September 12-18, 2021: Truck Driver Appreciation Week

WHEREAS, U.S. professional truck drivers safely and securely deliver life's essentials to every home, community, school, hospital and business in America; they travel more than 421 billion miles delivering nearly 70 percent of total U.S. freight tonnage; and,

 

WHEREAS, the more than 3.6 million men and women who serve this nation as professional truck drivers are among the safest of all drivers, and are dedicated to safety on our highways and in our workplaces, to the industry they work in, and to families and residents; and,

 

WHEREAS, the professional truck drivers of the state of Michigan delivered for our families and communities during the coronavirus pandemic, putting their own health and well-being at risk; and,

 

WHEREAS, the professional truck drivers of the state of Michigan safely deliver more than 355,530 tons of freight each day to Michigan communities who depend solely on the professional truck drivers to receive their goods; and,

 

WHEREAS, the professional truck drivers who keep the shelves of our local supermarkets fully stocked, deliver medicine and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics, and deliver goods at every stage of production - from raw materials to the store shelf - should be honored; and,

 

WHEREAS, residents should take a moment to recognize the significant contributions of our professional truck drivers; the efficiency and safety that these drivers guarantee allow businesses and private citizens to confidently ship goods across state lines and throughout the United States; and,

 

WHEREAS, during our state's most challenging times and in moments of natural disasters, professional truck drivers are among the first to respond, bringing critical goods to aid in our recovery; and,

 

WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of professional truck drivers to our well-being and the economic value of their industry to Michigan, we honor truck drivers for their past and future contributions; and,

 

WHEREAS, professional truck drivers should be recognized as vital to America;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 12-18, 2021, as Truck Driver Appreciation Week in recognition of the important contributions of professional truck drivers to the expansion and health of our economy, who drive miles each day in the safest manner possible.