The annual Top Companies list highlights organizations that provide a culture where associates feel valued and respected, and receive quality benefits, continued training and opportunities for development.

Penske is a gold level partner of WIT, supporting WIT’s mission to empower women, celebrate their achievements, and address the challenges they face within the trucking industry. Penske’s support for WIT includes sponsorship of its annual conference and the courtesy transport of WIT’s educational trailer.

Every day, Penske’s technicians and customer service representatives (CSRs) keep over 400,000 vehicles moving safely across North America. This week, Sept. 21–27, we’re proud to celebrate National Technician Appreciation Week and recognize the more than 11,500 associates who power our performance.

Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt everywhere — keeping supply chains moving, businesses running and communities thriving. Penske technicians and CSRs do more than make repairs. They keep fleets road-ready, give customers confidence and help ensure the goods that fuel our economy reach the people who need them most.

“Behind every mile our trucks travel, every load we deliver and every promise we keep, there’s a skilled technician making it all possible,” said Mike Duquette, senior vice president of maintenance field operations at Penske Truck Leasing.

All week long, Penske will recognize technicians and CSRs across the company, spotlighting the skills, training and career paths that play an essential role in keeping the transportation industry moving.

Watch a special message of appreciation from Penske’s leadership team to Penske technicians and CSRs.

Click to view the video with or with .

Every day, more than 6,500 warehouse professionals across North and South America power Penske Logistics and its customers. This week, Penske is proud to recognize the dedication and impact of these essential team members during Warehouse Associate Appreciation Week, June 8–14.

From bustling distribution centers in the United States and Canada to operations across Mexico and Brazil, Penske’s warehouse associates are the heartbeat of its logistics network. They help ensure that everything from automotive parts and household appliances to food, pharmaceuticals and more flows efficiently through the supply chain.

“You not only deliver exceptional results and service to Penske’s customers — you keep the world moving forward,” said Jeff Jackson, president of Penske Logistics, in a video message to associates. “Our global supply chain starts with you.”

Across 156 facilities, Penske’s warehouse teams work behind the scenes, but their impact is far-reaching. Their efforts help keep store shelves stocked, businesses operating smoothly and communities supplied with what they need most. Whether navigating daily operations, meeting seasonal demand or rising to unforeseen challenges, Penske’s warehouse associates exemplify precision, professionalism and a relentless drive for excellence.

“This week is all about celebrating you and your trade,” said Pete Bayer, senior vice president of distribution center management operations. “You are a crucial part of the Penske Logistics organization, and we want you to know how important you are.”

To Penske’s warehouse professionals: THANK YOU for the work you do to move the world forward.

Click to view the video with with or with .

By: Caitlin Stibitz

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announced today that Penske has renewed its Gold Level Partnership, underscoring the company’s dedication to advancing gender diversity in the industry. This continued collaboration strengthens WIT’s mission to empower women, celebrate their achievements, and address the challenges they face within the transportation sector.

A valued partner of WIT since 2014, Penske has been instrumental in driving meaningful change by actively supporting the association's initiatives. For the past four years, Penske has served as a sponsor of WIT’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo. Additionally, Sarah Smith, senior vice president of Human Resources, plays a pivotal role in shaping the association’s strategic direction as vice chair of the WIT board of directors.

“Supporting the advancement of women in transportation continues to be a top priority for our organization. Women In Trucking plays a pivotal role in helping to shape an industry that women want to join and influence an environment where they can grow and thrive,” said Smith. “We are proud to continue supporting this important cause and I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the Board alongside leaders who are committed to this critical mission.”

“We are grateful for Penske’s leadership in championing diversity and inclusion across the transportation landscape,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. “Their unwavering support enables us to expand opportunities for women in the trucking profession and amplify the impact of our mission. Together, we are accelerating progress and creating a more inclusive future for the industry.”

By "Move Ahead" Staff

Like many veterans, Sean Wilkins gained a wide range of skills during his time in the Army. After his service, he applied that knowledge to lead talent acquisition at two mortgage companies, which ultimately led to his current role as Manager of Military Recruiting at ������

In this position, Wilkins combines his passion for talent acquisition with a commitment to helping other veterans transition to civilian life.

“I really enjoyed my time in the Army and had a great overall experience,” said Wilkins. “It helped a lot with being successful in this role, understanding veterans and doing what I can to bring their talent into our organization.”

Sean Wilkins, Manager of Military Recruiting at Penske

Wilkins joined Penske in 2018, and his role was created specifically to lead military recruiting efforts. Much like a military assignment, the job required him to relocate to Texas, where he also manages the logistics training program and is an active member of Penske’s Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG).

He credits the variety of experiences he had in the Army for his ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.

“While I was serving, I had a variety of jobs and took things on that I didn’t have formal training in,” said Wilkins. “I started to realize that being able to step into positions and make opportunities happen creates value that many organizations appreciate. That’s something I really began to learn and understand in the Army, and I’ve tried to bring that to Penske as well.”

Wilkins enjoyed the challenges of stepping into unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable, roles during his military service. He believes veterans with similar experiences can also translate their skills into successful civilian careers.

Learning to collaborate with people from different backgrounds is standard in the military. Despite differences, there is always a shared mission to accomplish–a mindset that Wilkins sees reflected at ������

“The military is probably the most diverse organization in the world. Despite the various walks of life that are brought together, you have a singular mission that you’re all working towards,” Wilkins said. “So, there are a lot of similarities between coming from the military and how we operate at ������ Both organizations offer opportunities that empower people to be leaders.”

Wilkins believes Penske is at the forefront of veteran recruiting.

“We’re an organization that has invested in positions like mine. Having veterans throughout our recruitment team is an advantage. We have folks who understand first-hand what it means to be a veteran,” said Wilkins. “During the recruiting process, having recruiters who can vouch for Penske and make the connection between their military experiences and potential roles makes all the difference.”

Wilkins continued: “We also connect potential veteran hires with veteran associates who are currently in the role they are interested in. It allows them to have an open conversation about what the job entails. That level of transparency goes a long way.”

Penske’s Veterans Business Resource Group further enhances the company’s veteran hiring efforts.

“Our BRG offers continuous support to both our veteran associates and allies. It has helped us with being recognized as a top military employer, but in addition to being great at hiring veterans, we also want to be excellent at retaining them.” said Wilkins. “The BRG provides a support structure for associates to connect, learn more about Penske, and see how they can grow their careers with us. For anyone that has dedicated their life to this country, we want to provide that same level of dedication as a place of employment.”

Penske’s veteran hiring efforts have been recognized by organizations such as the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Hiring Our Heroes, Mission: ABLE and Militaryfriendly.com.

Even with this recognition, Wilkins said there is more work to do.

“I’m very excited about all the efforts and progress we’ve made. This is a company that values the military and loves to support veterans. While the support is evident across the entire organization, there’s still a lot of opportunity,” said Wilkins. “We’re looking to expand some of what we do with drivers and diesel technicians into other areas of PTL. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished and have been able to get off the ground here in the past six years, and I’m excited for what we are going to do moving forward.”

For more information about Penske’s open roles, please visit:

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.”

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 , director of strategic accounts for Penske Logistics; , vice president of sales for Penske Truck Leasing; , 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

Around this time every summer, college students approach the end of their internship programs. But today, July 27, marks the celebration of interns across the country with National Intern Day.

Here at Penske’s headquarters in Green Hills, Pennsylvania, interns have engaged in a meaningful work experience throughout the last two months as they have taken steps to learn how to navigate the corporate world.

Ava Clauser, a rising junior at Penn State University – Schuylkill, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, worked as a financial reporting intern and knew Penske was the right fit for her summer internship this year.

“Penske was my summer internship of choice because the program they have in place helps interns grow into the corporate world,” Clauser said. “I have not seen any other internship with as many opportunities as Penske, including mentoring interns, professional development and networking.”

Clauser has enjoyed Penske’s friendly environment, learning from executives and connecting with her intern class.

“Penske has helped shape my career goals, so I know what I need in future jobs to have a work-life balance,” Clauser said. “I would have never gotten this experience from a classroom. Being out in the corporate world helped me learn how to manage a commute and working hybrid.”

From College Campuses to the Corporate Setting

This year’s intern class of 49 students served a variety of departments across all product lines, including Enterprise Services, Finance, Fleet Operations, Human Resources, IT, Legal, Maintenance, Marketing, Operational Excellence, Rental, Safety, Sales, Security, Sourcing and Vehicle Supply, and Vehicle Remarketing.

