Trucking: A crucial component of the holiday season

Recently, a contributor to The Washington Times wrote an opinion article that should be near and dear to the heart of anyone involved in the trucking profession.

Kevin Burch, the author and chairman of the American Trucking Associations, discussed the many traditions we Americans have during the holiday season — everything from shopping for presents to eating a turkey dinner. He went on to explain how in the midst of all this activity, no one ever really stops to think that almost all of these traditions are made possible by trucking.

But beyond the important role trucking plays during everyone’s favorite season, he cited several statistics that prove trucking is not only a growing, crucial industry, but it’s also one with increasingly safer outcomes. In fact, since 1980 the fatality rate in truck crashes has fallen by 74 percent. In addition, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, trucks have an overall crash rate that is 28 percent lower than other vehicles on the road.

Mr. Burch continued to explain how trucking is a noble and safe profession, with thousands of committed employees working diligently every day to ensure our way of life can continue in a seamless manner. His words are a reminder that each of us plays a role in making America the wonderful country it has always been.