At Priority1, we are taking the time to celebrate and commemorate our hard-working truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which falls on September 12th through 18th, 2021. This year’s celebration takes a special significance in all businesses and homes for those dedicated drivers who continued to stock our shelves and stores during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This week is a prime opportunity to witness our appreciation to the 3.6 million professional men and women who not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time but also keep our highways safe.
“Americans in all fifty states have taken extraordinary steps to show their appreciation for the important work that professional truck drivers have done as we navigate our way through the coronavirus pandemic. From children passing out lunches, to “I Heart Truck” signs across America’s highways, the public has taken notice of the essential role truck drivers play in their lives.” — American Trucking Associations (ATA)
Wondering how you can pass on a special thank you to truck drivers across the country? Donating to any of the non-profits/organizations below can genuinely impact a driver’s life right from your home!
Due to their unpredictable occupation, truck drivers are more likely to experience nonfatal injuries than other professions. In 2018, 840 drivers died in the United States alone. When tragedy strikes on the road, Truckers Final Mile reunites truck drivers and their families in the event of loss of life, debilitating injury, serious illness, a crisis at home, or the need to make mobility improvements at a driver’s home. They are available 24/7 for assistance and will verify any task within four hours of submission. The charity also offers grief counseling with an on-staff Chaplain or an Independent Grief Counselor through their voucher program.
Ever wonder how a driver locates a hot meal during a bind on the road? Meals for 18 Wheels is an organization comprised of volunteers covering 48 states and Canadian areas to deliver hot meals to drivers. Suppose a driver finds themself without food, broken down, or sitting overnight at a customer’s location due to circumstances beyond their control. In that case, this organization works around the clock to pair them with a volunteer to deliver a hot meal. Truckers can contact Meals for 18 Wheels from anywhere in the country, and a central coordinator will locate a nearby volunteer to provide a home-cooked meal as soon as possible. However, please note this is a holiday-heavy organization and a temporary service for drivers as they are only allowed to provide aid three times in six months.
St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund
Every American relies on truck drivers to deliver goods and stock our stores. However, have you ever wondered what could happen to a driver if an injury leaves them without work? The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) aids over-the-road/regional semi-truck drivers and their families when an illness or injury has recently left them out of work. Assistance may be in the form of direct payment to providers for household living expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities, vehicle payments, and insurance. The SCF provides all applicants with information on negotiating price reductions with medical providers and hospitals but does not directly pay for medical bills. The organization has assisted more than 3,200 truckers and provided over $3.5 million towards drivers’ expenses.
Today, take some time to donate to the charities above or simply thank a truck driver for their dedication to providing goods and services nationwide. From all of us at Priority1, thank you, truck drivers, of America!
