We often take for granted the work that truck drivers do to keep America moving. Without them, we wouldn’t have many of the essential goods that we rely on every day. From food and clothes to medical supplies, truck drivers play a vital role in keeping our country running. This September 11-17, during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW), take a moment to appreciate the hard-working men and women who are keeping America moving.
Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time when trucking companies, associations and citizens celebrate professional truck drivers. These men and women work tirelessly to deliver essential goods, even during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Their dedication and sacrifice is deserving of our praise, recognition, and appreciation all year long. Here are just 5 of many reasons to show truckers appreciation.
Truck Drivers Keep America Moving
Truck drivers deliver over 10 billion tons of freight every year, which is about 70% of all the freight moved in the U.S. In the United States, 80% of communities – cities and towns just like yours – receive all their goods via truck. During trucker appreciation week, when you’re in a grocery store, take a minute to notice how stocked the shelves are. While you’re sipping your coffee or commuting to work, remember that truck drivers deliver nearly everything you count on each day.
They Are Essential Workers
Truckers were essential in keeping the country running as the pandemic spread to each state. They worked longer hours to ensure that essential goods like toilet paper, disinfecting supplies, personal protection equipment, medical supplies, and groceries were available where they were needed most. And when the Coronavirus vaccines became available, truckers once again stepped up to help distribute them nationwide. Thank you, truckers, for your incredible service!
Truck Drivers Are Resilient
If you thought navigating a global pandemic was tough, truckers have also had to deal with major issues in the U.S. supply chain this year. With ports still behind schedule due to lockdowns and other pandemic-related disruptions, plus the temporary blockage of the Suez Canal, strikes by longshoremen, and fires at a Japanese computer chip factory, the supply chain has been a real mess.
Truckers have had to deal with new routes, limited staffing, and other big problems as a result, and experts predict that the situation may not improve until well into next year. In the meantime, truckers will continue to face challenges in keeping goods moving around the country.
They Always Deliver
In the face of natural disasters, truck drivers are the unsung heroes who help to keep society running. They deliver essential supplies to areas that have been devastated by hurricanes, snowstorms, wildfires, and floods. Without them, bad situations would be much worse. Truck drivers have seen us through some of the toughest times, including Katrina and Irma. They are truly the backbone of our society.
Truck Drivers Are Dedicated To Safety
Truck drivers work hard to maintain a safe driving record. They undergo extensive training and testing to get their license. In addition, the trucking industry invests 10 billion dollars each year on safety. This helps to improve safety for everyone on the road. There have been many stories of truck drivers with an exemplary driving record- even after driving one million miles.
Show Your Appreciation
Are you wondering, when is truck driver appreciation week? It’s September 11th to September 17th, 2022. During this week let’s all take a moment to be thankful for the nearly 3.5 million hardworking truck drivers who keep America moving. Wondering how you can show your appreciation? Here are three easy ideas.
- Next time you see a truck on the highway or at a rest stop, give the driver a wave or a thumbs up. Let them know you appreciate their hard work!
- Give truck drivers a shoutout on social media. Be sure to use the official National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2022 hashtag #ntdaw22.
- Be a good citizen of the road. Give trucks plenty of space and be aware of their blind spots. Be patient with truck drivers as they have a difficult job.
As you can see, truck drivers have a huge impact on our economy and way of life. There is currently a high demand for truck drivers in America. Truck drivers can earn up to $70,000 without a college degree. Getting a CDL takes approximately 4 weeks. If you are interested in joining the 3.5 million truck drivers who move America, fill out the form below.