Industry Observes Driver Appreciation Week

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or-hire and private fleets said last week they were preparing to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with an array of activities to fete their drivers.

NTDAW honors the more than 3 million professional truck drivers across the country Aug. 22-28 for their hard work in moving the goods and products that make up our national economy, American Trucking Associations said.

The week-long recognition follows the National Truck Driving Championships in Salt Lake City, and this year the trade association said it expected President Bush to send a commemorative letter honoring America’s truck drivers.

ATA also said it took out an advertisement in the Aug. 18 issue of USA Today in honor of the nation’s truckers.

On the trade association’s Web site some companies offered details on their plans:

Vulcan Threaded Products of Pelham, Ala., said it would be celebrating the week for the first time, this year, by providing its drivers with homemade cookies and drinks. The manufacturer also said it would give its company drivers gifts and hand out banners thanking them for their commitment, professionalism and safety.

Walter Rawl & Sons in Pelion, S.C., said it planned to hold a driver-appreciation cookout for all its company drivers and owner-operators. The motor carrier also said it planned to give out T-shirts and other gifts to the drivers.

National Gypsum Co. in Charlotte, N.C., said it was celebrating its sixth year of NTDAW by having its 31 U.S. plants and one in Canada give out food, drinks and gift bags to the drivers who stop by its headquarters.

In Oklahoma City, retailer Hobby Lobby said it planned to hold an all-day truck roadeo and give away prizes and supply food for its truckers and their families.

DeCarolis Truck Rental in Rochester, N.Y., said it would hand out refreshments and gifts to drivers at each of its fuel-island locations. The company also said it planned to hold a drawing for prizes.

Some state government agencies have issued orders proclaiming Aug. 22-28 also to be truck-driver appreciation week on a state level.

i>This story appeared in the Aug. 23 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.