The interns at Penske’s Green Hills corporate campus represent the following colleges and universities:

Connecticut:

Delaware:

Indiana:

Louisiana:

New York: ,

North Carolina: , and

South Carolina:

Pennsylvania: , , , , , , , , , , , and

Virginia: ,

West Virginia:

Community Service and Professional Development Events for Interns

A core part of the Penske internship experience is the valuable opportunity to support the surrounding community. The HR interns spent the summer organizing service events in the Reading area, like the City Park Cleanup and the Helping Harvest Food Bank.

Skylar Hegarty, the Logistics HR/distribution center management (DCM) intern who is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, has appreciated not only connecting with her fellow intern class, but also with the Reading community through service.

“Because of opportunities like these, we have seen firsthand the impact of responsibility and empathy in the workplace and the ways in which Penske upholds these values,” Hegarty said.

Hegarty has also been a part of the team that has planned professional development events for the intern class – another key part of the Penske internship. Throughout the summer, interns attended networking events, such as a Myers–Briggs Type Indicator workshop for a better understanding of their personality types and how it applies within the workplace, a tour of the Reading field location to see firsthand the company’s rental trucks, and a Q&A with Penske Truck Leasing President Art Vallely and Penske Logistics President Marc Althen for their insight.

“I gravitate toward the opportunities I’ve had to build genuine professional relationships,” Hegarty said. “Actively engaging with executives and leadership has been an essential component of my internship that has not only enriched my experience but has enabled me to expand my understanding of the organization and the common vision of this team.”

Impact of Penske Internships

Penske internships prepare students for real-world experiences in their future careers and beyond. Some former interns return to Penske post-grad as full-time associates.

Anna Rihan worked with the Corporate HR team as the lead intern for the 2022 program. The networking, skills and knowledge she gained from her time last summer helped her secure a full-time position at Penske as a compensation administrator for the Total Rewards team.

“I had my hands on a lot of projects, and I was never afraid to say yes to anything that was asked of me. I loved a challenge, and I would take them head on fearlessly,” Rihan said.

From her time immersing herself in the company’s culture and connecting with the people throughout her internship program, Rihan discovered she could see herself working for ������

“I felt a part of a family, and more importantly, I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself,” Rihan said. “Being at Penske has truly changed my life for the better.”

A Future with Penske

Penske’s corporate internship program offers benefits to students as they prepare to enter the workforce and to the company’s future.

“The program helps cultivate a culture of innovation and fresh perspectives within the company, as interns bring in new ideas and approaches,” said Haley Vogel, HR Representative – PTS. “Additionally, through the program’s core values of hands-on experience, community service, professional development and networking, the interns enhance their employability and gain a competitive edge in their future careers.”

Looking to move your education forward and gain real-world corporate experience? Applicants must be full-time college students either entering their junior or senior year of school and pursuing a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. The completion of some core curriculum classes is preferred, and some internships may require specific areas of study. Visit to apply for a Penske internship of your choice. Applications will be accepted in early 2024.

By Catie Mannato, Communications & Events Intern

As a transportation and logistics industry leader, Penske and its vehicles cover vast distances in pursuit of their destinations. Remarkably, some of our people do, too. This year, supported by their colleagues and families, three associates from three unique corners of the world reached new destinations by becoming U.S. citizens.

Karima Kamara, Management Trainee, New Castle, Delaware – Penske Truck Leasing, spent her formative years in Vacamonte, Panama. When she first came to the United States with her father, a Sierra Leone native, she was able to lean on two communities at once – her father’s African friends and the fellow Latinas in her English classes – as she adjusted to the different pace of living.

While furthering her education at the University of Delaware, Kamara discovered that her interests in analytics and engineering paired perfectly with her desire to help others overcome their own adversities. In December of her final school year, she joined Penske as a senior rental representative. One month later, in January 2022, she passed her citizenship test. That May, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in operations management and started a new role as a management trainee. She sees the way Penske invests in its associates and is excited for the growth opportunities ahead.

Kamara is uniquely attuned to how diversity affects our professional performance.

“I am passionate about managing all types of people and helping them succeed," she said. "I like to learn from the unique ways each person’s mind works and leverage those differences to improve process flows and make things more efficient for everyone, including the company,” Kamara said.

Kamara’s grateful to her Penske team for making a game of asking one another questions from her citizenship study guide while on the job. The same team organized a surprise party for her the day after she passed her test and became a U.S. citizen.

“I was not expecting it at all,” she said. “Somehow, I was so focused on work that day that they were able to put the decorations up without me noticing. I am so happy and blessed that they thought about me and recognized me like that,” Kamara said.

Michael Brown, Technician II, Atlanta, Georgia – Penske Truck Leasing, emigrated from Jamaica to the United States in 2002. Life wasn’t easy for him during that time. His view of the 2000s is shadowed by many personal struggles. But at the end of those dark times were two shining moments of pride and joy: his marriage to his wife, which granted him a green card after which he “never looked back,” and his career at ������

“The greatest part of all of my struggle – the greatest part – is working for Penske," Brown said. "I just love this job, the people, my team. My momma would say I found me a home here. And she’s right, this is my second home,” Brown said.

His father was a diesel mechanic, and the pair spent Brown’s youth driving around the island, working on trucks together nearly any day he wasn’t in school. “I worked a lot of places before coming to Penske,” Brown said, “and Penske is just the best.”

He’ll never forget when, on his second anniversary with Penske, his supervisor asked him how long he was planning on spending with the company. Brown’s response was, “as long as I’ve got life in my body.”

Years later, it was that very same supervisor, now his district manager, who presented Brown a plaque and heartfelt words of encouragement to commemorate his becoming a U.S. citizen.

Part of Brown’s personal American dream includes aspirations of growing his career with ������ “I am so overjoyed to be an American citizen now. I want to make use of every opportunity I get here. One day, I would love to become a supervisor,” Brown said.

Aurelie Doucette, General Manager, Duluth, Georgia – Penske Logistics, originally from France, acknowledges that she did not face the adversity many other immigrants face. Throughout the majority of her logistics career – which began in 2001 with Transfreight, a company acquired by Penske Logistics in 2015 – she was happy to use her U.S. work visa and French passport to, “work, travel and have the best of both worlds.”

However, as a mother of two teenage daughters, Doucette recently felt compelled to become a U.S. citizen in order to participate in elections.

“It’s important to me to show my daughters that I can use my voice. When they’re old enough, I don’t want them to take their right to vote for granted,” she said.

Since she started her journey to citizenship in the summer, Doucette wasn’t sure she’d be able to participate in November’s midterm elections. However, the process moved at lightning speed – right down to her perfect exam score – thanks in part to her supportive daughters who encouraged her to study until the morning of the test.

To Doucette’s surprise, she was asked to take the oath that very afternoon.

“We were 90 people in that room all together, all from different places with different stories,” she recounted. “We stood and read the oath together – some with translators. You could hear the relief from some people. It was a humbling and moving experience."

She went straight from the ceremony to register to vote.

Doucette’s empathy for the unique stories of those around her is evident in the workplace, too. A tactful and passionate leader, one of the most rewarding parts of her role is helping her team members achieve recognition and success – even when that success means outgrowing the team. Doucette says she approaches each transition with “joy for them and excitement for the opportunity to bring someone new to the Penske family.”

Penske is always looking for talented individuals of all backgrounds to join our team. Visit to explore our current career openings and apply.

By Sarah Althen

Penske associates continue to deliver exceptional customer service.

Regularly going above and beyond in their roles, our associates provide a seamless customer experience. They build strong, lasting connections with customers – keeping them informed and at ease.

From Oct. 3-7, Penske will celebrate Customer Service Week to thank associates at call centers, rental counters and more for all they do to move our customers forward.

Now an international celebration, Customer Service Week celebrates the important role of customer service and recognizes those who deliver it.

In 1992, the U.S. Congress proclaimed Customer Service Week a nationally recognized event, celebrated annually during the first full week in October.

This week, Penske will feature some of our associates who deliver excellent customer service. Follow our social media accounts throughout the week for our spotlight series.

By Nicole Forktus

From Oct. 2-8, Penske Truck Leasing celebrates over 9,000 technicians and customer service representatives (CSRs) during National Technician Appreciation Week.

As the largest truck rental and leasing provider in North America, Penske Truck Leasing attributes growth and success to its associates.

“Our record growth comes without question from having the best technicians and customer service representatives in the industry,” said Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing. “You are the number one reason our customers keep coming back, renewing and adding business with PTL.”

These associates play a pivotal role in moving lives and businesses forward. Their unwavering dedication helps Penske Truck Leasing maintain a fleet of over 390,000 vehicles – all while ensuring our trucks not only meet, but exceed, our customers’ needs.

