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What is Truck Driver Appreciation Week?
Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which occurs from September 15-21, 2024 this year, is an annual observance dedicated to recognizing and honoring the vital contributions of truck drivers to our economy and daily lives. This week-long event acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of truck drivers who play a crucial role in transporting goods across the country, ensuring that products reach stores, businesses, and homes on time. Peach State Truck Centers would like to express our gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice to keep the country running.
The Origins: American Trucking Association
The origins of Truck Driver Appreciation Week can be traced back to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), which initiated the celebration in 1988 as a way to raise public awareness about the importance of trucking and to express gratitude towards those who keep the wheels of commerce turning. Driver retention played another large role in the creation of this celebratory week, as this has been an ongoing issue in the trucking industry for years now.
The People Behind the Wheel
The commercial truck driver community is incredibly diverse, encompassing individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, ages, and experiences. This profession brings together people of various cultures, genders, and identities, forming a rich and dynamic tapestry on the road.
- Approximately 57% of truck drivers are parents, balancing the demands of the road with their roles as caregivers.
- Young adults make up about 21% of the truck driving workforce, with the minimum age to operate a truck across state lines being 21 years old.
- Around 10% of truck drivers are veterans, double the rate of the workforce at large.
- Based on a 2023 study, it was discovered that 84% of all truck drivers are men, while women make up 16% of all professional truck drivers.
Truck Driver Statistics
Let's delve into some compelling truck driver statistics that shed light on the required qualifications and pivotal role our commercial truck drivers play in our modern way of life.
- Qualifications: Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), Truck Driver Training School, Commercial Driving License (CDL)
- Average Time on the Road: 40-60 hours and/or 70+ hours over an 8 day period
- Average Days on the Road Per Year: 300
- Average Miles Driven: 125,000 miles per year or 2,500 miles per week
- 3.6 million truck drivers in the US
- More than 60% of owner-operators are away from home 151+ nights a year
- 73% of the country’s freight is shipped via truck
- Truck drivers haul over $2 billion worth of freight each day
- 80% of the US rely exclusively on trucks to meet their freight transportation needs
Truck Driver Resources
We understand the vast number of challenges truck drivers face on the road. Long hours, isolation, time away, unpredictable weather, traffic, and tight schedules can take their toll. Below are a few resources we, here at Peach State, found to help support our customers.
- Truck Apps
- Organizations
- Truck Driver Communities
- Top Truck Stops
How Does Peach State Support Truck Drivers?
Peach State Truck Centers has served truckers in Georgia, Alabama, and the surrounding areas for over 50 years and has multiple locations as a dealer, parts and service network, and body shops. We are committed to supporting all types of drivers from owner-operators, and fleet drivers, to vocational and last-mile drivers who own or work for local and small businesses who have helped to grow and strengthen the economy of our home state for decades. As a part of our appreciation, we offer exclusive benefits to our customers, such as monthly parts specials, to help truckers stay on the road with ease and efficiency. Stop by any Peach State Truck Centers in Georgia or any one of our three locations in Alabama and receive a free gift as a small token of our appreciation this week.
How Does Peach State Support Truck Drivers?
- “I made one phone call to my salesman Buddy and he got on the phone. And in just a couple of days I had people ringing my phone from Peach State Truck Center. And they went out of their way to make sure that I had what I needed. All I did was make one phone call and all of that was taken care of. I never had to make another one. So the service after the sale has been great. And I feel that in the future there will be a long, valued relationship with Peach State Truck Centers.” - Danny Elsberry (Owner, Elsberry Trucking
- “Fantastic experience. The transmission on my RV went out and I needed to have it towed to Peach State. They had excellent communication through a portal where I could check my status at any time. They were prompt with repairs, and the service team was friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.” - Kelly Handerhan (Google Reviews)
- “Well pleased, I had a great experience with the service department. Being a single truck O/O I feel like some of these dealers forget about you but this was not the case here. Gabriella kept me informed the entire time and was easy to deal with. They did their best to expedite the repairs. Will be back for sure.” - Matt W. (Google Reviews)
- “Brenda was extremely helpful with finding a hard to locate part for my truck. Her patience and excellent customer service will be the reason for me coming back. If you need help ask for Brenda, she goes above and beyond. Thank you again!” - Freight Star Logistics (Google Reviews)
Truck Driver Appreciation Week at Peach State Truck Centers
To celebrate 2024’s Truck Driver Appreciation Week, every one of Peach State’s locations is giving out snack grab bags for customers. Stop by one of our locations during the week and pick one up. We’re looking forward to seeing you!