Essential work deserves exceptional recognition
Where would we be without truck drivers? Day by day, load by load, they deliver the goods that keep America moving, making them essential to the economy and our well-being.
ArcBest® is proud to join in recognizing these hard-working professionals during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which takes place Sept. 10-16 this year. Find out why the event was created, learn about the positive impact truck drivers have on our country, and pick up some ideas for getting involved.
An idea to recognize unsung heroes
Former American Trucking Associations chairman Don Bowman is credited with forming the Truck Driver Appreciation Week concept. He proposed an annual weeklong campaign to educate and inform the public about how truck drivers are the engine that powers our society. The event was officially launched in 1998, and its reach continues to grow.
Drivers navigate ongoing challenges — and keep delivering
As a nation, we’ve come to expect what we want and need to be available at our convenience. Truck drivers make that happen by promptly and securely delivering timely shipments through everything from rough weather to a global pandemic. And they do this while often spending long stretches away from their families.
These figures help illustrate why we recognize the dedication of America’s 3.5 million truck drivers:
- Truck drivers safely transport over 10 billion tons of goods each year
- Trucking accounts for 70 percent of the total annual freight moved in the U.S.
- 80 percent of U.S. communities depend exclusively on trucks to deliver goods
- Nearly half of all products (consumer and home goods, electronics, etc.) are moved in dry vans
- A typical professional truck driver logs more than 112,000 miles per year — the equivalent of almost four trips around the equator
- The trucking industry generates $700 billion in annual revenue
Easy ways to show driver appreciation
Being a professional truck driver is a tough job that requires dedication and perseverance. Simple gestures like these can help boost morale while leaving a lasting impression.
Contribute to the St. Christopher’s Trucker’s Relief Fund
Donating to the St. Christopher’s Trucker’s Relief Fund helps over-the-road/regional truck drivers and their families when a recent illness or injury has caused them to be out of work. They’ll assist with things like household living expenses, vehicle payments and insurance, and it’s a non-profit ArcBest proudly supports.
Put it in writing
Give your favorite driver a simple hand-written note and a practical gift if you feel the call. You can even surprise a driver you’ve never met. It will make their day!
Practical gift ideas include:
- Gift cards
- Seat cushions
- Compression socks
- Portable reading lights
- Seat and dash organizers
- Digital subscriptions (for audiobooks and satellite radio)
Pay it forward
If you can, consider picking up the tab for a driver’s coffee or meal if you’re waiting in line together. At the very least, ask them how their day is going and thank them for everything they do. This simple act of kindness and generosity can make a driver feel cared for and appreciated while on the road.
Interested in supporting businesses that value drivers? These retailers offer special promotions for truck drivers to commemorate National Driver Appreciation Week.
Give social media shout-outs
Many drivers are active on social media. Post thank-yous, recognition, stories, pictures, creative handmade signs, and more using the official hashtags #NTDAW23 and #ThankATrucker to reach the broadest possible audience.
Participate in local events
Locate events hosted by trucking organizations or transportation companies in your area. Come by to show your appreciation or offer to volunteer. Whether it’s a cookout, a parade, a recognition ceremony, or a charity drive, your presence strongly supports the trucking community.
Gain and spread knowledge
Respectfully sharing the road with commercial vehicles by following safe driving practices is a thoughtful way to help professional drivers. But you can take it a step further. Share positive articles and videos on social media that highlight drivers’ accomplishments, good deeds, and commitment to keeping our roads safe. If you’re around someone who becomes visibly impatient or frustrated with truckers on the road, remind them of how important our cooperation is for them to help us by delivering vital supplies safely and securely.
Salute our nation’s truckers with ArcBest
ArcBest will host nationwide celebrations to honor the drivers who serve our valued customers with care and professionalism. Activities will include cookouts, giveaways and multimedia recognition.
As you go through the week, see how creative you can get with driver appreciation. Have fun with it — and remember that a simple expression of goodwill goes a long way!