“I have discussions with our customers on a daily basis regarding our incredible customer service levels,” said Dan O’Boyle, Penske’s executive vice president of field operations. “There is no doubt that the reason we continue to excel in this area is because our technicians and CSRs are the best of the best.”

O’Boyle continues, “Even with all the challenges we have experienced over the last two and half years, you have found a way to persevere without skipping a beat.”

Greg Mangione, senior vice president of maintenance, echoes O’Boyle’s appreciation.

“Today, and every day, we recognize our hardworking technicians and CSRs who continuously go above and beyond in their roles, “said Mangione. “Thank you for everything you do for our customers, each other and our team.”

This week, Penske will feature some of our technicians and CSRs who provide exceptional service.

Follow our social media accounts throughout the week for our spotlight series, and check out our National Technician Appreciation Week Video:

By Nicole Forktus

Cyclists will ride from the in North Carolina to the in Washington, D.C., this week to raise funds for wounded Air Force veterans.

The inaugural (M2M) bike ride will support the Air Force Association’s Wounded Airmen Program, which raises money to care for wounded airmen and women, who selflessly served the country.

Penske is proud to support the ride through a truck use donation to ride organizers, the Air Force Cycling Team (AFCT). The truck will be used to transport gear and luggage during the trip which began Thursday and ends on Sunday, which coincides with the 75^th anniversary of the Air Force.

“We are grateful to ������ When Penske offered the truck, I knew this thing was going to happen,” said Robert "Surf" Beletic, the Air Force Cycling Team’s M2M organizer.

The AFCT will lead the four-day ride which will begin at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Long before their historic flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, ushered in the age of air travel, Orville and Wilbur Wright were bike enthusiasts,

“The Wright brothers themselves were bicyclists, so two bicycle mechanics created the first useable, flyable airplane,” Beletic said. “It is kind of our heritage, so we thought ‘let’s ride from there to the Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C’.”

In addition to honoring the Air Force and Space Force’s shared heritage of flight, the ride’s other goals are to promote fitness, camaraderie and Air Force and Space Force recruitment while raising funds for a great cause.

Participants set off from North Carolina on Thursday and rode 93 miles to Norfolk, Virginia. Today’s leg will take riders north across the Virginia Capital Trail. Riders will break for the evening and dine at the Virginia War Museum.

On Saturday, participants will continue their journey across Virginia before ending their ride on Sunday at the U.S. Air Force Memorial.

Penske’s truck use donation is an important part of the ride's success, Beletic said.

“The truck is the single biggest expense of the ride,” he said. “We need a truck to move luggage each day for 80 to 100 riders. Penske kindly offered a truck to support us,” he said. “It would be a big expense to rent the truck for five days, so we are so very grateful to ������”

By Bernie Mixon

In today’s world, nearly every aspect of daily life is made possible because a truck driver delivered the goods and resources people need. And as our world faced unprecedented challenges throughout the coronavirus pandemic, it was our resilient and committed truck drivers who kept our businesses, grocery stories and hospitals stocked with the essential items needed to keep us safe.

is joining the in recognizing National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) to thank our safe, professional truck drivers.

“The past 24 months have strained supply chains across the world, and our professional drivers have kept our supply chains and our world moving," said Jeff Jackson, executive vice president of dedicated contract carriage operations, Penske Logistics. “Penske is committed to helping our professional drivers move ahead. On behalf of Penske Logistics’ leadership, I’m proud to recognize our drivers for their outstanding efforts and dedication to serving our customers.”

NTDAW, sponsored by the , began on Sunday and continues through Saturday, Sept. 17.

The ATA hosts NTDAW to recognize the 3.6 million professional truck drivers who help to keep highways safe as they deliver goods across the country.

Penske Logistics appreciates the extraordinary contribution of its more than 11,000 safe and professional truck drivers across Canada and the U.S. who help keep the world moving forward.

Last week, the company honored our drivers in Canada as part of National Trucking Week.

And as society adjusts to a new normal, the contributions and commitment of Penske Logistics’ safe, professional drivers continue to keep the world and its supply chains moving forward.

To recognize the contributions of Penske drivers in Canada, Penske Logistics joins with the Canadian Trucking Alliance in celebrating National Trucking Week, which began on Sunday and continues through Saturday, Sept. 10.

The CTA joined with provincial trucking associations across Canada to create National Trucking Week to highlight the contributions made by 400,000 Canadians – among them thousands of truck drivers – whose work in the trucking industry helps keep the Canadian economy moving.

"On behalf of Penske Logistics’ leadership, I want to thank our professional drivers for their herculean efforts they displayed over the past two years," said Jeff Jackson, executive vice president of dedicated contract carriage operations, Penske Logistics. “Penske is committed to helping our safe, professional drivers move ahead, and we’re proud to recognize our drivers for their outstanding efforts and dedication to serving our customers.”

Penske Logistics appreciates the extraordinary contribution of its more than 11,200 safe, professional truck drivers across Canada and the U.S. who help keep the world moving forward.

Drivers in the U.S. will be the focus of a similar celebration next week.

National Truck Driver Appreciation week begins Sunday, Sept. 11, and continues through Saturday, Sept. 17, sponsored by the .

Like many college students, Michaela Rosenberger searched for an internship that could provide real-world experience and a culture that would embrace professional development.

Rosenberger, a rising junior at West Chester University, said she found that and more as part of the . “From my very first day, everyone was so welcoming,” said Rosenberger, an intern with Penske Logistics. “I can’t imagine having a better first internship.”

As the internship program drew to a close this week, Rosenberger, and other interns, reminisced about their experiences at Penske’s corporate campus in suburban Reading, Pennsylvania.

Penske welcomed interns back to the corporate campus for the first time since 2019. The program was paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. This year’s class included 56 interns from nearly two dozen colleges and universities across Canada and the U.S.

“Interns are a diverse group of professionals that bring fresh thinking and innovation to the corporation each year we hold the program,” said Ashley Bilinski, corporate human resources manager. “This program benefits the students because it provides them with a real-life corporate experience and exposes them to real-life work they can expect to encounter post-graduation.”

“It was also the first year we were able to give the interns a hybrid work experience,” Bilinski said. “Having the internship program back was a great way to support the business as well as give students the opportunity to dive into a real-life work setting.”

From Classroom to Corporate Experience

The students worked in a variety of roles in departments across Penske Logistics and Penske Truck Leasing including Remarketing, IT, Finance, Human Resources, Vehicle Supply, Marketing, Penske Technology and Education Center, Operational Excellence, Maintenance, Dedicated Contract Carriage and Transportation Support Services.

Applicants for the internship program must be full-time college students pursuing a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and entering their junior or senior year. Completion of some core curriculum classes is preferred.

This year’s intern class represented the following colleges and universities:

Ontario, Canada: and

California:

Delaware:

Florida:

New Jersey:

New York: ,

Ohio:

Pennsylvania: , , , ,

, , , ,

and

For Joe Albert, who grew up in Pennsylvania, his internship experience in the Corporate Finance Department provided an opportunity to learn more about Penske, a familiar hometown brand with a global reach.

“Penske offers so many different career paths,” said Albert, a rising senior at Penn State University. “Penske is a huge company, but it seems like a small company because everyone is so nice.”

Driving Community Service

In addition, the interns were able to express their dedication to community service by participating in volunteer activities and hosting fundraisers to benefit non-profit organizations.

“Community service is a key component of the intern experience. This year, the interns volunteered at Berks County Youth Corp, Olivet Boys and Girls club, as well as hosted two ‘dine and donate’ events,” Bilinski said.

The opportunity to give back to the community helped to bring the internship experience full circle for Annam Rihan, a Corporate Human Resources intern.

“I have always had a need to help people, and I think that is why I am in Human resources to begin with, said Rihan, a senior at West Chester University. “HR is all about helping other people.”

For students considering Penske as a potential internship destination, Bilinski offered this snapshot.

“Penske offers a robust program that not only immerses you into a corporate setting and gives you a feel for what you can expect walking into a career, but it also offers an abundance of networking, community service, and professional development opportunities,” Bilinski said.

Interested in an internship with Penske in 2023? Visit to apply for an internship of your choice. Applications will be accepted in early 2023.

By Bernie Mixon

Athletes from across the country are meeting in Arizona this week for the 2022 Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which features competition in more than 20 sports.

Penske is a proud supporter of the Wheelchair Games and donated trucks to assist organizers with their transportation and logistical needs for the event.

Hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and PVA, the 41^st Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports event for military veterans, opened on Thursday in Tempe and continues through Tuesday, July 12.

