American Trucking Associations (ATA) recently launched National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which runs through Saturday.
“This week was created to commemorate and support the industry professionals who work daily to deliver America’s goods,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said. “Truck drivers are hard-working men and women who practice safety on the roads and serve as the faces of our industry. These drivers improve our collective quality of life by making personal commitments to safety and delivering our critical goods like medicine, food, building supplies and clothing.”
More than 80 percent of the country relies on goods delivered by truck, and truck deliveries account for 70 percent of freight tonnage.
All week, truck drivers are receiving deals on services at truck stops, restaurants, and other locations. Appreciation events also will be held by industry suppliers, motor carriers, and state trucking associations.
ATA also encourages communities, media and public officials to participate.
ATA First Vice Chairman Dave Manning and members of America’s Road Team Captains and Share the Road participated in a live broadcast, while other speakers discussed the importance of the trucking industry.
ATA is continuing to aid in relief efforts for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. More than 1.6 million trucking-industry employees live in the areas affected by the storms.