Truck Drivers Deserve Our Thanks, Today and Every Day: Guest MINDSETTER™ Maxwell
Sunday, September 18, 2022
As Rhode Island navigates the post-pandemic challenges we face, including a bottleneck supply chain and increased consumer demand, truck drivers remain on the front lines keeping our communities supplied. America’s truck drivers are truly America’s everyday heroes, and as we come out of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which was September 11-17, we are reminded of an industry – and the people – who are vital to the American economy and our communities.
More than 80 percent of American communities rely on trucking for their sole means of delivery of their everyday goods; it’s not ships, trains or planes that deliver directly to our doorsteps. The clothes we wear, the food in our kitchen, the medications in our homes - and all other items you use, arrive to you from a truck driver. Truck drivers collectively work seven days a week to deliver. On holidays and weekends, while many are enjoying time with family and friends, truck drivers are on the road to ensure our deliveries continue.
As hurricane season for many coastal states is upon us, and climate changes threaten other weather systems like tornadic winds and wildfires, truck drivers work during the toughest of weather systems. Whether in a downpour or a snow blizzard, truck drivers maintain deliveries, so our most necessary items are not lost or late. They are also often among the first responders who are first on sight during national emergencies – delivering truckloads of water and other supplies, like we have seen mostly recently in Mississippi this month after flooding damaged the water system.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAs the trucking sector delivers to every corner of America, the goal of the industry is to deliver the items that support our communities and economy efficiently and affordably, and to do so safely and on time. Truck drivers take great pride in ensuring the safe and timely deliveries of goods that keep communities strong, but the dedication and passion of the men and women in the industry extends far beyond the deliveries they make.
As the “eyes and ears of our road,” there are countless amazing stories of the selfless acts of service that truck drivers make while on the road. From pulling over to assist with changing motorists’ tires or motor accidents, to helping identify and report cases of human trafficking on the roads, truck drivers can be considered community watch guards – an extra set of eyes and ears to that help protect the communities they serve.
When people think of the delivery of goods by truck, the first companies that come to mind are often the large national trucking brands, but the fact is there are all types of carriers. These carriers deliver everything from groceries and medications, highway construction equipment, and the oil and gas in our homes and cars. In addition to the specialized delivery sectors within the trucking industry, there are also companies of all sizes– from the brand-name trucking corporations, to large and medium sized motor carriers, to small businesses.
In fact, you may be surprised to learn that trucking companies are mostly small, family-owned businesses. The U.S. Department of Transportation cites over 91 percent of trucking businesses operate six or fewer trucks, and over 97% operate fewer than 20 trucks.
The success of America’s trucking industry is essential to a strong economy. With trucking employing over 7.6 million people, including 3.36 million professional truck drivers, in communities across the country, the industry is a real economic driver for our nation’s economy. Here in Rhode Island, the industry’s over 3,000 companies employs over 17,000 residents.
A projected annual truck driver shortage of 60,000-80,000 over the next decade is on the horizon, putting further pressure on our current set of drivers, which makes it even more important to appreciate the current trucking workforce.
Every September, we recognize America’s trucking industry and its drivers during the annual event. This appreciation week was established to raise awareness of the essential contributions that America’s trucking industry provides our country and economy, and to thank the drivers who make those final deliveries possible.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a timely reminder for our community to reflect on the essential role that America’s truck drivers play in keeping our communities supplied, supply chain strong and country moving forward, despite all the challenges facing the industry. So, when you see a truck driver, give a good ole’ trucker salute, say hello, or even offer them a cup of coffee. A little thanks, this week, goes a long way.
Chris Maxwell is a resident of Warwick, RI and serves as the President of the RI Trucking Association
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