In today’s global economy and market connectivity, the trucking and transportation fleet industries are essential to the movement of goods across the country and throughout each community. Successful organizations with transportation fleets understand that their impact goes well beyond the highways and byways they travel. This understanding also extends beyond supply chains and operational bottom lines. A shared sense of responsibility, safety, and economic growth are all impacted by the relationship between transportation fleet companies, their vast network of industry partners, and the communities in which they operate.
Because of this, it is now critically important for these organizations to develop and maintain strong ties with local communities for long-term success.
The economic vitality of the regions that transportation fleets and their partners serve is greatly influenced by them. Today’s industry is about more than simply moving cargo. Through fuel purchases, maintenance services, and ancillary businesses, fleets function as collaborators in the advancement of society by creating employment opportunities for locals and boosting economic activity. These businesses foster a vibrant local economy that benefits all parties involved by collaborating closely with the communities in which they do business.
Because they travel so far, fleets get to know the state of the infrastructure in the communities they serve. By actively interacting with communities, they can function as crucial informational resources for local authorities, identifying road hazards, traffic jams, and trouble spots. By reducing accidents and promoting a safer transportation system, such cooperation improves road safety for both truck drivers and the general public.
However, safety is not just about keeping roads, truck drivers, and other motorists safe. Truck drivers have now taken on an additional role as community protectors in the areas they serve. Human trafficking is a global problem, and the trucking industry is increasing its role in trying to address the issue throughout communities. Programs such as the Kids Around The Corner Foundation (KATC) have worked with organizations including Truckers Against Trafficking, a nonprofit organization that has operated since 2009 to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of the industry to combat human trafficking by partnering with trucking professionals to assist law enforcement not only in the recognition and reporting of human trafficking, but also aid in the recovery of victims and the arrest of their perpetrators. The organization also partners with industry shippers and manufacturers to engage their carriers, raise awareness about human trafficking and use their influence to expand its own research.
Truck drivers work long hours away from their families and homes and are the unsung heroes of the road. The difficulties these drivers encounter can be lessened by forging strong ties with the neighborhood communities. The availability of amenities, rest areas, and support services can greatly enhance their well-being. Communities that help enhance the lives of these drivers while also fostering a more unified and compassionate society.
Many organizations and their industry partners today make it a point to show appreciation for the truckers and families that continuously make sacrifices for the benefit of moving goods across the country. As an example, this is reinforced by the annual IFDA National Championship, an event that celebrates and rewards drivers who embrace a culture of safety and continuously show expertise in their profession as well as the event’s annual Kids Essay Contest, where children of truck drivers are given a chance to share with the community why they are proud of their truck-driving parent, in an essay contest.
