It's a Team's Life

Driver Appreciation Week

Driver Appreciation Week

This week marks a time that recognizes the truck driver and all that he or she does to move items from place to place. The company with which we have partnered takes this week to show its appreciation for all of the drivers that work under the company umbrella. Every year this show of appreciation takes place in a different part of the country. Since we began our partnership with this company, we have participated in this celebration. We have never been disappointed. This week will be no different. We look forward to spending time with current business associates who have become great friends while also building new and continuing relationships.

This week is not just for companies to show appreciation to its drivers. This week should also be  a week that every citizen take a moment to recognize what truck drivers do to make their lives more comfortable. Several years ago I had a conversation with a family member about the amount of time that husband and wife team truck drivers spend together. To make a long story short, it was agreed that a traditional husband and wife spends no more than two hours a day “together.” As a husband and wife trucking team we are constantly together. While one is driving, the other is sleeping. Having said that, in our case we shower and use bathroom facilities in the same small space. We eat in the same small space. We live in the same small space. Now some might say, “well that’s the life you chose.” That is very true. And please do not take this as complaining. We truly love what we do. However, many people that I have talked to will admit that they could never live our life.

Also, give credit to all the men and women who drive alone. They leave family behind, miss out on family holidays and special occasions more often than they would like. They do it because they need to make a living as well as have a love of the open road. Often I talk to people that say they would like to be a truck driver in their next carrier. I am encouraged by their desire, yet hesitant to celebrate their possible future. Why? Because I have known drivers who have lost families and relationships because of trucking. Being a truck driver is not for the faint of heart. While it is often said that there is a shortage of truck drivers, I would rather say that there is a shortage of respect for truck drivers. The trucking industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in our country while also being one of the most disrespected occupations around.

Every time that you take that item off the shelf and got to the checkout to make that purchase, think of how that item got to that store. Remember the truck driver that delivered that item to the store. 

Here’s to millions of safe, profitable and APPRECIATED miles.

Kelly Plumb