ASSOCIATION INSIGHTS
ATA: One Year Later in a Pandemic: Trucking on the Frontlines Will Continue to Deliver
F
or many, it’s difficult to believe that it’s been a year since the global pandemic hit America, closing businesses, stalling commerce, and keeping
people home. For frontline workers, like truck drivers, the pandemic has only intensified their work, making one year seem like two. Truck drivers are in harm’s way every day in the middle of a devastating viral disease.
Despite the dangers, the trucking industry has remained resilient during the pandemic at every stage. During the early weeks of the outbreak, America’s 3.6 million truck drivers continued to ensure stores were stocked, hospitals were supplied, and first responders were equipped. While some Americans have taken steps to show their appreciation for truck drivers during the pandemic, most people do not realize how essential the industry is to their daily lives until a crisis hits. We need to do more to help America understand a truck driver’s mission and to show our appreciation.
The trucking industry is truly the backbone of America, keeping our lives, businesses, and economy moving forward every day by safely delivering everything we rely on. From the delivery of today’s most critical supply—the coronavirus vaccine—to the delivery of daily essential goods, including the food on our table, clothes on our back, and fuel in our car, all of these items were brought to our communities by a truck. As a matter of fact, nearly every good that is consumed in the U.S. was put on a truck at some point. The critical link between a stocked grocery store and a consumer is an American truck driver.
From every product to every place, trucking delivers to every corner of America. In fact, 80% of American
communities rely solely on trucking for their deliveries. And now with online shopping more prevalent than ever as consumers limit their trips to the store, more Americans are relying on deliveries made directly to their doorstep.
From every place to every sector, trucking is vital to the U.S. and global supply chain, serving as the last mile of deliveries from every industry - retail, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Trucking is the prime mover of our nation’s freight. In 2019 alone, the trucking industry hauled over 72% of all freight, which equates to over 11.8 billion tons.
At a time when jobs have been diminished, the trucking industry also contributes greatly to the American workforce and economy, creating millions of jobs and career opportunities in communities small and large. Today, the trucking industry is supported by nearly 8 million professionals nationwide, including drivers, technicians, vendors, and partners. Overall, the industry contributes over $791 billion in revenue to our nation’s economy annually.
As we enter year two of the pandemic, truck drivers continue to load up and transport COVID-19 vaccines,
PPE, and hand sanitizer to America’s stores along with consumers’ favorite items to their homes, such as smartphones, puzzles, beverages, and snacks. It’s times like these, I feel especially proud to be a part of the trucking industry and working alongside America’s professional truck drivers - our country’s unsung heroes.
One year ago, at the start of the pandemic in the U.S., trucking never stopped. With continual new factors emerging, such as virus variants and the many vaccine distribution challenges, times will remain uncertain. But one thing’s for sure: the trucking industry will continue to be there for Americans like we always have been. Be sure to #ThankATrucker today.
By Elisabeth Barna, Executive Vice President, Industry Affairs and Senior Advisor to the President & CEO, American Trucking Associations
® 41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
