A new team of 18 professional truck drivers were named to the 2019-2020 class of America’s Road Team, the American Trucking Associations announced this week. The drivers will immediately begin their service as trucking industry ambassadors to the general public, elected officials and members of the media.

“These drivers represent the diverse experiences of the 3.5 million professional drivers across the country and will be able to bring their unique stories to new, critical audiences as part of America’s Road Team,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “ATA is very excited to begin working with this group of professional, respected drivers and see them continue spreading the positive image of the trucking industry. We are extremely proud of them, as are their companies and families.”

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Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), an industry-wide education and image movement, is sharing the industry’s honorable charity efforts during this holiday season after an industry-wide call for submissions through email and social media.

“From participating in efforts to feed the hungry and support our veterans, to collecting and delivering toys, shoes and other donations for those in need, the trucking industry has always taken great pride in giving back to the communities we serve,” said Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and president of Jet Express.

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As we celebrate Veterans Day this year, the trucking industry remains committed to hiring military veterans. Read more in American Military News from pro truck driver, Gary Helms of Covenant Transportation in Tennessee and TMAF member.

America continues to be the greatest country and strongest symbol of democracy in the world. As a military veteran and professional truck driver, I am a strong believer that providing our service members with the resources they need while transitioning from the military into civilian life is the least we can do to repay our veterans. That is why I am proud that the trucking industry is committed to doing our part and providing job opportunities and career paths for those who have sacrificed.

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While your Labor Day weekend may have been stocked with food, refreshments, barbeque grills, beach toys and lots of other fun items, truck drivers across America made that happen. They were busy traveling and making deliveries door-to-door and then getting back on the road to the next safe delivery.

Chances are you saw a truck on the road while you were heading out with your family to celebrate the holiday weekend at the beach, or on your way to the store to pick up school supplies for your child’s first day of school. That’s because trucks are on the road with us every day, rain or shine, including weekends and holidays. Millions of trucks travel our roads every day, and behind the wheel of that truck, regardless of the weather or terrible traffic, is one of 3.5 million hardworking truck driving professionals who is working to deliver the goods that keep our lives supplied and the economy moving forward.

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With the start of summer, comes the planning of barbeques, water sports and road trips to spend time with family and friends. Tying your summer fun to how those deliveries arrive to your home or business is not typically top of mind, but making those special summer days happen is due in large part to the trucking industry. In fact, most people don’t know that the trucking industry, from drivers to technicians to vendors and partners, serves 80 percent of America’s communities.

Trucking is essential to our daily lives here in Ohio. It doesn’t just keep our communities supplied, it also keeps our economy and country moving forward. But, as the economy strengthens, and demand within the industry grows, the struggle to find qualified drivers in our industry is a significant challenge. The trucking industry has been facing a driver and technician shortage, with the American Trucking Associations (ATA) reporting an industry shortage of more than 50,000 drivers. Without truck drivers on our roads, our economy and daily lives would be so disrupted, that operations would literally shut down, which is why it’s critical that we address the job shortage.

The fact is there are so many diverse jobs available for truck drivers. Flatbed, refrigerated, less than truckload (LTL) or truckload, are just a few examples of the many job opportunities available. These are jobs that offer great starting salaries and benefits, and provide the training needed to jumpstart a career. Thankfully, education starts early in some states with high schools talking about truck driver training programs and the opportunities available to them after graduation. When teens are taught about trucking career options, it has benefits for both the industry, by planting the seed early to fill the job pipeline, and for the student, offering them important choices.

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