“We are proud to support our veterans who have given so much to us,” said Kevin Kleckner, director of national consumer sales and programs for Penske Truck Leasing.

Penske donated four trucks and two flatbeds to support the transportation needs for the event.

“To have a partner that is willing to say, ‘we will give you whatever you need in trucking and logistics,’ that is huge for us, and we couldn’t be more thankful,” said Jennifer Purser, senior associate director of sports and recreation for the PVA.

A Legacy of Adaptive Sports

Launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1981, the first Wheelchair Games had seven events and 77 athletes. PVA joined with the VA in 1985 to help expand the event and provide an opportunity for more veterans to participate.

The Wheelchair Games is open to all U.S. veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition.

“Part of the reason why we came on, other than it was a great sporting event, was to help increase the population of wheelchair veterans who participate in the games,” Purser said. “Now we have over 500 veterans who participate.”

This year’s games will feature a mix of 22 events contested over six days and offer a mix of virtual and on-site events. Some of the sports include adaptive fitness, adaptive e-sports, basketball, disc golf, powerlifting, softball, table tennis and team badminton.

While the games are at heart a professional sporting event, the impact is far-reaching for the participants.

“Whether you are a novice or an experienced veteran, you are continuously building your support system and meeting other people who have similar injuries and similar challenges,” Purser said. “Our veterans come out of the games with friends for life and people they can count on beyond the wheelchair games.”

“That camaraderie is important, and you see it when you get to the games. It is like a family reunion. People miss each other. They know each other’s stories. They know each other’s families,” she said. “They’ve spent time outside of the games. All of that goes back to supporting the rehabilitation piece and that healthy, productive lifestyle.”

Driving the Penske and PVA Partnership

For nearly a decade, Penske has been a proud supporter of the PVA and its work on behalf of paralyzed military veterans.

Penske Truck Rental joined with the PVA nine years ago to create the #OneWay4PVA campaign, which encourages rental customers to donate $1 to Paralyzed Veterans’ Mission: ABLE campaign.

In April, Penske Truck Leasing was honored with the PVA’s Partner of the Year Award in recognition of the company’s ongoing support. The award was presented at the PVA 75th Anniversary Gala held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“Penske has been a great partner to PVA Sports and the Wheelchair Games,” Purser said. “To have Penske come in and support what we are doing, it’s huge. It allows us to take that funding and move it to purchasing equipment, jerseys or other support that needs to go into the games.”

For Penske’s Kleckner, the company’s support provided to the PVA is another step in deepening the strong bond between the two organizations to honor the service and sacrifice of paralyzed veterans on behalf of the nation.

“These people have become our friends,” Kleckner said of the PVA. “There is a deep emotional connection, and we want to serve that friendship’s evolution.”

By Bernie Mixon

Penske Logistics’ warehouse associates play an important role to help keep our supply chains – and world – moving.

To recognize the hard work of these men and women, Penske Logistics is celebrating Warehouse Associate Appreciation Week from June 13-19.

The role of warehouse associates has been even more important during the past two years, as the demand for goods rose to record levels. Warehouse associates have continuously worked to keep businesses, homes and hospitals stocked with the necessary groceries, goods and equipment we need to succeed and survive.

“Our strength at Penske is our people,” said Peter Bayer, Penske Logistics’ senior vice president of operations, distribution center management. “You are a fantastic example of our Penske values: passionately personal, dedicated to excellence and value fresh thinking.”

Penske Logistics employs more than 6,430 warehouse associates in 23 U.S. states and five countries. While their roles may differ, each plays an important part in moving tons of goods across Penske's 30.2 million square feet of warehouse space.

“I'd like to thank all of our warehouse men and women for everything they do day in and day out,” said Marc Althen, president, Penske Logistics. “Your hard work and dedication not only helps to ensure that our customers’ supply chains run smoothly, but you also help to ensure that Penske Logistics has a successful future.”

“Thank you for your commitment to our team and our customers,” Bayer added. “Your efforts make our good team better. You inspire me every day, and I'm exceptionally proud to be your teammate.”

Check out this short Warehouse Associate Appreciation Week thank-you video.

More than 5,500 Special Olympics athletes and coaches will gather at venues across Orlando this week to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

Penske Truck Rental is proud to partner with the Games by donating trucks to assist with the logistics of facilitating and operating the events and to cheer on the athletes as they live out their Olympic dreams.

“Penske is proud to assist the USA Games in fulfilling its mission to provide an Olympic experience that celebrates the abilities and talents of children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Kevin Malloy, senior vice president of Penske Truck Rental.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and the world’s largest public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities.

The Games, which began on Sunday and continue through June 12, provide opportunities to participate in 19 sports and celebrate inclusiveness and acceptance. This year’s athletes range in age from 16 to 60.

David Zimmerman, director of operations for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, described the Penske partnership as vital to the success of the Games.

“Penske is a very reputable company and exemplifies the values of the Special Olympics and the USA Games. The team aligned with us to help us host the largest ever Games in history and share the mission of supporting inclusiveness in our communities,” Zimmerman said.

Special Olympics

Moved by the unfair treatment people with intellectual disabilities often faced, Eunice Kennedy Shriver was inspired to create Special Olympics to provide special needs children with a place to play.

Founded in 1968, the Special Olympics grew from a competition for 1,000 people to a worldwide movement with a goal to provide year-round sports training and Olympic-style competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Organizers hope the 2022 USA Games will expand understanding of the Special Olympics while promoting acceptance of individuals with intellectual abilities in communities, schools, and workplaces across the U.S.

Sixty-seven delegations from across the U.S. and the Caribbean are expected to take part in the games. More than 125,000 families, friends and spectators will be there to cheer on the athletes.

The Games’ footprint spans across 10 different venues including some of Orlando’s signature sports attractions: the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World, the USTA National Campus, Orange County National Golf Center, Rosen Aquatic Center, Boardwalk Bowl, and Osceola Heritage Park.

Athletes are expected to compete in the following sports: athletics, baseball, basketball, bocce, cheerleading, cycling, equestrian, flag football, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, soccer, standup paddleboard, swimming, surfing and tennis.

Partnerships and Volunteers Drive Games Success

Preparation for the 2022 Games began nearly four years ago, and the local organizing committee in Orlando has created corporate partnerships and recruited nearly 12,000 volunteers to execute the Games.

Penske’s Orlando District has been working closely with Zimmerman to make sure the USA Games were provided with the right number of units needed throughout the Games.

“The trucks will be used to move supplies and equipment from a 30,000-square foot warehouse to all the venues and eventually back to the warehouse after the Games. This includes the sporting equipment, volunteer supplies, logistics supplies and much more,” Zimmerman said.

“The trucks were recently used to deliver the swag (water bottles, T-shirts, hats, etc.) from the warehouse to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the volunteer orientation session,” he said.

Zimmerman credited Michael Phillips, assistant district manager, and Holly Rohan, branch rental manager, for their quick response to the Games’ needs.

“Michael and Holly have been so responsive and supportive ensuring we meet our needs and goals,” Zimmerman said. “We have the perfect number of trucks to make the most efficient number of deliveries possible.”

“The capabilities of the trucks Penske provided to us is immense,” he said. “We have cargo vans that let us do the quick short runs. The 16-foot trucks with the cargo lift on the back and the 26-foot trucks allow us to concentrate on the big moves.”

Beyond providing trucks to the organization, Phillips, Rohan and others hosted a driver safety event for volunteers to familiarize them with operating commercial vehicles as well as providing some safety tips.

Left to right: Holly Rohan, Branch Rental Manager; Dana Hunt, Consumer Development Manager; and Michael Phillips, Assistant District Manager.

Associates from the Orlando District – some 10 to 20 strong – will serve as “Fans in the Stands” throughout the week as the athletes compete.

“We will bring the energy to make sure they know that people are there to support them,” Phillips said.

Military spouses navigate the intersection of keeping their families strong and supporting active duty loved ones whose military service helps to keep the country safe.

The often unsung contributions of military spouses were in the spotlight today, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, thanks to Support Military Families (SMF), which hosted socially distant celebrations in North Carolina complete with care packages for spouses and children.

Penske Truck Rental provided the use of three trucks, while associates in the company’s corporate office in Pennsylvania contributed handwritten and often poignant messages which were included in the spouses’ care packages.

“The encouragement the care packages give to military spouses and their little ones is so deeply appreciated, but clearly beyond appreciation, I believe there is a tremendous need that we are filling,” said Diane Rumley, who, along with her husband Dr. Steven Rumley, founded SMF in 2010.

