Day in and day out, over 3.6 million truck drivers keep freight moving from origin to final destination—and all points in between. They crisscross the country delivering essential goods and services, often spending days and weeks away from home and managing long hours, demanding schedules and unpredictable road conditions. Truck drivers fulfill an indispensable role in the safe running of our nation’s supply chains, and no one understands this better than Odyssey Logistics.
Every year the industry highlights its deepest gratitude to these truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, this year held September 15-21 It’s a special time when we can unite in our collective gratitude to these hardworking individuals. Driver Contributions are invaluable and their many sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
A Nationwide Positive Impact
Thisannual, nationwide celebration and cornerstone program was launched by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) in 1988. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week was established to recognize and honor the vital contributions of truck drivers to our daily lives and the economy. According to ATA, it’s a time for Americans to come together to acknowledge and show their gratitude for the tireless efforts of millions of professional truck drivers.
“The impact of truck drivers is felt in every corner of the country, as more than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks to meet their freight transportation needs,” the ATA points out. “From food, clothing, and medicine to household products, construction materials and heavy-duty equipment, the things that fill our lives and power our economy are made available thanks to a truck and a driver behind the wheel.”
Showing thanks and appreciation to drivers has become even more critical in an industry that continues to grapple with a shortage of willing, able and eligible drivers. According to CCJ Digital, the acute driver shortage is having profound implications on the supply chain, affecting everything from the availability of everyday consumer goods to the stability of national economic growth.
Empowering, Preparing and Supporting Truckers
In Empowering And Preparing The Trucking Workforce For The Future, Rig on Wheels’
Kameel Gaines offers some steps that trucking industry leaders can take to create a stronger trucking workforce. Her suggestions include staying on top of industry trends and changing regulations; implementing new technology like collision mitigation systems; and creating favorable working conditions in a career where both hours and working conditions can be grueling.
“It’s imperative that trucking schools and employers treat drivers as professionals from the earliest stage of their careers, setting the expectation that they need to hold themselves to high standards,” Gaines writes. “It’s up to industry leaders to work together to improve working conditions for truckers.”
Odyssey wishes to extend sincere gratitude to our drivers. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to safety are the cornerstones of our success. We’re honored to have them as part of our team – please click here to join us in celebrating our amazing drivers.
