National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is under way, Aug. 25-Sept. 1.
The theme for the week, sponsored by the American Trucking Associations, is "Drivers Deliver Safely."

A proclamation from President George W. Bush, congratulatory messages from a score of governors, and a national newspaper ad greeted America's 3 million professional truck drivers as they hit the road today.
"Professional truck drivers play a vital role in the lives of all Americans and are key to our continuing prosperity," said President Bush. "From coast to coast, safe reliable truck drivers ensure delivery of the staples of life and merchandise that we depend on and enjoy."
The White House proclamation also cited the trucking industry's safety efforts. "The commitment by drivers of large trucks to reduce truck-related injuries and fatalities has been critical to improving safety on our highways," said the President.
In addition to Bush's proclamation, drivers will get public appreciation from proclamations from more than half the nation's governors and an ATA-sponsored ad in USA Today. Trucking companies, truckstops and industry suppliers are showing their appreciation with special events, free truck washes, goody bags and the like. The event kicked off over the weekend with the National Truck Driving Championship in Minneapolis.
Here's a sampling of what's going on, according to the ATA www.truckline.com web site:

• ABF Freight System, Fort Smith, Ark., is holding drawings to allow employees to win items such as a personal computer, DVD player or gift certificate.

• The Texas Motor Transportation Association is sponsoring events with free food and giveaways Aug. 28 at the Flying J at I-20 and Bonnie View in Dallas, Aug. 29 at the TA in Baytown, and Aug. 30 at the TA on I-10 in San Antonio.

• Trucks Inc. in Jackson, Ga., invites employees and their families to Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga.

• Pottle's Transportation in Bangor, Maine, sponsors company picnics for drivers and families and sponsors a family fun day at Funtown/Splashtown USA.

• Bowlus Trucking in Fremont, Ohio, is holding its Sixth Annual Truck Driver Appreciation Day Pig Roast and Driving Skills Competition.

"We are proud of our professional truck drivers," said William Canary, ATA interim president and CEO. "They continue to set safety records, and they're doing it as we deliver more and more of America's freight."
For more information, go to http://truckline.com/insideata/ntdaw, where you can send an e-card to appreciate your favorite driver online.