At the end of today’s events in Fayetteville, Jacksonville and Goldsboro, North Carolina, SMF will have distributed 2,000 care packages – 1,000 each for spouses and their children – to benefit the families of Army and Navy personnel and Marines.

Since 2010, SMF has donated 82,000 care packages to military spouses and children, and every care package has been delivered by a Penske rental truck.

Honoring Service on the Homefront

In 1984, then-President Ronald Reagan set aside the Friday before Mother’s Day as a day to remember the service of military spouses to the nation.

“President Reagan understood the very important role military spouses play in keeping our nation safe and keeping our service members being able to do their job, because they know their husband or their wife is doing what needs to be done at home,” Mrs. Rumley said.

Often, that service on the home front comes at a cost.

“The majority of military spouses are living away from their normal built-in support system any family would have. They are living in a new town, and they don’t have the resources you and I don’t think about,” Mrs. Rumley said. “They serve double-duty and they never complain about it. They do it selflessly and in many cases seamlessly.”

The Rumleys created the non-profit SMF with a goal to provide every U.S. military spouse with an appreciation care package as a way to thank military spouses for their sacrifices.

“Our whole mission is to show them God’s love, and I think somehow the spouses know it,” Mrs. Rumley said. “They know we are genuine and what we are giving them is a gift from the heart, that they are appreciated as is their servicemember husband or wife, and we understand.”

That first year, in 2010, Mrs. Rumley remembers packing up a Penske van with 35 shoeboxes, filled and donated by caring individuals, and delivering them to in Goldsboro.

“Every time we give them a care package, it lets them know we see your sacrifices. You are not forgotten. On behalf of all of us, thank you for what you are doing,” Mrs. Rumley said.

Penske is a founding partner of SMF, and the relationship has been vital to the evolution of the non-profit and its mission.

“There is something so wonderful about going into the Penske rental location and feeling like we are partnered with not only a major corporation but the heart of people who care and who understand what we are doing and who agree that the spouses deserve this kind of recognition,” Mrs. Rumley said. “Penske is a company with a heart.”

Proud Military Supporter

The support for military spouses and SMF’s mission is just one aspect of Penske’s support and appreciation for active-duty military and veterans.

Penske is committed to hiring veterans and was named a 2022 Military-Friendly Employer by Victory Media, the publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine.

In addition to hiring, the company is proud to partner with and support military-friendly organizations, including

To assist with military moves, Penske Truck Rental established a specialized in 2014 to help reduce the stress of do-it-yourself moves for military families.

The appreciation for the military extends to associates who paused again this year to write inspirational messages of appreciation for military spouses and their children.

Of all the gifts in the care packages, the handwritten thank you cards are the most cherished item, according to Mrs. Rumley.

“The handwritten thank you notes are the most treasured item in the entire care package because the spouses get to read in someone else’s writing thank you for your service to our country we appreciate what you are doing,” she said.

“I have seen many spouses cry when they read their cards,” Mrs. Rumley said. “The heart knows the genuine appreciation of the words that are written and are so impactful to the spouses.”

In December, SMF will host a holiday care package event for military spouses and their children.

By Bernie Mixon

Any former student knows that the months leading up to graduation can be just as daunting as they are exciting. On one hand, there is the pride and relief that floods in as the finish line appears; on the other, there is a looming sense of time ticking down as the job search begins. Add to that the pressure of finding your way in a brand-new career path, and the whole time period can quickly become very overwhelming. Penske collision repair centers are on a mission to change that.

Together with technical schools like Lincoln Tech, Penske’s apprentice initiative is fostering the next generation of technicians. Interested students work part-time at Penske collision repair centers during their downtime from class, boosting their studies and setting them up for success upon graduation.

“Apprenticeship gives students the time to grow without worrying about learning everything all at once. Once they graduate, they hit the ground as a full-time technician in our shop," explained Paul Townes, Body Shop Manager at Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania.

To date, Townes has had six apprentices come through his location, and all six have grown their careers with ������ Because tech school curriculums cannot fully encompass the specialized tools or training needed for work in heavy duty collision repair, a huge part of these students’ success is the support they find at ������ As Townes says, “the whole shop comes together to develop and support the apprentices.”

Former and current apprentices at the Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania location. L to R: Jayvon Blackston (Tech III), Nhac Kim (Tech III), Raudy Abreu (Tech III), Naim McCall-Hampton (Tech III), Luis De Leon (apprentice), Edwin Harris (apprentice).

Michael Greene, Body Shop Manager at Annapolis Junction, Maryland, speaks to the strong sense of community and “environment of acceptance” he’s also experienced at ������

“I couldn’t be more grateful for how team-oriented we are here. Since the students lack experience, when I interview candidates, I focus on attitude and finding a good fit for my team," Greene said. "We leverage our other techs and supervisors for training; the whole team reassures them and rids them of any fear as they learn and grow. Most of our technicians started out the same way, so they are eager to pay it forward.”

Michael Greene

For many tech school students, becoming a successful technician is their ultimate career goal. For those individuals, Penske’s apprentice initiative puts them on a fast-track to actualizing their dreams. For others like Body Shop Manager Robin Coto, being a technician is only one step in a long and varied career in the industry. For Coto, what started as a love for collision repair developed into a series of promotions and career jumps he’d never imagined – including hiring his Houston South, Texas, shop's first apprentices.

“I knew from the beginning that I wanted to grow with the company, but I never thought that I’d be where I’m at now. I would do it all over again – go to technical school and start out at the bottom," Coto said. "The opportunity to grow into the positions I’ve held and to learn everything that I’ve learned has proven invaluable. I didn’t think I’d make it this far, and that’s very exciting for all the new apprentices coming in: when they look at me, they can see that there’s always room to grow at ������”

Townes, whose first job out of college was as a management trainee with Penske Truck Rental, has a similar story of growth. He sees it echoed in his shop’s apprentices.

“For some of these kids, we’re the first body shop to give them a chance. It’s part of the Penske culture – look at my career or anyone else’s here – we’re not hiring lead technicians or looking for people who already know everything," Townes said. "We want to grow talent from within. I tell these students, ‘we’ll do everything we can to see you succeed because we’re a team and your growth helps us grow.’”

Paul Townes

While developing new talent is a big undertaking, Penske associates aren’t afraid to put in the extra effort. Greene speaks to the long-lasting advantages of fostering new and aspiring technicians.

“The individuals coming in aren’t starting with any bad habits from previous shops, so we’re able to develop them in the right direction using the proper methods," Greene explained. "We never take short-cuts that could lessen the quality of repairs. It is rewarding because you see how hard work pays off – both on our end and theirs.”

Reward is a common thread for everyone involved in these apprenticeship initiatives. Robin, who grew up in an economically disadvantaged area, shares just how personally meaningful his role is in these students’ lives.

“From growing up where I did to being able to get where I’ve gotten at ������.. I just think about how many other kids don’t have the money or the means to go to a four-year college and instead go the technical school route," Coto said. "You can make a very good living working in a Penske collision repair center, so for me to be able to go into these schools and offer someone the opportunity to start a lifelong career with us is incredibly rewarding for me.”

Penske is always looking for talented individuals to join our team. View our current list of job openings .

By Sarah Althen

Tennessee’s tree population – weakened by a series of challenges both natural and man-made – will receive a much-needed boost thanks in part

Nearly 75,000 baby trees will be planted across the state on Saturday as part of the ’s eighth statewide (TTD).

Seven Penske rental trucks transported the seedlings to holding areas in 10 locations across the state, where they will wait to be claimed by about 15,000 volunteers who will plant the baby trees in yards, farms and other locations.

“Tennessee Tree Day is enormously popular. I am amazed that every year thousands of new people come to participate. There is no end to the well of interested people who want to plant trees,” said Jeff Barrie, CEO of the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing public awareness about the value of trees and their contribution to the health of the environment.

Benefits of a Healthy Tree Population

Fast beyond their aesthetic value, trees enrich the environment and add value to communities. Trees provide shade that helps cool communities, making it a more pleasant experience for those living in them.

“We also know that trees produce a significant amount of oxygen that enable animals and humans to live,” Barrie said. “We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, and trees do the opposite. It is a great symbiotic relationship upon which all life depends.”

In addition, trees help with stormwater runoff during flooding. “We like for people to plant trees near waterways for that reason,” said Cynthia Hernandez, Tennessee Tree Program Manager.

In recent years, ice storms, tornadoes and housing development have all impacted the tree canopy in Tennessee. “The natural disasters alone are the leading cause of tree death and tree loss,” Barrie said. “We think at the very least we need to do our part to replace the trees that have been lost.”

