We have recently reported on the huge amount of support and appreciation Americans have been giving truckers as they work overtime throughout the coronavirus pandemic. During this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, drivers received more–well-deserved–recognition and celebration than ever before.
“The critical impact and service of the professional men and women behind the wheel who drive our economy forward every day can never be understated,” said Chris Spear, president of American Trucking Associations. “National Truck Driver Appreciation Week provides a chance for America to honor and thank these national heroes, let them know how much we appreciate them, and tell their remarkable stories.”
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, which happened to fall during the appreciation week, Baylor Trucking made a plan to show appreciation for its own drivers.
“To be able to start a trucking business from the cornfields of Indiana and sustain through 75 years of economic cycles is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Cari Baylor, president of the company. “We are grateful to God and give praise to all of our professional drivers and team members who have contributed to our success.”
Baylor Trucking, a dry van and refrigerated truckload carrier that was founded by World War II veteran Chester Baylor in 1945, offered gifts and raffle prizes to its drivers during this time of celebration.
“As we commemorate our 75th anniversary during NTDAW, Baylor Trucking wants to go above and beyond to acknowledge our gratitude and to honor our amazing professional drivers,” said the company in a statement.
Many of Baylor’s drivers were also able to operate a fleet of special 75th anniversary trucks. Additionally, driver appreciation messages and giveaways were posted on the company’s Facebook page in the days leading up to National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Garner Transportation Group joined in on the appreciation efforts as well, offering refreshments and goodies to drivers around its Ohio location.
“We are so proud of you,” said Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, president of Garner, in a video message to the company’s employees. “We have so many things going on this week, and we want to start the week by saying thank you but [also by] inviting you to come through the shop here in Findlay. In the lobby, we have some snacks. Stop by, pick something up, [pick up] some drinks. Staff will be fueling your truck so you’ll be able to take a break.”
Garner also provided truckers with backpacks filled with gifts to show its thanks.
TravelCenters of America expressed its gratitude for truckers by offering discounted showers and parking, as well as gift packages, catering, and other refreshments to its truckers throughout the company’s offices across the country.
“Professional truck drivers play an integral role in keeping our economy moving, and that was especially apparent since the onset of the pandemic this year, [when they were] delivering everything from gasoline to groceries and medical supplies,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo Trucks would like to give these drivers the recognition they deserve and thank them for their commitment to the crucial job of transporting the food, cargo, consumer products, and equipment that are essential to our everyday lives.”
Peterson Manufacturing, along with ATA, decided to show its thanks by offering a $1,000 bonus to truckers who have faced certain challenges throughout the pandemic in an effort to provide extra help to these drivers going above and beyond while undergoing their own difficulties.
“We are proud of our industry truck drivers, and how they have supported our country during these uncertain times,” said Peterson fleet business development manager, David Black. “We are happy to be able to give back to the industry with our Shining the Light on America’s Truck Drivers campaign.”
Many major trucking companies took to various social media platforms to express their truck driver appreciation.
“There are 3.4 million professional truck drivers in America, including [more than] 136,000 UPSers, who have been delivering for our communities throughout the pandemic,” said Carol Tomé, CEO of UPS, in a Tweet. “Thank you for moving our country forward, especially during these challenging times.”
Great West Casualty Company also tweeted its thanks, announcing its surprise appreciation lunch at a Jefferson, South Dakota weigh station.
“What a great day–Great West surprised 200 truckers today with free lunch at the Jefferson, SD weigh station as part of Truck Driver Appreciation Week,” said the company on Twitter. “Thank you to all drivers for keeping our supply chain moving.”
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