Highway Transport employees donate vacation days to colleagues in Texas

Knoxville, Tennessee – Employees at Highway Transport locations nationwide are donating vacation days to colleagues at Highway Transport locations in La Porte, Texas and Freeport, Texas.

In the midst of Hurricane Harvey, Marshall Franklin, CFO of Highway Transport, created a leave donation program to assist employees who work at two of Highway Transport’s Texas locations directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Flooding continues, and employees need workplace weather disaster relief… relief in the form of income.

Today, employees working and living near Highway Transport LaPorte and Highway Transport Freeport can rest in the assurance that they will receive wages for days missed during the most intense phase of the storm.

“Hopefully, our locations in LaPorte and Freeport will be open soon, but the top concern is for human life. We want everyone to return to Highway Transport LaPorte and Highway Transport Freeport safely. As colleagues and friends, we want to do everything we can to help one another. Here at corporate headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, we’ve been receiving reports of employees who have lost homes and vehicles and property. Merly in LaPorte lost her car. The list of loss and destruction goes on and on. Everyone at all Highway Transport locations has been very worried about coworkers who live and work in the communities near Houston. “

Tropical Storm Harvey shifted back out into the Gulf of Mexico then came ashore one final time. The destructive storm ambled slowly over Houston then eastward at a pace of 3 to 5 miles per hour…basically, the speed of someone who is strolling. The slow pace of the system continues to elevate rain levels beyond all expectations.

Water levels continue to rise in many Houston neighborhoods. Highway Transport LaPorte and Highway Transport Freeport security camera images are encouraging, but these facilities are officially closed. Rescues are still taking place.

Plus, this is not the time for Highway Transport employees to attempt to maneuver around dangerous flood conditions. The official word from HR Director Jean Anne Dugger is, “Please take care. Your safety and well-being are most important.”

REMINDER: It is against Texas law to drive around barricades at flooded roads.

Highway Transport received the following update from LaPorte Service Center Manager Colin Bailey:

“My wife and I woke up to the water coming up to our second-floor apartment. So, we had to evacuate by boat, was a boat similar to what the NAVY Seals use to a local church, but now we are trying to get to my son’s house in Spring. The rest of my operations team as well as many of our drivers can’t get in to the SC. We are all safe but it may be well in to the weekend before we return to the SC. On behalf of my driver, operations, and shop/TW team your support and help is appreciated. We are truly a family.”

Highway Transport’s own Christina Nolan shares the following:

For Texas HTC employees and their families:

I lost everything in a tornado 12 years ago this November. Even though it wasn’t a flood, I know how devastating it can be to lose your home. I know this is a very stressful and painful time. I’m proud to be a part of the Highway family and that they have given us the opportunity to show our support by donating our vacation days to you. As grateful as I am to have the opportunity to help, I wish I could do more. My prayers are with you all for the strength to overcome the challenges you are facing.”

Highway Transport is a chemical tanker trucking company in operation since 1948 providing transportation of specialty chemicals throughout the United States and Canada. Highway’s tanker fleet has served chemical manufacturers with the highest quality service and equipment.

The longstanding perception of Highway Transport continues to be one of family and tradition.

Highway Transport has a presence in the following U.S. cities:

Knoxville, TN
Chattanooga, TN
LaPorte, TX
Freeport, TX
Garland, TX
McDonough, GA
Croydon, PA
Florence, KY
Joliet, IL
Wyandotte, MI
Geismar, LA
Pittsburgh, PA

Highway Transport has a legacy of steady growth, servicing chemical companies with quality driven service for 68+ years. Check their web sites at www.hytt.com and Drive4Highway.com or visit their SmartPhoneTrucker page here.