Driving Community Service

This is the third year that Penske’s Nashville location has provided trucks for Tennessee Tree Day. The trucks were loaded up this week with 15,000 trees each for transport to locations across the state. It’s the equivalent of 170 acres of tree canopy being transported in each Penske truck, Barrie said.

Penske truck delivers 10,000 trees to Evergreen Nursery in Johnson City, Tennessee.

The trucks have played an important role in the success of TTD.

“Penske, for the past three years, has been very generous in supporting the event by an in-kind contribution of trucks,” Barrie said. “It makes our event possible. It would be much more expensive if we didn’t have that support from ������”

Volunteers will plant 12 tree species native to Tennessee: Bald Cyprus, Eastern Redbud, Gray Dogwood, Hybrid Chestnut, Northern Red Oak, Nuttall Oak, Pawpaw, Pecan, Red Mulberry, Shagbark Hickory, Shellbark Hickory, Virginia Pine and Wild Plum.

The trees are bare-root seedlings, which means they have no soil at the root. The seedlings are kept in bags during the transport process to protect them during the trip to one of 10 hubs across the state.

While young trees are more resilient, and weather the transport and transplanting process better, it is important to plant the seedlings as soon as they are removed from the bag to prevent their roots from drying out.

Impact on Future Generations

TEC has aided in the planting of nearly 742,000 trees across Tennessee since 2007 and the nonprofit has a goal of planting a million trees by 2025.

When mature, the tree planting will result in 8,500 acres of new tree canopy providing wildlife and pollinator habitat, 11 million tons of carbon dioxide captured, 26 billion gallons of rainwater filtered, and oxygen produced for more than 2 million Tennessee residents every year, according to TEC.

Yet, another important benefit is planting a seed of conservation in the minds of the next generation of Tennessee residents.

“The greatest thing is families will watch the trees grow as their kids grow. And those trees will be on their property for decades and perhaps generations,” Barrie said. “They will reap the benefits of the trees they plant.”

“One of the best ways people can help the environment and the community is to plant a tree,” Barrie said. “Penske makes it doable and affordable for us to do this for thousands of people in Tennessee, so we greatly appreciate the support.”

Visit for more information about the event.

By Bernie Mixon

On Thursday, and long-time partner Freightliner, part of Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), made history by using the pre-production, fully-electric Freightliner eCascadia semi-truck to pull a full-sized Team Penske racecar hauler to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum ahead of this weekend’s Clash event.

The electric semi-truck pulled the trailer from a Penske Truck Leasing (PTL) location in Ontario, Calif. to the inaugural race at the L.A. Coliseum as part of Freightliner’s primary sponsorship of the No. 2 Freightliner eCascadia Ford driven by NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year contender Austin Cindric. The eCascadia will remain on display throughout race weekend to give fans a firsthand look at the battery-electric truck.

“Team Penske has been evolving with Freightliner since 1984,” said Team Penske Transportation Director Chris Yoder, who oversees 20 Freightliner trucks at the team’s Mooresville, N.C. headquarters and piloted the eCascadia during the historic drive. “I think it’s safe to say we’ve operated every model road tractor Freightliner has produced since 1984. Yesterday’s trip with the eCascadia will mark the pinnacle of our partnership. Together we’ve innovated and developed on the ground floor and this trip is symbolic of the next journey we plan to take together, a carbon-neutral future with a focus on sustainability.”

“At Freightliner, we’re driven to deliver purposeful innovation for our customers and there’s a tremendous sense of pride to see the innovative all-electric Freightliner eCascadia used by our longstanding partners at Team Penske to make racing history. We look forward to cheering them on this weekend,” said Mary Aufdemberg, general manager, product strategy and market development, DTNA.

The eCascadia used by Team Penske is part of the Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet, which includes 20 in operation by PTL and its customers. The fleet began operation in 2019 and was supported by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), which focuses on improving air quality in the South Coast Basin of Southern California and partially funded the project.

“We’re committed to leading our industry in the transition to commercial electric vehicles and providing increasingly more sustainable truck options to our customers,” said Art Vallely, President of Penske Truck Leasing. “We continue to test new and innovative vehicles in our fleet, and we have been impressed with the performance of these Freightliner vehicles.”

To date, PTL has accumulated over 480,000 miles of use on the trucks, providing DTNA valuable feedback for the final series production coming in late 2022. The two companies share a passion for long-term sustainability and carbon neutrality, making the development process even more meaningful with Team Penske ready to author the next chapter in an incredibly successful partnership on the racetrack.

A leader in global transportation systems, PTL constructed a charging infrastructure across six locations in California. Technology partners also involved in this project included Team Penske sponsors such as Shell, Hitachi, and Siemens. Currently, PTL operates 10 Freightliner eCascadia day cab tractors and 10 Freightliner eM2 fully electric box trucks running regular routes to customers around Southern California with a focus forward on sustainability.

Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Freightliner eCascadia Ford team kick off the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season on Sunday with the inaugural running of The Clash, an exhibition run inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on a specially designed and constructed quarter-mile track inside the iconic venue.

Among the constants in Adrianne Hawthorne’s life has been her desire to bring her artistic vision to life in a splash of vibrant colors.

While the graphic designer for Google dreamed of showcasing her art for others to enjoy, it wasn’t until she turned a Penske rental truck into a pop-up shop that her dream came true.

Now, the Chicago artist has a boutique of her own that she uses to showcase her work, as well as the work of other artists, to pay it forward and help them live out their artistic dreams.

“It worked out because having the Penske truck showed me that I could do it,” Hawthorne said. “The truck fueled my desire to curate a boutique.”

Do-It-Yourself Inspiration

Hawthorne had been living in California for a while when she began to long for the Windy City and the familiar places back home. So, she packed up her apartment and made the cross-country move to Chicago.

She was unemployed for a time, and she felt the need to be creative. So, she took on a 100-day project dedicated to creating something each day.

With each piece, she began to amass a body of work, which she decided to show in her apartment. “A bunch of people came and bought the art, and I realized I can be an artist who actually made money,” Hawthorne said.

After the success of the apartment art show, Hawthorne and her boyfriend were driving in Chicago when she spotted a yellow Penske truck in traffic. Then the idea came to her: Why not have a pop-up art showing in a Penske rental truck?

“When I told him my idea, he thought I was nuts, but I said, ‘Think about it. It’s a small space. Most people use rental trucks to move things. How cool and unexpected would it be?” Hawthorne said.

Penske Pop Up

It was different from the craft shows she was participating in to show her art. She called her Penske truck show “PenskePozz,” a play on words that had special meaning for her.

Her brand, was created in 2018 and named after two imaginary friends she had as a child called Ponno and Pozzer.

“I named my business after them as a tribute to my younger and creative self who was not inhibited by anything,” she said. “When I got older, I started to worry about what people thought, and I didn’t blossom until recently. It’s all about going back to your younger creative truth.”

With the name for the pop-up fresh in hand, her next step was to make preparations for her art show.

“The trucks are yellow, which is one of my brand colors, and I love that the trucks have that clear roof so the light can come in,” Hawthorne said. “It was perfect. I loved it.”

View of the Penske rental truck turned pop-up art show venue.Photo courtesy of Mark Ukena.

After renting the truck from her local Home Depot, Hawthorne drove it home empty, but it did not stay that way for long.

“Basically, I put hooks along the center panel in that truck, and I hung paintings,” Hawthorne said. “I put a rug and a folding table in there. I had fabric samples because I do fabric design, and I had my prints for sale in little baskets.”

“Some people would actually walk up to the truck and browse the prints without getting in, but a lot of people wanted to get into the truck because you could look at all of the artwork that way,” she said.

That experience taught Hawthorne more than the value of her artwork. It stoked her dream to have her own art space.

“It was so much fun to decorate the truck and have my own baby boutique for one day,” Hawthorne said. “It was enough to finally push me over the edge and rent a studio. It showed me that I could do it and people would come out for it.”

From Pop Up to Ponnopozz

Fresh from the success of the PenskePozz pop up, Hawthorne moved ahead with finding a space for her art boutique. She didn’t have to go far.

On the day of the pop up, she noticed a small, 400-square foot basement studio for rent. It was the perfect place for her art.

Hawthorne describes her creative style as colorful maximalism, a mix of mostly bright and some muted colors. “Sometimes I paint abstract forms of plants but in maximalism. It is very detailed with lots of layers. I believe more is more,” she said with a laugh.

“I see pallets of color in my head all of the time, so I try to paint those. When you are an abstract artist, you don’t have to paint a person or something, you can paint the colors and shapes,” Hawthorne said. “Color is what inspires me always.”

