Industry celebrates National Trucking Week

OTTAWA — Canada’s trucking industry is gearing for National Trucking Week. This year’s event runs from September 9 to 15, 2007.

National Trucking Week is held annually to spotlight the important contributions made by the 400,000 Canadians who work in the industry. The week also serves as a platform for raising awareness of how to safely share the road with trucks and about the industry’s new smog-free trucks.

“One week is hardly enough to recognize the efforts of so many people in an industry which operates 24/7, 365 days a year, but it is our week,” says David Bradley, CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance. “The trucking industry is the lifeblood of commerce. And, it is our people that make it happen.”

Trucks haul 90 percent of all consumer products and foodstuffs and two-thirds of Canada’s trade with the United States, CTA reminds the public.

“Our people ensure that store shelves are stocked, that food products arrive fresh, and that key parts get to manufacturers’ assembly lines on time. The old saying, ‘if You got it, a truck brought it,’ is as true today as it ever was,” the association says.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper also took some time out to commend Canada’s truckers: “This annual occasion brings together trucking professionals to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and to reflect on the challenges facing the industry today. It also plays an important role in raising awareness of the importance of the industry to Canada’s domestic and international trade,” he states in a press release.

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally commend the members of Canada’s trucking industry. The smooth movement of freight across the country and across the border with the United States is only possible thanks to your skill and dedication. I know that all Canadians are grateful for your contributions to Canada’s economic success.”

All over Ontario, OTA member companies are marking National Trucking Week in a wide variety of ways. Some fleets are saying ‘thanks’ by treating their staff to special breakfasts, lunches or BBQs during the week, while others are presenting commemorative jackets or shirts and other tokens of appreciation to their staff. Senior managers at some fleets are washing and fueling trucks before they leave the yard.

OTA is marking the event this year with official posters and collector cards, distributed with interesting trucking facts to trucking companies and supplier members to use in promoting the week.

OTA has also made available to its member companies discount cards at Mark’s Work Wearhouse locations anywhere in Canada for re-distribution to members’ employees.

Check with provincial trucking associations for events and promotions in your area.