Every week should be considered National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW), but this week carries that official designation. Truck drivers throughout the industry are being recognized for the valuable contribution they make to the US and Canadian economies.
NTDAW runs from September 11 through September 17. Events showing appreciation to professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment are being held by tank truck carriers, state and national trucking associations, shippers and manufacturers, law enforcement, and others.
National Tank Truck Carriers was among the associations commending truck drivers for their hard work. Dan Furth, NTTC vice-president says: “On behalf of the proud members of the National Tank Truck Carriers, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the professional drivers that serve the tank truck industry. Our industry plays a critical role in the North American economy, and we simply could not achieve our admirable service and safety records without the dedication and commitment of our professional driver corps. While National Truck Driver Appreciation Week gives us an excellent opportunity to recognize these professionals once a year, I’d like our professional tank truck drivers to know that we’re especially grateful each and every day for their many contributions to the safety and well-being of our fellow co-workers, our customers, and the general public at large.”
More than 3.2 million professional truck drivers are at work every day, delivering what consumers need, according to the American Trucking Associations. Logging over 408 billion miles per year, trucks delivered 8.8 billion tons of freight in 2009, which accounted for 68% of total US freight tonnage. Critical cargoes included the refined fuels that power America and every bit of food consumed in North America.