It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! From September 13-19, we are showing our appreciation to all the men and women who commit to taking on one of the most demanding jobs in our economy – trucking. 

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 produce, clothing, building materials, hazardous substances, to so much more. Keep in mind, these hauling routes could be from one side of town to the other or it could be across the country. No matter the distance, it takes a tremendous amount of skill to deliver goods safely, securely, and on time. 

This year, especially, 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 as to why professional truck drivers deserve your support and appreciation. These statistics are provided by the ATA:

  1. Professional truck drivers drove over 287.9 billion miles in 2016, which is more than double 25 years ago. 
  2. One out of every 16 people is working in the trucking industry in the US.
  3. In 2018, the trucking industry hauled 11.49 billion tons of freight in the US.
  4. More than 80% of US communities depend solely on trucking for delivery of their goods and commodities.

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. Be courteous on the road. Use your turn signal, leave room when passing, and always give a thumbs-up or wave!

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!