National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2023

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an annual opportunity to recognize the essential services provided by more than 3.5 million drivers across the nation.

These men and women shoulder the daily responsibility of keeping our homes and businesses supplied with the goods needed to fuel a functioning economy, and often do so over thousands of hours spent far from the public spotlight. This year’s appreciation week theme, “Miles of Gratitude,” serves as a reminder that those long hours on the road are hours spent away from homes and families.

Observed this fall from September 10-16, driver appreciation week is a reminder not only of truckers’ crucial role in American business but in each of our daily lives. Professional truckers haul a staggering 11.5 billion tons of freight annually, ranging from massive construction equipment and raw manufacturing materials to time-sensitive medical supplies and HAZMAT shipments requiring the utmost care.

Demand for this growing freight volume stems in part from the 80% of U.S. communities estimated to be entirely dependent on trucking for the delivery of their goods and commodities. In a very real sense, every American job depends on truck drivers and supply chain success in some capacity.

Take a few moments this week to consider our collective dependence on these hardworking individuals, to express appreciation, and to learn more about the active efforts to improve driver working conditions, promote driver safety and expand access to driver healthcare and wellness programs.

As we celebrate this year’s annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, let us commit to supporting policies and practices designed to enhance the lives of the workers who keep our nation moving forward.