6 Road warriors honored during trucker appreciation week

For most people, the month of September might symbolize the end of summer, the beginning of the school year, or the last time they can wear white pants until May without committing a fashion faux pas. But for transportation industry professionals, September means National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

Every year, the industry honors professional truck drivers for their dedication and commitment with a weeklong series of special events. As part of this year's celebration, which ran from Sept. 13 to 19, driver wellness program provider Rolling Strong of Riverside, Mo., partnered with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and truck-stop operator TA and Petro Stopping Centers to host driver health fairs at locations across the country. At each location, wellness coaches were on hand to provide health advice and conduct screenings for weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and body mass index (BMI).

The St. Christopher Truckers Fund, a Knoxville, Tenn.-based charity for sick and injured truckers and their families, also stepped up with a perk for health-conscious drivers. The organization offered professional over-the-road drivers vouchers for free flu, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines at participating pharmacies.

Omaha, Neb.-based transportation and logistics services provider Werner Enterprises Inc. took a different tack to commemorate the week, providing drivers with complimentary gifts and meals, and honoring five elite drivers who have reached their 2 million- and 3 million-mile accident-free milestones.