ARLINGTON, Va. — On Thursday (April 16), American Trucking Associations joined President Donald Trump at an event on the White House lawn to recognize the critical role the nation’s truck drivers play in America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the event, Trump and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao lauded truckers as heroes for their efforts during the crisis.
“In the war against the virus, America’s truckers are really the foot soldiers that are carrying us to victory,” Trump said. “Truckers are playing a critical role in vanquishing the virus, and they will be just as important as we work to get our economic engine roaring.”
Several professional drivers were invited to the podium to share personal stories of delivering critical goods during the pandemic, from hand sanitizer to medical supplies.
“As a professional driver, I am proud to stand here representing my fellow drivers out there doing the important work of delivering for America,’ said Stephen Richardson, a driver with Triple G Express in Shelbyville, Tennessee. “I am proud to be a truck driver, and I am especially proud of the work all of the drivers are doing now in response to this crisis.”
In addition to Richardson, Charlton Paul of UPS Freight, Chester in New York and Tina Peterson of FedEx Ground/Ravenwood Transport in Blaine, Minnesota, spoke of their experiences, and received a gold key from Trump, which he called an expression of thanks for their essential work.
A truck from ATA-member FedEx Ground and the ATA’s image truck, Interstate One, served as a backdrop for the President’s remarks.
“President Trump is absolutely correct in calling America’s truck drivers ‘the lifeblood of our economy.’ As he said, they truly are ‘brave, bold and incredible’ heroes,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA. “We thank the president and Secretary Chao for recognizing these drivers, who are touching the lives of Americans in a very tangible way, and for appreciating the hard work and sacrifice these men and women are making to deliver shipments of food, medicine and other crucial supplies to the frontlines of the fight against this virus.”
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
