Happy National Transportation Week from Sparrow Logistics
From a customer standpoint, little thought is placed on how something arrives than when.
However, the transportation industry has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when Karl Benz introduced the first internal combustion engine, paving the way for trucking to become an integral part of moving goods from one place to another. At Sparrow, we're passionate about the intricacies of logistics and appreciate everyone who shares our enthusiasm for ensuring the momentum of the transportation industry at every stage of the process.
A brief history of National Transportation Week
Initially, the event was reserved for national defense transportation on the third Friday in May. In 1962, Congress expanded it to the entire third week of May and broadened the scope to National Transportation Week.
NTW is an opportunity to promote awareness of the importance of transportation infrastructure, safety, innovation and recognize the contributions of transportation workers and professionals who work tirelessly to keep people and goods moving efficiently and safely.
4 reasons to celebrate carriers (before) during (and after) National Transportation Week
1. They drive the economy – Major industries such as construction, healthcare, and utilities depend on the behind-the-scenes work of truck drivers. Around 80% of US communities depend on trucks for medicine, food, raw materials, and other essentials.
2. Carriers are the link to other modes of transportation – Carriers transport goods to terminals, from where they can be loaded onto cargo planes, ships, or trains for further transport. When you think about it, they are the vital link between sea, air, and rail transport.
3. No matter the season or the weather, they’re on the road – Truck drivers remain undeterred by harsh weather conditions such as torrential rains, rough storms, heavy snowfall, or hot summer days and continue to work relentlessly. Even when roads are closed due to inclement weather, while the rest of us might take a day off to hibernate, they persevere.
4. They stay away from their families for many days – This is perhaps the most important reason in our book. Being a freight carrier demands drivers to spend extended periods on the road, sometimes for weeks at a stretch. Their dedication to keeping businesses running smoothly can often come at a price, as they may have to sacrifice being present for special occasions of their loved ones, including wedding anniversaries, children’s birthdays, holidays, and other important family events. We must express our gratitude to the carriers and their families, who provide them with unwavering support and encouragement to perform their duties with utmost efficiency and effectiveness.
The long haul: fascinating stats about how vital the trucking industry is
The road network in the United States is the biggest in the world (4.17 million miles).
Alexander Winton from Cleveland, Ohio invented the semi-truck in 1898 and sold his first truck in 1899.
One of every seven jobs in the U.S. is related to transportation (more than 14% of the nation).
The trucking industry is responsible for moving around 72% of all freight each year.
Of nearly 8 million people employed in the trucking industry in the US, 3.6 million are drivers (roughly equal to the number of teachers in the US).
Sparrow Logistics celebrates the hard-working transportation teams of Freight Logistics
National Transportation Week reminds us of transportation's critical role in our daily lives and the economy. It is also an opportune time to express our gratitude and appreciation to the freight drivers who keep our supply chains running smoothly, often sacrificing time with their loved ones to ensure that our goods reach their destination promptly and efficiently. Let us take a moment to recognize and honor their unwavering dedication, hard work, and sacrifices. Their commitment to their jobs deserves our utmost respect and admiration.
From all of us at Sparrow Logistics, we’re proud of you and want to thank you again for all you do!
Work with a 3PL that cares
Sparrow Logistics was founded on the core principles of honesty, communication, and positivity. Our team is committed to building strong relationships with every client, carrier, and employee alongside us in this journey, ensuring that values align. We pride ourselves on being transparent problem solvers that provide results.
Contact Sparrow today to learn more about working with Sparrow Logistics and how we can elevate your logistics career or services to the next level.