Throughout the last year and a half, truck drivers have seen national headlines for the work they do every day to keep the nation’s economy afloat. Every year, the trucking industry celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) to pay respect and thank all the professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs.
This year's NTDAW, Sept. 12-18, takes on a special significance considering the crucial role truck drivers have played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out a snapshot of what companies are doing to celebrate its truck drivers.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is celebrating NTDAW by hosting a raffle beginning Monday and lasting the week, and drivers will be randomly picked to win #NTDAW21 merchandise. Billboards thanking professional truck drivers are placed across the U.S. through a partnership with Trucking Moves America Forward, ATA, and the state trucking associations.
“This week is a time to remind the public of the debt of gratitude owed to these unsung heroes,” Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, said. “At a time when confidence in our national institutions sits at a low, and crises of leadership have seemingly become the norm, I’m pressed to find a group of Americans more deserving of our appreciation and respect.”
Pilot Flying J has partnered with Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) to bring back the trucker’s salute. NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. explained in a tweet that for the entire month of September, Pilot Flying J is donating $5 to TMAF, up to $25,000, when community members post a video giving the “trucker salute” arm pump, use the hashtag #ThankATrucker, and tag Pilot Flying J’s social media accounts.
ContainerPort Group (CPG) is holding a week-long raffle for a variety of prizes. According to the company, all CPG ICs will be automatically entered into the drawing. Make sure to stay tuned to CPG’s Facebook page for updates throughout the week.
Paper Transport plans to celebrate its drivers with a daily giveaway. Every day this week at 1:30 p.m. CT, tune into the company’s Facebook Live to get an update on each winner.
“National Truck Driver Appreciation Week provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the essential work that drivers commit to day in and day out,” Chris Wolfe, CEO of Powerfleet, said. “All Americans, as well as the world in total, benefit from the tireless effort of truckers. From medical supplies to groceries to computer chips, the pandemic has provided the country with a glimpse into the immense and critical effort that goes into the distribution of goods. This is an incredibly special week to honor and congratulate our nation’s true road warriors.”
