During this Thanksgiving season, we wanted to take time to express our gratitude to American truck drivers. After all, everything we own has been on a truck at some point in its existence. From the components of your car to the food you ate with your families on Thanksgiving, none of it would have gotten to and from its origin to destination without the help of the truck driver. Without truck drivers, we wouldn’t have any of the everyday products that make our lives easier.

According to the American Trucking Association, there are approximately 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the United States today. After earning a license to operate commercial motor vehicles, these truck drivers are responsible for legally and safely navigating the country’s highways with trucks that often weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

They put a great deal of time and effort into acquiring the skills necessary to handle such massive and complex vehicles. Truckers are frequently seen mastering the latest and greatest technologies and learning their company’s way of doing things. These strong professionals are truly committed to performing their jobs at the highest level possible while taking on the personal risks that come with a life on the road.

Truck drivers are required to drive in inclement weather conditions, construction zones, and difficult terrain. They are constantly surrounded by motorists who are distracted, reckless, and intoxicated. Every day, truckers put their lives on the line so that they can perform their jobs and bring products to each one of us. Many of them drive hundreds of miles a day, thousands of miles a week, and tens of thousands of miles a year.

Unlike most of corporate America, truckers don;t work a normal 9-5. They work all hours of the day and night. They often spend days, weeks, or months away from their families. In fact, they are known to have a “lifestyle occupation,” because they truly live in their trucks. Due to federal regulations, they can work up to 70 hours within any period of 8 consecutive days. This often leaves them with minimal time to tend to their personal needs, as well as those of their families.

Truck drivers rarely have the time to exercise, visit the doctor, eat a nice home cooked meal, or spend quality time with their friends and families. For this reason, they frequently face serious health problems such as obesity, lung cancer, musculoskeletal injuries, sleep apnea, stress, and depression.

The truth is that truck drivers make sacrifices every day in order to keep our country moving and provide us with access to the goods we need to live our lives. They are tough and independent professionals who deserve all the praise and appreciation this Thanksgiving season and every season.

Here at Amware, we are pleased to offer solutions that help truck drivers remain safe and compliant while performing their jobs well. We thank them on a regular basis because we know that the American way of life would come to a halt without them.

Thank you to all who work so tirelessly day-in and day-out to get our goods where they need to be. Happiest of holidays to you and your families from us at Amware.