Around the Industry | Leasing & Rental
September 7, 2023
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
By Ben Mueller, PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease)
Every day, millions of Americans drive on the road on their way to work. But for over 3.5 million Americans, the road is their workplace. They are the professional truck drivers who deliver the goods that keep our country moving.
American truckers drive approximately 300 billion miles each year. Each of those miles represents a stocked store shelf, a package placed on a household doorstep, raw materials delivered to a manufacturer, and equipment conveyed to a construction site. 70% of the nation’s freight is delivered by trucks with 80% of communities relying solely on trucks for their goods.
Approximately 8.5 million jobs are directly related to trucking activities, and countless more depend on truck drivers in some way. Practically every object we touch was transported on a truck at some point. Without the trucking industry, the country would quickly come to a halt. When the global pandemic struck and the world stopped, truckers were the ones who continued making deliveries and kept goods moving. When hurricanes tore through the east coast of the United States, or wildfires caused devastation in the west, Americans turned to the trucking industry, which is the only form of transportation that has sufficient capacity and capability to bring relief supplies to areas where they are needed the most.
Clearly, we owe truck drivers “Miles of Gratitude” for the work they do and the sacrifices they make. Truck drivers help us put food on our tables, keep our homes comfortable, and support our families and jobs. The trucking industry is the backbone of our economy, and truck drivers are at the heart of it. Their dependability, courage, and commitment to safety ensures that our quality of life remains high and that we have access to the things we need, when we need them.
If you see a truck driver on National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, or any week, please take the time to say, “thank you.” Such gesture goes a long way for those who travel a long way for us. Aside from saying “thank you”, there are many other ways to show your appreciation. One of those ways is by simply being safe and considerate on the road. Although it might not seem like a big gesture, this can mean a lot to truck drivers. Truck’s need much more space than cars, so it’s important for all of us to be aware of their challenges. Keep your distance, don’t cut off a truck, and do not tailgate a truck. This will ensure that you are being a good neighbor on the highway.
During this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation week, all of us at PacLease extend our most sincere thanks to America’s professional truck drivers. They move our country forward and deserve our praise and recognition. Thank you.