LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – In an executive proclamation, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders officially declared Sept. 15-21, 2024, Truck Driver Appreciation Week in Arkansas. During this week, the Arkansas Trucking Association, along with American Trucking Associations and the entire trucking industry, celebrates and engages in acts of gratitude for the 3.5 million professional truck drivers who deliver America’s freight safely and securely every day.
“There are nearly 36,000 professional truck drivers in Arkansas – delivering everything from seeds and livestock for local farmers to books and technology for neighborhood schools,” Gov. Sanders said in the proclamation. “In times of prosperity or times of crisis, Arkansas’ and our Nation’s economy rides on the shoulders of professional drivers who bring what we need every day to thrive and survive, build and rebuild our lives across the state.”
Sen John Boozman also called attention to the contributions of drivers at the nation’s capital with a congressional resolution to designate the week as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in the U.S. Senate. “The American people owe a debt of gratitude to truck drivers for the work they do and the altruistic example they set to put food on our tables, keep our homes comfortable, and support our families and jobs,” the resolutions stated.
The Arkansas Trucking Association is celebrating the occasion Thursday, Sept. 19, at the TA Petro Stopping Center in North Little Rock, gifting free lunch to the professional drivers travelling along I-40, where more than 15,000 truck travel each day.
“Truck drivers are the quiet champions of our communities,” said ATA President Shannon Newton. “Behind almost every aspect of our lives is a skilled driver, traveling long stretches of road, often far from home, to ensure Arkansas families and businesses stay connected. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a chance for everyone to notice—to notice when the shelves are stocked, packages are delivered and who makes it happen.”
For the fourth year, ATA has also launched a billboard campaign around the state throughout September to thank drivers and prompt the public to keep noticing the 5-star service drivers perform in our society.
The Arkansas Trucking Association would like to extend its appreciation to several member companies for their support and donations for this year’s Truck Driver Appreciation Day event: ABF Freight, Aon, Arkansas Retailers, Bill Davis Trucking, Bowerman Trucking, CC Jones, CCMSI, Dedicated Logistics, Great West Casualty Company, Hurricane Express, J Hook Towing, J.B. Hunt Transport, McKee Foods Transportation, MHC Truck Leasing of Little Rock, Ozarko Tire Centers, PC Promotions, PrePass, Rich Insurance, SMS Trucking, Star Transportation, Tracy Law PLLC, TravelCenters of America, Tri-State Thermo King, Tyson Foods, W&B Service Co., Woodfield, and Wright Lindsey Jennings.
