Each year, the trucking industry celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (September 15-19, 2014) to honor the significant contributions of professional truck drivers. Their hard work, customer service and commitment to safety are what drive the trucking industry.
These men and women drive thousands of miles each year hauling the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the beds we sleep in and just about anything else we use in our daily life. They are dedicated to safety on our highways and making sure the goods they are moving get to their destination on time.
There are 3.5 million truck drivers who safely and securely deliver America’s freight every day. These men and women log more than 420 billion miles each year, delivering the nation’s goods and continuing to move America forward.
Their job is one of the most demanding and important for our economy. Many drivers sacrifice time away from home to make sure you have the basic essentials you need for your family.
These professional drivers are the heart of the trucking industry. They are the front line of businesses and the face many customers see every day. We pass them daily on the open road while we are in our cars and they are in their office.
Often times we don’t recognize that while we may be on our way home from work, they are just beginning a 400 mile route.
As we celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation week, here are some facts about the men and women who rule the road:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of a commercial truck driver is 55
- The average daily run of an over-the-road driver is 500 miles
- Truck drivers deliver 70 percent of America’s freight
- Truck drivers move 9.2 billion tons of freight every year
- More than 80 percent of U.S. communities depend solely on truck drivers to deliver their goods and commodities
As we celebrate our drivers, I ask that you join with me in thanking them for helping drive our nation’s economy and keeping our roads and highways safe. It is through their dedication that we are able to enjoy many of the things we use every day.
As you pass a truck on road, show your appreciation by waving to the driver, not just this week, but every week.
To the 3.5 million men and women professional drivers, thank you for all that you do.
John Diez is Sr. Vice President of Ryder Dedicated at Ryder System Inc. He is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Ryder Dedicated, which combines vehicles, drivers, and administrative services with drivers and additional value-added services, all dedicated to a specific customer.
