Moody and Patronis Thank Florida Truckers for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week: ‘Highway Heroes’
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Sep. 11 marked the start of National Truck Driver Appreciation week and some of Florida’s top officials issued thanks for the more than 6,400 “highway heroes” that help transport goods and keep the state’s economy functioning.
Attorney General Ashley Moody recognized the Highway Heroes program which provides training on how truck drivers can sport and report signs of human trafficking. The program has been utilized by over 6,400 drivers.
“This week, we say thank you to all of Florida’s professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. Additionally, we show our gratitude to the more than 6,400 drivers who have gone the extra mile to receive expert training through our Highway Heroes program about how to effectively spot and report signs of human trafficking. Our state is a safer place because of these Highway Heroes,” she said.
“Florida’s commercial drivers serve as the backbone to our economy and are increasingly serving as heroes to our most vulnerable. Thousands of Florida’s licensed truck drivers answered the call to help end human trafficking across our state by becoming a certified Highway Hero, and we thank them for their commitment to keeping our roadways and communities safe,” Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis also thanked Florida’s truckers, honoring more the more than 390,000-large state industry.
“Florida’s truckers are the heart of our state’s economy. We are blessed to have men and women working hard every day to keep the wheels of commerce moving. Today’s national economy, however, has hurt America’s truckers and placed their livelihoods at risk. Between record inflation and rising gas prices, truckers have had their margins impacted by insane diesel prices,” he said.
“While Washington continues to spend hard earned tax money on 87,000 new IRS agents that are ready to pounce on middle-class America, we are working hard to keep Florida’s economy strong by supporting our truckers and keeping our state open and free. I have a deep appreciation for Florida’s trucking industry and all of the dedicated truckers who work so hard to ensure Floridians have what they need to succeed.”
Alix Miller, President and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association, said, “Thank you to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for recognizing Florida’s professional truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. These men and women dedicate their lives to keeping Florida’s economy going and ensuring that businesses across the state receive the resources and materials they need to continue to thrive in today’s economic climate.”
“This week, I encourage Floridians to thank a professional truck driver and take moment to appreciate them for all they do for our state.”
The United States has more than 3.36 million truck drivers employed as of 2020. Some reports found that the country’s freight is transported by freight in 72% of cases, and that the U.S. needs around 80,000 more truck drivers.
