The American Trucking Associations says it is taking this week to extend a national “pat on the back” to the 3.4 million professional truck drivers that deliver America’s freight safely and securely every day. During this National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Aug. 26-Sept. 1, ATA and its state affiliates are marking 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.
“Professional truck drivers deserve a national ‘thank you’ for their dedication to safely and securely delivering our nation’s freight,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. “As a result of their commitment, our nation’s highways are the safest they’ve ever been, and our economy is the most productive in the world. We as a nation owe a great deal to the truck drivers out on our nation’s roads every day.”
President Bush joined ATA in congratulating the nation’s professional truck drivers, along with motor carriers, state trucking associations, and trucking industry manufacturers and suppliers. The celebrations 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. Office personnel at some companies also are encouraged to spend a few days out on the road to see the driver’s side of their business.
