National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Tuckers, highway heroes, carriers, semi-truck drivers, etc. – no matter what you call them, this is a week to honor and thank our nation’s truck drivers for all they do for us, our country and the globe. Their job is not easy. There are long hours, days away from home, weather issues, traffic and plenty of other roadblocks on their routes – BUT, they still continue to do one of the more demanding and vital jobs.

“The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates there are one million professional men and women classified as light delivery or heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. They not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, they also keep our highways safe.” Especially throughout COVID, our “Highway Heroes” are more appreciated today than any time I can remember. While I always remember the saying, “a trucker brought it,” it has never rang more true than what we’ve been through these last 18 months. From delivering medical supplies and PPE, to keeping our grocery shelves replenished during a pandemic, the American truckers have genuinely been our heroes. Thank you to the men and women behind the wheel!

There are so many reasons to be thankful for our nation’s truck drivers and in today’s post I want to share the words of our Kingsgate Family:

• "Now more than ever, we deeply appreciate our truck drivers! They have kept our lives moving in the craziest of times. I always give them the space and room on the roads to help them help us all. Respect!" – Melissa B.
• “Kingsgate has a significant volume of business in the food and beverage space. We all know the demand for products in these industries over the last 18 months has been at an all-time high. Yet, time and again, our network of contract carriers came through so that our customers could deliver for all of us. But at the core of it all are our highway heroes, who consistently answered the call. In the face of incredible headwinds, it was the men and women in the truck who kept our nation going. We say simply, but sincerely, THANK YOU!” – Jeff B.
• “Thankful for all the continued hard work these carriers do on a daily basis, also shoutout to my weekly flatbed carriers – thank you guys!” – Alex C.
• “These truckers are on the road for days, weeks and sometimes months away from their families. They may not be in military uniform, but they are just as important as our military.  They move our food, building supplies, medical supplies, clothing, furniture, appliances, cars, toiletries, fuel…. the list goes on. In short, without truck drivers, we wouldn’t have the goods that we do. Be kind and thank those men and woman pounding the pavement for us so that we can have all that we do.” – Melissa H.
• “Saying ‘thank you’ doesn't seem to do justice to the drivers who make this country operate on a day-to-day basis. Without you, our great nation would cease to function, grocery stores would not have food to put on the shelves, desperately needed medications would not make it to pharmacies and hospitals, vital supplies and equipment would not make it to their destinations. So, in my loss for words to express my appreciation for the job you do... thank you!” – Corey R.
• “This week, I’m on the road with my family and able to share the importance of what these drivers do for our nation. They serve in disasters and pandemics, and sacrifice their own time to be able to serve our nation. We are incredibly thankful for their dedication to getting the job done. Thank you!” – Tom C.
• “Especially in this unprecedented time, thank you to all the truck drivers getting supplies where America needs them.” -Becca H.
• “I can’t thank our drivers enough for what they do. Not only is it the execution of our requirements, but the ability to adapt and manage situations that are unexpected. They are the boots on the ground that keep everything moving, we literally can’t do it without you. Thanks!” - Steve K.

I hope that this week you take some time to thank the truck drivers you pass on the highway and think about the sacrifices they make so we can have what we need! Truckers drive America forward and they are the backbone of our world. Here’s a reminder of where we would be if truckers stopped driving:

Also, this week we will be sharing facts, safety tips and notes of thanks throughout social media so please stay tuned for those!

All the Best,

Jeff Beckham