The American Trucking Associations once again will roll out its “phone home” campaign to help America’s truck drivers celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Aug. 20-26. ATA and its state affiliates will mark the celebration by handing out free 60-minute telephone calling cards to truck drivers at local weigh stations, rest stops and travel plazas across the country.
“The trucking industry is the backbone of America’s economy, and the hard-working drivers who haul the loads and make those just-in-time deliveries deserve our nation’s thanks,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. “At a time when the need for deliveries is in such high demand that it’s tough to find enough drivers to fill the seats, I think it’s especially important for us to take a few extra steps to thank those hard-working men and women who are keeping this industry rolling.”
Motor carriers, state trucking associations and trucking industry manufacturers and suppliers will join ATA by honoring truck drivers in various ways. Examples include million-mile and safety awards, cash bonuses or gifts, an extra paid day off, a cup of coffee or windshield cleaning at truck stops and loads of company picnics — some lasting all week until every driver cycles through company headquarters.
President Bush and most of the nation’s governors will join the occasion, too, issuing official proclamations designating Aug. 20-26 as Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
