This week from September 11th through September 17th, our nation is honoring truck drivers across America and recognizing their valuable contributions to our economy and imperative need for goods. These men and women work tirelessly, away from their families to ensure that products are delivered safely and timely to millions of destinations.
The American Trucking Association (ATA) is promoting fantastic events all week long, as well as live national radio broadcasts from ATA First Vice Chairman Kevin Burch’s Jet Express facility in Dayton, Ohio. This is where America’s Road Team Captains will discuss the trucking industry and the professional truck driving career. Truck drivers are not only hard workers who deliver goods, but also contributing members of their communities.
From the ATA website:
“Truck drivers are incredibly vital to our economy, but they’re also valuable members of their communities, oftentimes serving as baseball coaches, pastors and volunteers,” said ATA First Vice Chairman Kevin Burch. “That level of civic engagement is a unique foundation of the trucking industry, and whether truck drivers are delivering FEMA disaster relief aid or dropping their kids off at school they are focused on safety at all times.”
Some interesting facts about truck drivers:
• The trucking industry represents 1 out of every 16 jobs in the US
• Over 70% of the nation’s total tonnage of freight is delivered by truckers
• 80% of our nation’s communities rely solely on goods delivered by the trucking industry
• There are over 200,000 female truck drivers in the US
• The trucking industry is expected to grow about 21% over the next ten years
There are many dangers that truck drivers face while on the road. Anything can happen from equipment failure such as brakes to obstructed roadways from accidents or disasters. Yet, these folks manage to keep our stores, restaurants and thereby our homes stocked with all of our wants and needs. Without them, our economy would be virtually nothing.
MyRouteOnline joins the rest of the country in honoring the men and women who keep America running smoothly. Thank you for all your hard work, dedication to safety and delivering everything from clothes and food to furniture and electronics. We salute you!