NTDAW gets into gear to celebrate drivers

Sept. 12, 2016

American Trucking Associations has kicked off National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) to celebrate the trucking industry’s 3.5 million professional truck drivers who safely move the nation’s most essential products.

“This week is about raising public awareness and support for the important work professional truck drivers do in our communities year round,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and chief executive officer. “These men and women are safety-minded professionals who deserve our respect and praise. We’re fortunate that truck drivers have dedicated their careers to delivering critical goods like medicine, food, and school books.”

In effect September 11-17, NTDAW provides an opportunity to formally recognize the efforts of professional truck drivers. State trucking associations, industry suppliers, and motor carriers of all sizes are set to host appreciation events for the men and women who safely deliver 70.1% of the nation’s total freight tonnage.

More than 80% of US communities rely exclusively on truck drivers to deliver their goods and commodities, granting the nation’s most remote populations access to modern conveniences.

On September 13, morning shows from coast to coast are broadcasting live via satellite from ATA First Vice-Chairman Kevin Burch’s Jet Express facility in Dayton OH. America’s Road Team captains will discuss the trucking industry and their careers as professional truck drivers while telling viewers about the role NTDAW plays in generating respect for an often-challenging job.

ATA is asking the trucking industry to engage their communities in this week’s celebration of truck drivers. Public officials, community leaders, members of the media, and local businesses can all benefit from a better understanding of the work truck drivers do in safely moving the economy each day. Highway safety is dramatically improved when the motoring public acknowledges the difficulties of driving a truck and the limitations of large commercial vehicles.

ATA’s official NTDAW site offers a collection of resources to enhance driver appreciation events. Click here for more details.