American Trucking Associations is taking this week, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, to honor the 3.1 million professional truck drivers that deliver America's freight safely and securely every day.


"Our nation's highways are the safest they have ever been and our grocery shelves are stocked. We as a nation, owe a great deal to the truck drivers out on our nation's roads, as well as to the families of those behind the wheel," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.

During this National Truck Driver Appreciation Week of Sept. 16-22, ATA, its state affiliates and America's Road Team Captains will mark the celebration by holding events across the nation.

Trucking companies, truckstops and other companies are holding special events and promotions. Ways in which said entities show their appreciation include million-mile and safety awards, cash bonuses or gifts, an extra paid day off, a cup of coffee or windshield cleaning at truck stops, goodie bags with fresh fruit and water, free health checks and numerous celebration meals. The Truckload Carriers Association is calling it National Truck Driver Appreciation & Wellness Week.

Several events will last all week, until every driver cycles through company headquarters. Office personnel at some companies are also encouraged to spend a few days out on the road to see the driver's side of their business.

ATA is once again hosting a video contest focusing on the professional truck driver. To view some of the industry submissions, click here.

In 2011, trucking professionals delivered 67% of the U.S. freight tonnage, equivalent to 9.2 billion tons of freight. Eighty percent of U.S. communities depend solely on the trucking industry for the delivery of goods.