This week marks National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, a celebration started in 1988 by the American Trucking Associations honoring truck drivers across the nation.

It is a time to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs, says ATA.

“ATA is proud to continue the tradition of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week,” said Bill Graves, president and CEO. “The trucking industry values the men and women who safely deliver our nation’s goods, and keep America moving forward.”

This year's NTDAW will feature celebrations hosted by motor carriers, shippers and other trucking-related industries as well as events hosted by ATA, its affiliates and others.

In honor of NTDAW , the ATA posted a video of Graves thanking the 3.2 million professionals who drive trucks across the nation and the families of the drivers whose support makes it possible for them to do their jobs. Truck drivers log close to 421 billion miles each year, and in 2013 they delivered 69% of U.S. freight tonnage, equal to 9.7 billion tons of freight.

On Sept. 16, the Truckload Carriers Association will be sponsoring free health fairs at 15 TA/Petro locations, with fun, informative events and activities.

All locations will be informally surveying participants on health habits such as sleep, exercise and food consumption. Responses will be anonymous and will only be used to help pinpoint areas the TCA and the trucking industry should focus on in the future. 

Health care professionals will give blood-pressure and glucose tests. The events will offer different outdoor activities depending on the location, such as basketball, dog washing, live bands and more. Some locations will offer wellness walks from 6-7 p.m. as well.

The health fairs will be held at the following locations:

• Tonopah, Ariz. - TA

• North Little Rock, Ark. - Petro

• Ontario, Calif. – Petro

• Wildwood, Fla. – TA

• Cartersville, Ga. – TA

• Boise, Idaho – TA

• Clayton, Ind. – TA

• Clearwater, Minn. – Petro

• Binghamton, N.Y. – Petro

• Waterloo, N.Y. - Petro

• Lodi, Ohio – TA

• Harrisburg, Pa. – TA

• West Greenwich, R.I. - TA

• Antioch, Tenn. - TA

• New Braunfels, Tex. - TA