It’s time to thank a trucker! During the COVID – 19 pandemic, truck drivers have received long-overdue recognition. Without their hard work, determination, and grit in the face of a national disaster, we’d all be in trouble. If the pandemic is a war then truck drivers are front line soldiers of the pandemic, and like any soldier, they should be honored so.
Why Thank a Trucker?
“America’s trucking industry is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. Nearly 71% of all freight tonnage in the U.S. moves on the back of trucks. Moving 10.5 billion tons of freight annually requires more than 3.6 million heavy-duty Class 8 trucks and over 3.5 million professional truck drivers. Without our industry, the American economy would grind to a halt.” — ATA (American Trucking Association) News & Insights
We take for granted that our Amazon delivery will arrive on schedule the next day, that our groceries will be ready curbside when go to pick them up, and our prescription will be waiting for us at the pharmacy drive-through. But without truckers, none of this would be true.
Not All Truck Drivers Struggles Are the Same
Truck drivers delivering our essentials have worked long, hard hours to get us our goods on time. They’ve risked exposure to the virus, searched for something as simple as a safe place to eat, and struggled with everyday things we take for granted, such as finding an available shower.
However, not every driver shares this experience during the pandemic. Some drivers are struggling to keep their heads above water.
“If you’re a carrier engaged in grocery deliveries or the medical supply chain, you have been busy,” explained Sean McNally, spokesman for the almost 4 million-member American Trucking Association (ATA). “If you’re a carrier that hauls primarily fuel or to manufacturing centers, you are seeing anything from a slowdown to a cratering of demand.”
How Can You Help?
- If you stop at a truck stop, pay for a trucker drivers’ meal, give them a gift card, or buy them a cup of coffee.
- Say thank you on social media and use #ThankaTrucker, put a thank you sign in your front yard or place of business, leave a thank you note.
- Many associations have banded together to give care packages to drivers with road essentials such as snacks, hand sanitizers, masks, and gift cards.
- Be a courteous driver and share the road with truckers’ drivers respectfully. Then take it further and wave or have a passenger hold up a thank you card.
Donate
There are relief funds available to help drivers such as St. Christopher Trucker Relief, which has a platinum rating from GuideStar and has been supported by businesses such as Progressive Insurance and Love’s Travel Stops. As of the time writing, St. Christopher has helped 2,965 drivers and distributed $3,227,126.
Have You Thanked a Trucker?
Take advantage of the next opportunity you have to thank a trucker. Say thank you, buy their lunch, or donate to a truck driver relief charity. It’s how we’ve always treated our front-line heroes in America. So, what are you waiting for? Thank a trucker today!
If you enjoyed this post you might also appreciate, Life in America Without Trucking.
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