We recognize the second week of September as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! From September 12-18, we are taking the time to thank and honor those who choose truck driving as their profession. It’s not an easy job — it’s demanding, time-consuming, and takes skill. 

According to the American Trucking Association, there are currently 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the United States. These drivers haul a variety of goods – everything from food, clothing, building materials, hazardous substances, to so much more. And not to mention, driver delivery routes could be across town or across the country. No matter the distance, it takes a tremendous amount of skill to deliver goods safely, securely, and on time. If it weren’t for truck drivers, our pantries, closets, and stores would be empty. 

Once again, truck drivers deserve special recognition for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. While much of the country has slowed down, drivers have kept on trucking as they play a very important role in making sure that food and supplies are delivered to stores, hospitals, and elsewhere. It is important to recognize that these drivers are essential workers and are putting their own health at risk by completing these deliveries. 

Truck Driver Statistics

In addition to being essential workers, here are a few more reasons why professional truck drivers deserve your support and appreciation:

  1. Professional truck drivers drove over 287.9 billion miles in 2016, which is more than double the amount of 25 years ago. (American Trucking Association, March 2020)
  2. One out of every 16 people is working in the trucking industry in the US. (American Trucking Association, March 2020)
  3. In 2018, the trucking industry hauled 11.49 billion tons of freight in the US. (American Trucking Association, March 2020) 
  4. More than 80% of US communities depend solely on trucking for the delivery of their goods and commodities. (American Trucking Association, March 2020)
  5. The average truck driver drives 100,000 road miles per year, which is about 40 trips across the country. (National Day Calendar, 2019)
  6. 41% of the nation’s truck drivers are minorities compared to 22% in all other jobs. (National Day Calendar, 2019)
  7. About 6% of the nation’s truck drivers are women. (National Day Calendar, 2019)

 

Show Your Appreciation

As truck drivers continue to work endlessly, the movement of #ThankATrucker has taken off and has been shared across the country. Here are five simple ways you can show your thanks and give back to truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week:

  1. Purchase a driver’s meal or a cup of coffee when they are stopped at a restaurant or gas station
  2. Give a driver a gift card that they could use while on the road
  3. Send a driver a care package filled with water, snacks, hand sanitizer, and masks
  4. Support a local trucking nonprofit organization that assists drivers
  5. Make a purchase from NTDAW gift shop
  6. Be courteous on the road. Use your turn signal, leave extra space, and give a wave or thumbs-up while driving by!

 

Closing Thoughts

With that said – we know the hard work and dedication it takes to be a driver. Our drivers graciously spend time away from home to support not only themselves and their families, but to keep our communities moving forward. To the drivers at Liquid Trucking and elsewhere, we say thank you. Happy National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!