Can you imagine what our lives would be like if groceries, medicine, or gasoline were not readily available? Fortunately, thanks to America’s more than 3.5 million truck drivers who deliver to communities coast to coast, we do not have to. These professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, but they also keep our highways safe.
In order to recognize the essential work that truckers do, September 10-16 is designated as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. This year’s theme, “Miles of Gratitude,” is a reminder that the magnitude of our gratitude should match the hundreds of billions of miles that truckers drive each year.
Professional drivers haul almost 11.5 billion tons of freight annually, which accounts for over 70% of total U.S. freight tonnage. Nearly all American jobs depend on truck drivers in some way. Practically every aspect of our lives is impacted by the work of these professionals.
When the global pandemic struck, the hardworking men and women behind the wheel came through for us. When hurricanes cause flooding in the east, wildfires cause devastation in the west, or another disaster strikes the heartland, America turns to the trucking industry, which is the only form of transportation that is efficient and nimble enough to deliver relief supplies where they are needed most.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an annual, nationwide celebration and cornerstone program launched by the American Trucking Associations in 1988 to recognize and honor the vital contributions of truck drivers to our daily lives and the economy.
Throughout NTDAW, Americans come together to acknowledge and show their gratitude for the tireless efforts of the 3.6 million professional truck drivers who work tirelessly to deliver the essential goods and resources to communities across the nation. The impact of truck drivers is felt in every corner of the country, as more than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks to meet their freight transportation needs. From food, clothing, and medicine to household products, construction materials and heavy-duty equipment, the things that fill our lives and power our economy are made available thanks to a truck and a driver behind the wheel.
NTDAW serves as a reminder of the importance of these hardworking men and women and the sacrifices they make every day to keep America moving. It’s a time to thank them for their dedication, commitment, and the many challenges they overcome to ensure that our goods are delivered safely, securely, and on time. Visit https://www.trucking.org/national-truck-driver-appreciation-week for more information
Clearly, we owe truck drivers “Miles of Gratitude” for the work they do and the sacrifices they make to help put food on our tables and keep our homes comfortable. If you see a truck driver on National Truck Driver Appreciation Week or any week, please take the time to say “thank you.” You can also post on social media with the hashtag #thankatrucker, #MilesofGratitude, #NTDAW23