Industry Reaction

The trucking industry has shown consistent support for the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of long-haul and regional drivers. When an OTR truck driver is forced to stop due to health issues, the financial impact is immediate and severe. Advocates within the sector have long pushed for more robust support structures, and the continued success of the Round Up campaign highlights the importance of community-driven relief efforts. These programs complement broader regulatory frameworks, though they do not replace the need for comprehensive health coverage mandated by FMCSA regulations and carrier policies.

Key Points

  • The Round Up campaign runs from July 1 to September 1 at participating TA, Petro, and TA Express locations.
  • TravelCenters of America has raised more than $3 million for the St. Christopher Fund since 2012.
  • The fund specifically assists drivers who have been off the road due to injury or illness in the last year.
  • This is the third year of the specific Round Up initiative, following successful previous campaigns.

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Photo by Connor Scott McManus on Pexels

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Carlos Vega
Born in Laredo, Texas, Carlos grew up around cross-border freight and has covered US-Mexico trucking corridors, port logistics, and fuel markets for trade publications since 2017.