Honoring Truckers: National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2024

Honoring Truckers: National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2024 – National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) took place this year from September 15th – 21st, 2024. Offering a dedicated time to honor and celebrate the invaluable work truck drivers do daily. At Thunder, we embraced this occasion wholeheartedly. We hosted our 6th Annual Photo Contest and shared warm moments with truckers at the Aliso Creek Rest Area, where we served coffee and donuts to express our gratitude.

At Thunder, we strongly believe that truck drivers deserve recognition not just during this special week but every day. When we consider the immense contributions of truckers to the U.S. economy, it becomes clear why they are vital to the nation’s success.

Over 8.5 million professionals are employed in the trucking industry. Including 3.55 million drivers—both company-employed and independent in 2023 (an increase of 0.3% from 2022). Truckers play an essential role in keeping commerce flowing, transporting 72.6% of America’s freight in 2023. They are the backbone of the nation’s economic engine.

The scale of the trucking industry’s impact on the economy is impressive. Valued at over $987 billion in gross freight revenues for 2023. Beyond delivering goods, the trucking community also significantly contributes to infrastructure, with commercial trucks paying $36.48 billion in fuel taxes at federal and state levels in 2022.

Our 6th Annual Photo Contest was a major highlight of this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. The incredible participation from our carriers, who submitted stunning images of their rigs against various scenic backdrops, was truly inspiring. These photos captured the unique beauty and diversity encountered on America’s highways, from snowy landscapes to stadium scenes.

In addition to the photo contest, we made a personal connection with local truckers by visiting the Aliso Creek Rest Area in North San Diego. Armed with coffee and donuts, our goal was simple: to bring a little joy to their day and offer heartfelt thanks for the hard work they put in each and every day.

NTDAW serves as an annual reminder of the indispensable role truck drivers play in the economy. As we move forward, let’s continue to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of these everyday heroes—not just during one week, but throughout the year. A huge thanks to all truckers for keeping America moving!

For more information about Truck Driver Appreciation Week you can read our blog post: Celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week