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By Cara Beth Lewis

Without truck drivers, nearly every aspect of our daily routine would not be possible. Without the goods and resources they deliver, we would be at a loss.

This week, September 12-18, is National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week – a time to show our gratitude, respect, and appreciation for truck drivers and all that they do. During the pandemic, their work has been especially important, and has required them to make some sacrifices and work extra hard along the way. From food, to personal protective equipment, to vaccines and fuel, truck drivers provide in many different categories.

The industry association says there are 3.5 million people employed as drivers as of 2015. The most recent BLS stats show 1 million (about 950,000).

Did You Know? (from Nationaltoday.com)

Truckers deliver about 10 billion tons of freight, or about 70 percent of all the freight moved in the U.S.
The average trucker will drive over 100,000 road miles per year. That works out to nearly 40 trips across the United States.
The average age of a truck driver is 49.
About 6% of the nation’s truck drivers are women. The number is trending upward about 10% a year.
41% of the nation’s truck drivers are minorities – compared to 22% in all other jobs.
Walmart runs one of the largest staff of truckers. The company maintains one of the largest fleet of trucks in the nation and employs 8,600 drivers who earn $88,000/ year according to a CBS News story.
Truck drivers can have many talents. These truckers went on to be actors:
- Sean Connery, Elvis Presley, Charles Bronson, Viggo Mortensen, Liam Neeson, James Cameron, Chevy Chase, Rock Hudson.
A survey by Atlas Van Lines found truck drivers are big country western music fans. Nearly half of the truckers on the road listen to country-western music. One third listen to classic rock, and the rest listen to sports or talk radio.
The career field remains open for more heavy and tractor-trailer drivers. The BLS estimates 108,400 more will be needed by 2026. Their median pay is about $43,680 per year.
The career field for Light Truck and Delivery Truck Drivers is expected to grow more slowly. The BLS predicts about 55,000 light truck and delivery drivers will be needed by 2026. Their median pay is $30,500 per year.

If you know a truck driver, send them a thank you card and wish them a Happy Truck Driver Appreciation Week. If you see a truck driver on the road, give them the traditional “arm pull” gesture and see if they will blast their horn for you!

Thank you, Truck Drivers, for all you do – from the Bladen Online team.