This week, all of us at Lionzone want to take a moment to thank America’s over three million truck driving men and women! Every September, the American Trucking Associations has allocated a week to launch a nationwide celebration of truck drivers, and Lionzone is eager to participate this year and every year!
Did you know that over 80% of the goods delivered to American communities are brought by trucks? That means that most of our food, clothing, medicine, household products, and construction materials are all brought to us via truck drivers. It is good to remind everyone how they receive the goods they need, but we also need to remember that it takes hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to be a truck driver.
There are long hours behind the wheel for many truckers. From crossing the country to visiting ports and warehouse facilities, all of the U.S.’s imported goods have to be picked up and delivered, and all of our products built for export must be taken to the coasts and airports to be shipped out. Many of our nation’s truck drivers suffer from health conditions brought on by the unhealthy lifestyles they are forced to contend with on a daily basis. It is difficult to get the required amount of healthy food and exercise while driving for hours and hours a day. There is also a mental component to being on the road alone for so many days a year. On top of that, the entire family sacrifices time spent with their loved ones for them to be out making deliveries. It is a difficult occupation, but it is one that every American depends on, even if they don’t realize it.
If you own or manage a trucking company, then you understand how important this week is. Truck drivers need to be shown appreciation; while it should happen every day, it is especially important during this month’s celebration of their occupation. What are some ways that you can show appreciation for your drivers?
- Gifts and Giveaways: Find out what your drivers need and want! Offer raffles and drawings of high value items, such as iPhones or new CB radios. Some would even appreciate extra soft blankets or shades for the truck drivers who have sleeper cabs.
- Food: Everyone appreciates being fed! From bringing in pizza to handing out packed lunches for local drivers, feed your crews and be sure to include a thank you note!
- Truck Servicing: Some managers and trucking company owners have found that helping a driver’s truck look its best can show appreciation. Step outside and wash some truck windows or help clean a trailer. Drivers spend a great deal of time in their trucks, and many will be grateful for some extra help in cleaning them up!
- Use Social Media: Get your social media team to share photos and videos of your truck drivers. Tell everyone who follows you why your truck drivers are important and how fantastic and amazing they all are.
These few suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many ways to show drivers how much they are respected. Remember, truck drivers should be appreciated all year round, not just for one week in September. As much as we depend on them, it is important to show them that they can depend on us as well!
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Meaghan Goldberg covers recruitment and digital marketing for Lionzone. A Patterson, GA native, after graduating from both Valdosta State University and Middle Tennessee State University, Meaghan joined Lionzone in 2018 as a digital recruitment strategist before becoming the social media manager.
Resources:
https://www.hni.com/blog/10-ways-to-celebrate-driver-appreciation-week
https://www.trucking.org/national-truck-driver-appreciation-week
