4 Reasons Why Truck Drivers Should be Appreciated Year-Round

Our daily lives would look quite different without the trucking industry or even the truck drivers themselves. Even before the pandemic, ordering items online and two-day shipping had become the norm. However, when clicking that ‘ORDER’ button, many people don’t realize what goes on behind the scenes to fulfill your order, and better yet, the people who make it happen. Some of the most important individuals in that process are truck drivers. Without their dependable service, there would be a shortage of daily necessities and most businesses would not be able to continue their regular day-to-day functions. While many of us run on caffeine, the global supply chain runs on wheels—oftentimes 18 of them.

Although this week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we at TA Services celebrate drivers every day. Here are our top four reasons why everyone should show a little more love toward truck drivers each and every day:

1. Trucks, quite literally, drive the economy

Nearly all business and consumer operations would come to a standstill without truck drivers since transportation of goods is an integral part of the economy. In fact, more than 70% of all goods are transported by truck in the United States, and trucking is a $700 billion industry. By contrast, truck drivers make up nearly 6% of the workforce which is roughly 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States. Truck drivers are truly a driving force within the economy and all industries are dependent upon their successful operation.

2. Driver Shortage – with no shortage of work

The driver shortage has been a growing concern since the 1980s but the retiring generation of drivers and the recent pandemic has exacerbated the issue. The American Trucking Association estimates a shortage of 160,000 drivers by 2028. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of truck drivers in the United States is 55, nearing retirement, so the industry is working hard to attract a younger, more diverse workforce. Despite these shortages, truck drivers work long hours to ensure the economy continues to run smoothly. Today’s employers are making it a priority to provide incentives to bring in new faces to the trucking industry, like higher starting salaries and paid training opportunities. With these challenges in mind, make sure driver appreciation is at the top of your mind this week—and beyond!

3. Drivers are essential to supply chain

Many heroes jumped into action throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, from healthcare to education to retail workers; and truck drivers were no different. Though often under-recognized in their pivotal roles, truck drivers continued to provide critical services throughout the pandemic—from hauling personal protective equipment (PPE) to the oh-so-precious toilet paper. Over the last year, we witnessed unexpected and unpredictable shifts in demand. For example, the Port of Los Angeles, the US’s busiest cargo port, recorded its busiest month ever this year, and these fluctuations have widespread manufacturing implications. Despite these challenges, truck drivers have continued to deliver stellar service to keep our economy moving forward.

4. Personal sacrifices are common in the industry

For long-haul drivers, life on the road can be an adventure, but it certainly has its own set of challenges. Truck drivers often spend long periods of time away from family, especially so considering the current driver shortage and increased need for goods and supplies. Long days and nights spent driving can be a dangerous occupation, so ensuring these professionals are recognized for their hard work is important to us here at TA Services.

*Bonus: Because Truck Drivers are Awesome Human Beings

Simply put, over the years we have met drivers with amazing talents ranging from: poets, novelists, artists, athletes, dancers, wood workers and more. This is a special breed of human beings who are driven to contribute – each in their own unique ways. We have forged friendships, enjoyed meals together and watched each other’s kids play sports together. We have stood up in each other’s weddings and attended funerals. We see drivers not just as work partners, but as lifelong friends.

What’s next?

The future of the trucking industry relies heavily on how employers incentivize and train employees. TA Services, a Bronze Stevie Winner for the 2021 Stevie Awards for Great Employers, is an example of a third-party logistics company that celebrates and values their employees. As a way to improve the employee experience, TA Services conducts internal surveys for guidance on their hiring practices and onboarding procedures. This attention to detail has allowed them to successfully hire 272 employees since 2020 with high remarks on their onboarding practices. Companies like TA Services are integral to building a trucking industry and general work culture in which employees feel appreciated all year long.

Of course, we would be unable to meet our goals without strong partnerships, and we are always looking to grow our expansive network. We offer consistent freight, long term partnerships, and an infinite appreciation of the humans behind the wheel that go the extra mile with us. Sign up to be a carrier partner with us today!

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