Many of us likely missed it, but Saturday marked the end of National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis did not let the occasion slip by unnoticed.
Late last week, he issued a statement recognizing the annual commemoration, a long-running promotion of the American Trucking Associations, and noted how vital truckers are to the rest of Florida’s consumers.
Patronis pointed out that the trucking industry in Florida employs roughly 428,000 people, which equates to about one of every 18 jobs statewide.
“Florida’s truckers are driving our nation’s economic backbone, and even in today’s national economy inching more and more towards recession, these everyday heroes have worked hard to ensure that Americans are well fed and well supplied throughout the country,” Patriots said in a statement.
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“In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, and most recently Hurricane Idalia, both Florida and out-of-state truckers provided much needed hope to many Florida residents who had lost everything. All this while record high inflation and gas prices, particularly diesel, continues to negatively impact truckers’ margins.”
“Florida is constantly leading the nation in just about every category, and it is in no small part due to our truck drivers,” Patronis added. “Thank you to Florida’s trucking industry and all of the dedicated truckers for your hard work and dedication to the Free State of Florida.”
Alix Miller, president and CEO of Florida Trucking Association added in a statement, “Our truck drivers know that in a state like Florida, their devotion to the road and keeping the lanes of commerce alive is most appreciated. Huge thanks to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for supporting Florida’s professional truck drivers and highlighting National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.”
“Florida remains the best place to do business in the country, and without the men and women who dedicate their lives to traveling on the road day in and day out to help Floridians keep food on the table, our great state wouldn’t be the same,” Miller said.
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“I encourage all Floridians to thank a professional truck driver this week and show their appreciation for all they do to keep Florida the best place to live the American dream.”
The ATA, which represents about 3.5 million drivers, has celebrated National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week since 1988. On its website, the group notes that more than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks, and their drivers, to meet their freight transportation needs.
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