ATA Opens National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Celebration of America's 3.5 Million Professional Truck Drivers Starts Today

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Sep 11, 2016, 11:30 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations kicked off National Truck Driver Appreciation Week to celebrate the trucking industry's 3.5 million professional truck drivers who safely move the nation's most essential products.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Trucking Moves America Forward.

"This week is about raising public awareness and support for the important work professional truck drivers do in our communities year round," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "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."

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 11-17, provides the trucking industry 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 country's total freight tonnage.

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

On Tuesday, morning shows from coast to coast are broadcasting live via satellite from ATA First Vice Chairman Kevin Burch's Jet Express facility in Dayton, Ohio. America's Road Team Captains will discuss the trucking industry and their careers as professional truck drivers while telling viewers about the important role that National Truck Driver Appreciation Week plays in generating respect for an oftentimes challenging job.

"Jet Express is thrilled to host America's Road Team Captains for the National Truck Driver Appreciation Week satellite tour, but we're also excited to honor our own professional truck drivers who are the backbone of our company," said Burch. "Even if you are unable to host a big National Truck Driver Appreciation Week event, I encourage you to take time this week to say thanks to a driver in your community. A small act can go a long way in honoring these hardworking men and women."

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 important work that 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.

The ATA official NTDAW site offers a collection of resources to enhance driver appreciation events. The content provided by ATA enables passionate industry professionals to engage their communities in this important week. These resources improve the image of the professional truck driver and demonstrate public support for the challenging work that drivers do each day.

ACT 1 is a premier sponsor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Sponsors for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week also include HELP Inc., Provider of PrePass, Velociti, U.S. Legal Services, Smart Drive and Trucker Path.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations