In an executive proclamation, Gov. Asa Hutchinson officially declared September 12-18, 2021, Truck Driver Appreciation Week in Arkansas. During this week, the Arkansas Trucking Association, along with American Trucking Associations and the entire trucking industry, celebrates the millions of professional truck drivers who work each day to deliver America’s freight safely as part of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
“In times of prosperity or times of crisis, the State’s 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 Arkansas,” Gov. Hutchinson said in the proclamation.
This year, the Arkansas Trucking Association is expanding their show of appreciation by hosting three separate events across the state during Truck Driver Appreciation Week:
- Monday, September 13, at Pilot Flying J, 8300 State Highway 108, in Texarkana
- Wednesday, September 15, at Loves, 8060 Highway 282, in Alma
- Friday, September 17, at TA/Petro, 3205 Valentine Road, in North Little Rock
At each event, professional truck drivers will be greeted by ATA staff and volunteers who will provide them a lunch and goody-bags. This year, drivers will have the chance to compete to win prizes in a virtual truck driving championship using the Arkansas Road Team’s driving simulators.
“Whether it’s a global pandemic, a natural disaster or a major bridge closure, these essential workers endure incredible challenges to ensure our communities are stocked with medicine, food, fuel and all of life’s essentials,” said ATA President Shannon Newton. “National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an annual opportunity for us to pause and say ‘thank you’ to the 3.5 million professional drivers for delivering every single day.”
The Arkansas Trucking Association invites all citizens to join the industry and Gov. Hutchinson in public and private displays of gratitude for the people behind every package on our doorsteps and product on the shelves.
“At the peak of the pandemic, truck drivers delivered life-saving vaccines to Arkansans, bringing hope and health back to the state,” the proclamation states. “Professional truck drivers deliver goods to every home, community, school, and business in Arkansas. Over 86 percent of Arkansas communities depend solely on the trucking industry for their goods and commodities.”
ATA has also launched a billboard campaign around the state throughout September to remind the motoring public that “America’s recovery is being delivered by the truckload.”
The Arkansas Trucking Association would like to extend its appreciation to several member companies for their support and sponsorship with this year’s Truck Driver Appreciation Day events:
Gold Sponsors: ArcBest; Drivewyze; FedEx Freight; Love’s; Maverick Transportation LLC; MHC; Pilot Flying J; PrePass; Southern Tire Mart; Stallion Transportation Group; Summit Truck Group; TravelCenters of America; Tyson Foods and Walmart Transportation.
Silver Sponsors: BNSF Logistics; Cummins Sales and Service; Distribution Solutions, Inc. and Great West Casualty Company.
And other donating companies: ABF Freight; C.C. Jones, Inc.; Groendyke, Inc.; Healing Waters; J.B. Hunt Transport; Loggins Logistics, Inc.; McKee Foods; Morris Transportation Services, LLC; PC Promotions; Senior Medicare Solutions; Stoughton Lease; Tri-State Thermo King and USA Truck.
About the Arkansas Trucking Association: Since 1932, the Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA) has served as the voice of the trucking industry, promoting the vitality of this industry on which nearly 87 percent of Arkansas communities exclusively rely to move their goods. Made up of approximately 300 trucking and service companies, ATA helps members grow their business and profits while protecting the collective interests of trucking companies in the political and regulatory arenas.
