Along with recognizing the start of the professional football season, the American Trucking Association spent time last week recognizing some of the 3.5 million truck drivers who make tailgates, barbecues and football games possible.

"Truck drivers play a critical role in the nation’s economy and deserve the recognition that this week brings,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Beyond delivering office supplies, building materials and school books, truck drivers deliver the tailgate essentials and festive fall favorites that make this time of year so enjoyable.”

Every year, in the second week of September, the trucking industry takes a moment to formally recognize the efforts of professional truck drivers and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. According to the ATA, state trucking associations, industry suppliers and motor carriers of all sizes work during this time to help recognize the men and women who safely deliver 71.4% of the country’s total freight tonnage.

As noted in the ATA's most recent press release on National Truck Driver Appreciation Week,  at least 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on truck drivers to deliver their goods and commodities – allowing the nation’s rural communities access to modern comforts.

If it feels like there is a special kind of energy in the air, that is because activities are taking place from coast to coast with hundreds of companies hosting special events to celebrate their professional truck drivers. The ATA Chairman says that National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is one of the industry's proudest weeks.

According to the ATA, elected officials, business leaders, members of the media and students all benefit from learning about the important work that highly-trained truck drivers do on a day-to-day basis. It also helps in other ways. "Highway safety is dramatically improved," the ATA states, "when the motoring public accommodates truck drivers by providing plenty of space to maneuver, staying out of truck blind spots, and avoiding distractions."

At Millis Transfer, we are so thankful for all of our professional drivers and we appreciate all that they do. There's also good news for those interested in the trucking industry. Opportunities for drivers are abundant. Give us a call at 1-800-937-0880 to learn more about the many perks available to you.

About Millis Transfer
Millis Transfer, Getting It There Since 1936, has an impressive service record earning dozens of “Carrier of the Year” awards. Headquartered in Black River Falls, Wis., the company raised driver pay two times in 2018. Extra perks for Millis drivers include a maximum pay rate of 47-58cpm, beautiful and well-maintained equipment, and a long list of amenities and benefits.  Maintenance facilities and drop yards are also strategically located throughout the company’s operating area. Its sister company, Millis Training Institute, offers five school locations that provide students with quality training in order to earn their CDL-A license. To learn more, please visit www.millistransfer.com or www.mtidriving.com.