She opened her Ponnopozz boutique in November 2019 – just a few months after the Penske pop-up show. “I always thought curating a boutique would be fun because you would be in total control of what you want someone to experience,” Hawthorne said.

Hawthorne’s boutique is awash with bright, cheerful colors. In addition to her own work, Hawthorne also carries work from a local business or artist.

“I love to focus on female-owned or black-owned businesses. I have candles in here, soap and mugs and tea and purses, and things I didn’t actually make,” Hawthorne said. “They are from people I met doing shows and other people I came across. I didn’t want it to be a store with just my work in it. I wanted to showcase other artists and other makers as well.”

Hawthorne pictured inside her current location.Photo courtesy of Amy Lynn Straub.

Recently, she moved into a larger location across the street from her first boutique and where she parked the Penske truck for her pop-up.

As Hawthorne reminisced about her journey, she credited Penske’s role in making her dream of owning her own art boutique come true.

“Having nice trucks with roofs that allow light to come through and allowing for uses in ways other than just moving boxes, it gave me my canvas,” Hawthorne said.

By Bernie Mixon

Committed to helping veterans move forward, Penske was recently named a 2022 Military-Friendly Employer. This honor recognizes companies that have remained steadfast in creating employment opportunities for veterans.

The list was established by VIQTORY nearly two decades ago. VIQTORY, which publishes G.I. Jobs and Military Spouses magazines, links the military community to civilian opportunities.

Penske is proud to be among 308 employers to earn the Military-Friendly Employer designation. In the past year, veterans represented nearly 9% of all Penske new hires – a testament to Penske's robust support to veterans and veteran organizations.

Since 2003, the Military-Friendly lists have set the standard for organizations to provide the best opportunities for veterans and military spouses.

"Penske is proud and honored to have earned the silver Military-Friendly Designation for 2022," said Nikita Rhodes, vice president for diversity and inclusion at ������ "This designation is important because it highlights to associates, customers and suppliers that Penske is committed to the military community."

Rhodes continued, "We recognize the hard work, dedication and perseverance that veterans bring to ������ While these characteristics are important to our organization year-round, they are especially important on Veterans Day. That's why we take time to recognize and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. We couldn't be more proud and grateful for the more than 1,700 veterans that we currently employ as part of our Penske family."

Driving Military Recruitment

Penske actively recruits veterans by promoting employment opportunities in military publications, on veterans' job boards, and through exclusive partnerships with military-friendly organizations such as , , , , VetCentral, , , Corporate America Supports You, and Bradley-Morris, Inc.

Penske has teamed up with Veteran Recruiting (VR) and other leading employers to support the VetFriendly Jobs Initiative to hire or train 100,000 veterans by 2020.

The company was one of many that joined efforts with VR to support the White House Joining Forces Initiative, which led to the hiring of 170,000 veterans between 2011 and 2016.

Military-Friendly Organization Supporter

In addition to hiring, the company is proud to partner with and support military-friendly organizations, including

, a division of Penske Truck Leasing, joined with Paralyzed Veterans eight years ago to create the #OneWay4PVA campaign, which encourages rental customers to donate $1 to Paralyzed Veterans Mission: ABLE campaign.

The generosity of one-way customers and Penske donations on all one-way moves have resulted in more than $3 million for Paralyzed Veterans.

Penske associates regularly volunteer for organizations that support and honor our troops and veterans, like the Paul R. Gordon Veteran Social Center of Berks County in Reading, Pennsylvania.

In addition, Penske offers discounts on truck rentals for active military members and veterans when reserving one-way truck rentals online.

Both Penske Truck Leasing and Penske Logistics offer a wide range of career opportunities, including truck fleet maintenance technicians, truck drivers, fleet maintenance supervisors, operations management roles, as well as logistics and supply chain operations roles and many others.

Visit for more information on career opportunities.

By "Move Ahead" Staff

As a child, Michael Kegerise marveled as adults recalled his family's legacy of military service, which predated the Civil War.

"I always knew I would regret not serving in the military, so I enlisted while in college," said Kegerise, enterprise facility services project engineer at Penske's corporate office in Reading, Pennsylvania.

After serving 11 years with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Captain Kegerise recently took off his uniform for the final time as he ended his military service and added his name to Penske's long list of military veterans.

This month, the organization paused to honor the service and sacrifice of military veterans in recognition of National Veterans and Military Families Month. Today, associates from across the corporate campus joined in celebrating Veterans Day by thanking colleagues for their military service.

"Penske is proud to support our veterans and active-duty military, and we thank them for their service on behalf of our nation and our citizens," said Sarah Smith, senior vice president of Human Resources.

"Veterans and active-duty military bring key skills and capabilities that enhance our truck leasing and logistics businesses: leadership, teamwork and problem solving, to name a few," Smith said. "Their contributions have helped move our company and our industry forward."

Driving Military Recruitment

Penske was named a 2021 Military Friendly Employer in recognition of the company's commitment to creating employment opportunities for veterans.

"We are proud to honor the dedication and sacrifice of veterans in service to our country," said Ron Schwartz, vice president of staffing. "We are equally as proud to hire and employ veterans as well as active National Guard and Reserve members."

The company actively recruits veterans by promoting employment opportunities in military publications, on veterans' job boards, and through exclusive partnerships with military-friendly organizations, such as , , , , VetCentral, , , Corporate America Supports You, and Bradley-Morris, Inc.

Penske has teamed up with Veteran Recruiting (VR) and other leading employers to support the VetFriendly Jobs Initiative to hire or train 100,000 veterans by 2020.

The company was one of many that joined efforts with VR to support the White House Joining Forces Initiative, which led to the hiring of 170,000 veterans between 2011 and 2016.

Military-Friendly Organization Supporter

In addition to hiring, the company is proud to partner with and support military-friendly organizations, including and Families.

joined with Paralyzed Veterans seven years ago to create the #OneWay4PVA campaign, which encourages rental customers to donate $1 to Paralyzed Veterans Mission: ABLE campaign.

Penske associates regularly volunteer for organizations that support and honor our troops and veterans, like the Paul R. Gordon Veteran Social Center of Berks County in Reading, Pennsylvania.

In addition, Penske offers on truck rentals for active military members and veterans when reserving one-way truck rentals online.

Both Penske Truck Leasing and Penske Logistics offer a wide range of career opportunities, including truck fleet maintenance technicians, truck drivers, fleet maintenance supervisors, operations management roles, as well as logistics and supply chain operations roles and many others.

Visit for more information on career opportunities.

By Bernie Mixon

From the time he was four years old, Joe Dezotell knew he wanted to grow up to become a soldier and serve his country.

Now, the retired U.S. Army veteran helps military families navigate the challenges of military moves as a Rental Support Coordinator with Penske Truck Rental's specialized .

Created in 2014, the call center is staffed by associates who understand the challenges of military moves, which helps them to reduce the stress for military families.

"It is a specialized team of Penske associates who all have a direct connection to the military from either their own service or a direct family member's service," Dezotell said. "You have someone who understands your needs and can help relate to you better to make sure this goes as flawlessly as possible."

Thousands of military families move each year either through a government-arranged move, where a contractor packs and ships their items, or through a Personal Procured Move (PPM) – formerly known as a DITY or do-it-yourself move.

For families choosing a PPM move – where the customer arranges to rent a truck to move their items – Penske's Military Call Center team can help.

"Our associates understand the special needs that go with a military move as far as how to weigh the vehicle, load it and unload it, and the need to save all of their receipts for their reimbursements from the government," Dezotell said. "Whether it is someone doing their first PPM move or their eighth or ninth one, we are there to guide them."

That guidance includes helping military families through the emotions of saying goodbye to family and friends and heading to a new destination with unfamiliar surroundings. "You have to understand the emotions that go along with that. It can be unsettling for the family," Dezotell said.

A military move – just like other household moves – provides key family time that can be used for activities, including sightseeing along the journey.

"We always tried to make it an adventure as we moved," Dezotell said. "We'd try to see something we would normally not have the opportunity to see."

Once arriving at the destination, military families – especially arriving on military installations – should prepare to receive a warm welcome and many helping hands.

"The loading and unloading tends to be easier for military members, especially if they are on base. Every time we moved on base, even though the neighbors didn't know who we were, we backed that truck up and everybody would come out and help," Dezotell said.

Penske is a proud supporter of the military, both active duty, reserves and veterans.

, a division of Penske Truck Leasing, joined with Paralyzed Veterans eight years ago to create the #OneWay4PVA campaign, which encourages rental customers to donate $1 to Paralyzed Veterans Mission: ABLE campaign.

