As the pandemic is slowly reaching its peak, change of how life work has affected each part of our society.
Among those who fight the front lines are you, the truck drivers, who risk your health to keep shelves stocked in hospitals, stores, and elsewhere.
The #ThankATrucker hashtag began to take traction, promoted by social media users who want to thank you for keeping society as we know it afloat.
But how did this impact the opinion of truck drivers? Will it change anything in the perception of our industry?
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Some of the Posts Thanking Truck Drivers
Without these dedicated individuals across the country, we wouldn’t have food on our tables.
— West Liberty Foods (@westlibfoods) April 22, 2020
Join us and #thankatrucker today!#westlibertyfoods pic.twitter.com/g3aBGkuWEH
There are so many people keeping our country running right now. Don’t forget to #ThankATrucker and all of the hard workers on the front line! https://t.co/3WREv9lhRq
— Stewart-Haas eSports (@SHR_eSports) April 25, 2020
“America has only avoided collapse — not an exaggeration — because of one group: millions of truck drivers, who are continuing to keep this economic engine running and its stores full.” #ThankATrucker #Tucker https://t.co/j5ds4vh6E4
— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) April 22, 2020
“America has only avoided collapse — not an exaggeration — because of one group: millions of truck drivers, who are continuing to keep this economic engine running and its stores full.” #ThankATrucker #Tucker https://t.co/j5ds4vh6E4
— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) April 22, 2020
The #COVID19 pandemic has once again shown how much society relies on the trucking industry.
— Mack Trucks (@MackTrucks) April 3, 2020
To the drivers, techs and dealers who keep on trucking, despite these very trying circumstances – thank you.
🖤🚛https://t.co/wnjgMdwoGS#ThankATrucker pic.twitter.com/2tZJWmA54r
FREE LUNCH & ABSOLUTELY NO ENFORCEMENT // Truck drivers come grab a FREE lunch at the Jasper County Scale (WB I-80, Mile Marker 150) from 10am – 2pm, or until all 500 lunches run out! #thankatrucker pic.twitter.com/p7Tx2v1mQi
— Iowa Motor Truck (@iowamotortruck) March 24, 2020
Love seeing the support for our truckers out there!#trucking #transportation #thankatrucker pic.twitter.com/mRlHZu5wWc
— Driver Solutions (@TruckingSchool) April 23, 2020
Call or email if you need to know where you can access trucker friendly food near you. [email protected] #Trucking #ThankATrucker
— Ryan Tilley (@rtilleyTANDET) April 21, 2020
Please share @OnTruck @CanTruck @TRUCKINGdotORG @TruckNewsMag pic.twitter.com/Us4bW5FJQZ
We’re committed to serving our truck drivers, and have been moving quickly to make our restaurants more accessible for them during this crisis. Thank you to those driving transport trucks and oversized essential service vehicles, for keeping our country going. pic.twitter.com/080RQFp8BB
— Tim Hortons (@TimHortons) April 2, 2020
It’s our way of saying ‘thank you.’ To all Professional Drivers, health-care professionals and first responders going the extra mile for all of us, please enjoy a free coffee at our @CircleKStores locations in Atlantic Canada and New England. #thankatrucker #healthcareheroes pic.twitter.com/y9MYz6mGEE
— Irving Oil (@irvingoil) March 27, 2020
Great day at Shoemakers Travel Plaza in Lincoln where we gave free lunch to truckers in appreciation of their great work. https://t.co/Iua9FdpDz4 #ThankaTrucker
— Nebraska Trucking (@nebraskatrucker) March 31, 2020
Nine-year-old Tyler wants to thank truck drivers for all they do during the #coronavirus pandemic, via @dronantranspo https://t.co/97y9wFOAq1
— Transport Topics (@TransportTopics) March 31, 2020
BY TRUCKER, DANIEL LEWIS:
— Captain America (@CaptainLives) March 28, 2020
Texas Roadhouse is on the ball! They saw me pull in, ( to a parking lot I couldn’t fit in) and came to meet me halfway across the parking lot to take my order. Then asked me to please wait in my truck and brought my order out a short time later. pic.twitter.com/dQHK7VTUQ1
We are offering FREE SHOWERS FOR ALL TRUCKERS. We appreciate all that you do to keep this country moving and our supply chain operational. So enjoy a shower on us, free, no purchase necessary!
— Creek Travel Plaza (@creektravelplaz) March 27, 2020
Come see us, I-65 exit 54 in Atmore, Alabama.#thankatrucker #roadwarriors #we… pic.twitter.com/XSaK7rjDrS
THANK YOU! #ThankATrucker https://t.co/VgzJ2LXXpi
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 19, 2020
Truckers, However, Fear That Things Will Go Back as They Were
Truckers are thankful, of that there is no doubt. However, the fear that things will return back the way they were, with truckers being stigmatized once again as the pandemic reaches its end.
This video that went viral recently perfectly summarizes the situation truckers are in.
Edit: The video has since the publishing of this post been removed. If we manage to find it again, we will re-post it.
Moving Forward
As the country unites to thank medical staff, truck drivers, the police, and all the rest who are at the front lines, it is safe to assume that the opinion of truck drivers will remain more positive even after the pandemic ends.
And remember: If we stop, the world stops.