[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16488]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2010

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize America's 
professional truck drivers who serve our nation by delivering the 
clothes we wear, the food we eat, and the medicine we rely on.
  This week, September 19-25, is designated National Truck Driver 
Appreciation Week and is set aside to honor the 3.4 million 
professional truck drivers in the United States. One out of every 
fifteen people across this country is employed in the trucking 
industry, making it one of our nation's largest employers.
  Trucking is an industry that I am personally quite familiar with. 
Before getting into politics, I spent 26 years working in my family's 
trucking business. Early on, I acquired a Commercial Driver's License, 
which I still carry.
  Trucking serves as the backbone of our economy, and is responsible 
for nearly 70 percent of the total U.S. freight tonnage. Over 80 
percent of our nation's communities rely solely on the trucking 
industry for their goods and commodities.
  The America's truck drivers are dedicated to keeping our highways 
safe. They follow stringent safety regulations, attend frequent 
training programs and educate the motoring public to help them drive 
safer around tractor-trailers.
  America's truck drivers sacrifice precious time from their families, 
all the while, they deliver for ours. This week we pause to say thank 
you to them and to their families.
  I salute these fine professionals and their families for the 
dedication they have to America and for delivering life's essentials 
safely and securely.

                          ____________________