Penske associates regularly volunteer for organizations that support and honor our troops and veterans, like the Paul R. Gordon Veteran Social Center of Berks County in Reading, Pennsylvania.

In addition, Penske offers on truck rentals for active military members and veterans when reserving one-way truck rentals online.

If you are in the military and need assistance with a move, call Penske's Military Call Center at 1-844-4TROOPS (1-844-487-6677).

By Bernie Mixon

Breast cancer awareness and early detection will take center stage today at Penske locations across the globe as more than 25,000 associates take part in the seventh annual Penske Pink Out.

The associate-led event, which began in 2015 in the U.S. with 200 associates, has grown to locations across Penske's international footprint. Associates in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico, and The Netherlands are taking part.

Associates will wear pink T-shirts, wrist bands, masks, socks and hats, and host fundraisers and awareness activities during this year's event.

Maggie Seaman, Manager of Operations for Penske Fleet Management, 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.

"Every year the excitement for Penske Pink Out gets bigger and bigger," Seaman said. "More people feel comfortable sharing their story."

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

Breast Cancer by the Numbers

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The ) estimates 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S this year and more than 43,600 are expected to die from the disease.

On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the NBCF.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2021 approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.

Men are also at risk for breast cancer. An estimated 2,650 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S. and approximately 530 will die.

The NBCF encourages early detection through self-exams and scheduling clinical exams and mammograms.

In addition, the foundation promotes the adoption of a healthy lifestyle complete with a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise.

Making Strides Toward a Cure

In the weeks leading up to Penske Pink Out, associates held fundraisers, shared breast cancer information, and rallied around those who shared how breast cancer has touched the lives of loved ones.

For more than two decades, the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities to rally together in forming teams to raise awareness and funds and dedicated to research, 24/7 support for cancer patients, and access to lifesaving screenings.

This year 47 Penske Making Strides Against Breast Cancer teams participated in the fundraising walks in 20 states and have raised more than $48,000 for the ACS.

"Thank you to all Penske associates for helping us to lead this awareness campaign," said Stephanie McDonald, Senior Corporate Relations Manager for the American Cancer Society of the Northeast Region.

"For the Society, it is more than fundraising. It is about raising awareness that education on prevention and early detection saves lives. It is about encouraging people to go for their mammograms, to go get their screenings

In Elkhart, Indiana, associates started hosting fundraising events in early September, ranging from jeans days to a cornhole tournament to a pie-in-the-face event.

Callie Ruben, Branch Operations Coordinator, and Emily Smith, Operations Coordinator, joined forces to create events that were creative and included a healthy dose of fun. "Not only are we raising money for a good cause, but we are doing fun stuff that everyone can join," said Ruben.

In Columbus, Ohio, the story of how breast cancer has touched Emily Hockenberry resonated with many on her team.

Although Hockenberry, Operations Coordinator, has been a supporter of breast cancer awareness and early detection, she never had a direct connection to the disease until earlier this year when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"It was definitely scary," Hockenberry said. "Just like anything, you don't really think much about it until it affects you personally."

Hockenberry's mother shared her story on Facebook to inspire others on a similar breast cancer journey. Her daughter was one of the first to have a change of heart.

"It opens your eyes and makes you more aware," Hockenberry said.

Follow Penske's , and pages for #PenskePinkOut21coverage.

By Bernie Mixon

Navistar and Penske Truck Leasing today announced their continued commitment to a zero-emissions future with the anticipated delivery of the medium duty truck. This will mark Navistar's first U.S. delivery of the full battery electric medium-duty trucks from International.

The delivery of the International eMV Series reinforces the partnership of Navistar and Penske on the continued collaboration of various emerging technologies for the commercial vehicle industry.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Penske to take delivery of five of our earliest production eMV Series full battery electric trucks," said Dan Kayser, Group vice president, National Accounts, Navistar. "This is truly a first step in our collective journey to grow the fleet of zero-emissions vehicles. These vehicles will be manufactured on the same assembly lines that currently produce International diesel-powered vehicles."

As a validation partner, Penske plans to operate these units at various locations throughout their footprint with the intent of evaluating the operation of electric trucks in real-world situations. The company is expanding its electrified fleet and evaluating important related technologies to support a zero-emission commercial vehicle future.

"We look forward to this continued collaboration with Navistar to progress and validate emerging industry technologies. Our organization is committed to evaluating and providing real-world feedback to further advance and serve our customers," said Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning, Penske Truck Leasing.

Navistar announced the launch of the International eMV Series full battery-electric trucks in Long Beach, Calif. at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo last month.

"The International eMV is an exciting addition to our ," said Patrick Watt, vice president, alternative vehicle and emerging technology, Penske Truck Leasing. "This is another important first in our ongoing efforts to provide customers with a range of vehicle options and gain experience with the latest electric vehicle technologies."

The new eMV combines Navistar's decades of medium-duty truck experience with the expertise of its zero-emissions team, NEXT eMobility Solutions, to deliver a fully integrated electrified powertrain and complete ecosystem solution.

By "Move Ahead Staff"

As businesses adjust to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, building and maintaining strong relationships with customers has never been more vital.

At rental counters, fuel islands and call centers, Penske associates are driven to provide extraordinary customer service.

This week, Penske will celebrate Customer Service Week to thank associates for their servant leadership and dedication to our customers.

"Thank you to our associates who strive every day to provide extraordinary service to our customers," said Art Vallely, President of Penske Truck Leasing. "Our success as a company is due in large part to your dedication to go above and beyond for our customers."

Customer Service Week is an international celebration of the important role of customer service and celebrates those who deliver it. This year's theme is "The Power of Service."

In 1992, the U.S. Congress proclaimed Customer Service Week a nationally recognized event, celebrated annually during the first full week in October.

Penske will feature some of our associates who drive customer service. Follow our social media accounts throughout the week for our spotlight series.

By "Move Ahead Staff"

Penske takes pride in our technicians who are fulfilling their lifelong dreams, harnessing childlike curiosity, and investing in a lifetime of growth and learning. That's why we support TechForce Foundation as they raise the question this Future Tech Tuesday: How did the kid in you start?

TechForce Foundation is a social network dedicated to launching and advancing the careers of tomorrow's diverse workforce of qualified technicians. Harnessing the collective resources of the transportation industry, the organization aims to increase awareness and enthusiasm for the profession, facilitate networking and provide financial aid for students. They understand that encouraging moments of self-reflection – like with today's prompt – serves to motivate the most veteran technicians and inspire the next generation of dedicated maintenance workers.

According to a recent study commissioned by TechForce Foundation and corroborated by the transportation industry at large, the nation is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified technicians. This is due to industry growth and a thriving economy coupled with standard retirement and turnover rates. There is no better time to enter this profession than now, when there are currently three times as many as open diesel technician positions as previously projected.

At Penske, techs spend their workdays getting their hands dirty, solving puzzles, collaborating with colleagues and learning from the best teachers. We are always looking for qualified technicians to join the team – from those who have been pursuing this career from an early age to those who discovered their passion for maintenance later in life. For information on career opportunities at Penske, .

Just starting out? has a wealth of educational resources and scholarships available.

By Sarah Althen

Professional truck drivers have faced the challenges of the pandemic with strength and resilience as they worked to keep the global supply chain moving.

Increased demand for the staples of daily life – food, household goods, medical supplies, automotive parts and other goods – has challenged the global supply chain to keep up with consumer needs.

is pausing this week to thank our professional truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) for keeping the supply chain moving.

"Your dedication makes a difference in our nation and to the world. You went above and beyond to keep the supply chains moving and to make sure daily lives were not interrupted," said Marc Althen, Penske Logistics President. "This is something you did even before the start of the pandemic. And it is because of what you've done and continue to do that Penske will continue to grow and thrive."

NTDAW, sponsored by the , began on Sunday and continues through Saturday, Sept. 18.

The ATA hosts NTDAW to honor the 3.6 million professional truck drivers who help to keep highways safe as they deliver goods across the country.

In spite of the increased demands, our drivers have made safety a high priority.

"Penske's professional truck drivers have helped to set the industry standard. You approach every day with safety at the top of your priorities," said Jeff Jackson, EVP – Operations, Penske Logistics. "And because of your professionalism and hard work, we have been able to grow and thrive in a challenging environment."

Penske Logistics appreciates the extraordinary contribution of its more than 11,200 professional truck drivers across Canada and the U.S. who help keep the world moving forward.

Last week, the company honored our drivers in Canada as part of National Trucking Week.

By "Move Ahead Staff"