By Kim McDonnell

Nothing like a pandemic to remind folks of the importance of truck drivers and what they do for us all! Hopefully, people will no longer take for granted what a trucker does each day and how they provide for this country. I know I won’t.

I have seen people coming out of the woodwork (or shelter in place restrictions) to go out of their way to feed, thank and otherwise help truckers throughout this great land. My main hope is that continues well beyond this time when businesses start opening and people aren’t hoarding toilet paper or cleaning supplies any longer. And maybe, just maybe, the attitudes of being thankful for what many are now calling our Heros of the Road will continue, where if someone is having dinner at a restaurant and they see a weary driver wander in for a hot meal they may still say THANK YOU and maybe even buy them a cup of coffee. Yes, I know most of you might tell me that you are not a hero but just doing your job. Some of you might say you got a paycheck and were still able to make a living while millions of people were not, but I am hoping that attitude of gratitude for our nation's truck drivers continues. That many people who may not have ever given it much thought see the worth of all of those truckers who drive countless hours, spent months or weeks away from family, wait countless hours at the dock, eat that last hot go on the roller grill that’s been cooking all day, and put up with a lack of a comfortable place to lay their head or take a hot shower. Hopefully, there will be fewer cars that cut you off or blow their horn because you are not going as fast as they think you should or are in their way. Maybe next time someone blows there horn it will be to give a smile and a wave and realize that you are driving at a safe speed to get the goods they need to the stores where they shop. Perhaps it will be a more appreciative person behind that counter that takes your paperwork on the next delivery – and gives you a big smile and a THANK YOU every time.

I have heard from many drivers that the gratitude and thanks extended to them now is only temporary and soon it will go back to what it was before– but let's hope not! I believe that a lot more people, more than ever before, are realizing what it is that a trucker does and that they are one of the greatest treasures of our country. That they have made many sacrifices during this pandemic including not seeing their families, putting up with not being able to use the restrooms or access the building where they deliver, not having a warm meal when they finally stop for the day or being able to sit down and just talk to someone, anyone, on their break.

Just know that the team at RoadPro knows it and lives it. We are well aware of what the truck drivers do and how difficult their job can be. We know this career path isn’t for everyone and it truly takes a special human being to do what a trucker does. We see what it is that you do for us and appreciate it every day – and it didn’t take a pandemic for us to know you are true Heros!