As a truck driver, I've borne my fair share of the hardships that come with ensuring the wheels of our country continue to turn. Every day, I've watched my fellow truck drivers rise to the challenge, taking treacherous cross-country journeys, traversing challenging terrains and weather conditions, to deliver essential goods to those in need. Tragically, some have even paid the ultimate price to deliver goods to people they have never met, and never will.

The sacrifice, dedication, and brave efforts of truck drivers go beyond what is expected of many professions, yet we are not recognized as the front-line heroes we are. According to the American Trucking Association, there are 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States alone, transporting over 70% of all freight transported across the country annually. That's a whopping 10.5 billion tons of goods and commodities relying on the dedication and resiliency of truck drivers. (Source: American Trucking Association).

The COVID-19 Pandemic further accentuated the fact that truck drivers are indeed first responders. We kept the economy running, even as the world faced an unprecedented crisis, ensuring that essential supplies reached every corner of the United States. We must recognize their contributions and designate truck drivers as the first responders we are.

This petition isn't merely a recognition of an undeniable reality, but a call for awareness and action. I call upon policymakers, unions, industry bodies, and the general public to push for the recognition of truck drivers as the essential first responders we are. Our contribution deserves real and tangible recognition. Please sign the petition. Your support is vital in ensuring that these daily heroes who keep our country running smoothly are acknowledged.