There are approximately 3.6 million professional truck drivers in the United States, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
Of these drivers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that more than 2 million drive heavy trucks and tractor-trailers, and more than 1.5 million are delivery drivers or driver/sales workers.
The United States economy depends on trucks to deliver nearly 70 percent of all freight transported annually in the U.S., accounting for $671 billion worth of manufactured and retail goods transported by truck in the U.S. alone.
Add $295 billion in truck trade with Canada and $195.6 billion in truck trade with Mexico.
Some reports state that over 50,000 CDL truck drivers are needed in the industry, making this a very fertile career choice and job market.
September 11 through 17, 2022, is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, an opportunity to express our appreciation for over-the-road truckers, without whom none of the above would happen.
The coronavirus pandemic and other economic challenges have continued to test the resolve of America’s truck drivers, but once again they have delivered, keeping goods and services flowing as the country rebounds from a once-in-a-lifetime crisis.
From food to fuel to vaccines and emergency supplies and more, truck drivers are continuing to move the country forward, often at great sacrifice to themselves.
Florida Panhandle Technical College in Chipley, Florida has been offering training and certification for CVD (Commercial Vehicle Drivers) for over 50 years, with a graduation rate of 80 percent and a total of over 300 drivers graduated and certified over the past 10 years.
FPTC wants to take a minute and say ‘Thanks’ to our truckers, without whom our life would be quite different.
For more info on Florida Panhandle Technical College and the CVD Program, drop by 757 Hoyt Street in Chipley, Florida, or call FPTC Student Services on Monday through Friday, 8AM-3PM, at 850-638-1180 Extension 317, or visit www.FPTC.edu.
Happy National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!
