National Truckers Day, celebrated on October 4, honors a very deserving group of people and their dedication to taking on one of the most challenging and essential jobs in the country while keeping the economy moving. We tip our hats, or rather our trucker caps, to them and salute an often unnoticed and underappreciated profession that boasts some of the bravest, kindest men and women in the United States.
Without trucks traveling to and from destinations delivering products and other essential cargo, the American landscape, especially long-distance roads, would be empty. Truck drivers provide an important societal service by transporting finished goods and raw materials to and from manufacturing plants, retail outlets, and distribution centers. Truck drivers must also inspect their vehicles for mechanical issues or safety concerns and be aware of the truck axle weight limits in every state and be aware of the truck axle weight limits in every state. Others, such as driver/sales workers, are in charge of sales, as well as cleaning, preparing and entertaining, and customer service. Truck drivers collaborate closely with warehouse associates and workers to load and unload shipments.
In 2019, the trucking industry in the United States was worth $791.7 billion, demonstrating that trucking is clearly important to the country’s economy as a billion-dollar industry. The trucking industry employs approximately 7.4 million people, with about 3.5 million of them being truck drivers. Despite the current global recession, the trucking industry is expanding. Between April and June 2020, the number of available truck driving jobs increased by over 10,000. Trucking, more than nearly every other industry in the country, provides a sense of stability in an uncertain time.
Bill Stearnes, a used truck salesman from Memphis, founded National Truckers Appreciation Day in 2020 to honor those who deliver the food on your table, the clothes on your back, and everything else you use or consume. Truckers frequently go unnoticed and unappreciated, despite making significant sacrifices to keep this country moving. Sometimes even putting their lives in danger. Many of them are separated from their families for days, weeks, or even months, which is why there is no better day to express the nation’s gratitude than October 4.
