National Truckers Appreciation Day – October 4, 2022, history significance
National Truckers Appreciation Day, celebrated on October 4, honors a very deserving group of people and their dedication to taking on one of the most challenging and essential jobs in the country while keeping the economy moving. We tip our hats, or rather our trucker caps, to them and salute an often unnoticed and underappreciated profession that boasts some of the bravest, kindest men and women in the United States.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL TRUCKERS APPRECIATION DAY
Without trucks traveling to and from destinations delivering products and other essential cargo, the American landscape, especially long-distance roads, would be empty. Truck drivers provide an important societal service by transporting finished goods and raw materials to and from manufacturing plants, retail outlets, and distribution centers.
Truck drivers must also inspect their vehicles for mechanical issues or safety concerns. Others, such as driver/sales workers, are in charge of sales, as well as cleaning, preparing and entertaining, and customer service. Truck drivers collaborate closely with warehouse associates and workers to load and unload shipments.
In 2019, the trucking industry in the United States was worth $791.7 billion, demonstrating that trucking is clearly important to the country’s economy as a billion-dollar industry. The trucking industry employs approximately 7.4 million people, with about 3.5 million of them being truck drivers.
Despite the current global recession, the trucking industry is expanding. Between April and June 2020, the number of available truck driving jobs increased by over 10,000. Trucking, more than nearly every other industry in the country, provides a sense of stability in an uncertain time.
Bill Stearnes, a used truck salesman from Memphis, founded National Truckers Appreciation Day in 2020 to honor those who deliver the food on your table, the clothes on your back, and everything else you use or consume.
Truckers frequently go unnoticed and unappreciated, despite making significant sacrifices to keep this country moving. Sometimes even putting their lives in danger. Many of them are separated from their families for days, weeks, or even months, which is why there is no better day to express the nation’s gratitude than October 4.
NATIONAL TRUCKERS APPRECIATION DAY TIMELINE
1895
The First Truck
Karl Benz designs and builds the first internal combustion engine truck.
1930s
Diesel Next
Autocar introduces diesel engine trucks to the United States.
1980s
The Blueprint
Cab-over-engine (C.O.E.) design trucks become popular and are used to this day.
2020
A National Celebration
Stearnes, a used truck salesman from Memphis, establishes National Truckers Appreciation Day.
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NATIONAL TRUCKERS APPRECIATION DAY ACTIVITIES
Learn how to drive a truck
Trucks can vary in size, but the most common ones on the road are the larger trucks that travel hundreds of miles to deliver cargo to various destinations. Why not experience this thrill by learning to drive a truck? You might decide to become a trucker if you enjoy it so much. Driving such large vehicles for such long distances can be relatively peaceful and fun.
Accompany a truck driver on a trip
Want to know what it’s like to be a truck driver but don’t want to become one? Asking a trucker to accompany them on a journey is an ideal way to experience the thrill without committing. Pack some snacks for the road, buy him or her some water, and keep them company while getting the experience you’ve always wanted. You might even make a new friend.
Invite a truck driver for dinner
The next time you’re at a gas station and spot some truckers resting, invite them over for dinner. They spend hours on the road, so a hot meal and some conversation can go a long way. Be kind and show your gratitude to truckers who often go unnoticed because they are always on the road to their next destination. They usually do this for long periods away from their families.
5 FACTS ABOUT TRUCKS AND TRUCKING
It’s an ever-growing industry
Over the next ten years, the trucking industry is expected to grow by up to 21%.
They’re practically eco-friendly
Over the last two decades, heavy truck emissions have been reduced by over 95% due to E.P.A. regulations.
Small businesses are prevalent
Small business trucking companies account for 90% of the industry.
Truckers are mostly men
Only 6% of truck drivers worldwide are female.
They rarely visit home
Truckers spend more than 240 nights away from home each year, accounting for more than half of the year.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL TRUCKERS APPRECIATION DAY
The overlooked are celebrated
Because truckers are always on the road, they are not the people who come to mind when you think of professional or serious business people. Our perceptions have changed about them over the years. By celebrating National Truckers Appreciation Day, we honor their industry and their commitment to safely transporting our cargo.
It honors a truly American mode of transport
Truck drivers have long been portrayed in the media as authentically American characters. They are often honorable, silent men who travel from one place to the next, stopping at diners along the way. Though they are more than what the media depicts, we can’t argue that they have become part of the American landscape and should be celebrated.
It honors brave and selfless men and women
Truck drivers are frequently on the road and do not see their families and loved ones very often throughout the year, which is why National Truckers Appreciation Day is the perfect opportunity to give them a voice and celebrate them as hard-working, selfless individuals. We rely on them to transport our most valuable cargo. The least we can do is show them some respect.
