SAN DIEGO, CA – In early November, Freight Capital hosted a booth in two Southern California truck stops to personally thank hundreds of truck drivers during National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. After four days of handshaking and giving out goodie bags filled with Monster drinks, bottled water and treats, the gifting teams from Freight Capital agreed that you meet the nicest people who drive for a living.
Freight Capital also contracted with a professional photographer to shoot drivers with their rigs. After a few minutes of self-consciousness, drivers from Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Florida, New York, Tennessee and Washington relaxed into the spirit of the event and enjoyed the opportunity to pose for a “life on the road” pictorial.
It was surprising to learn that many drivers travel with their wives, husbands, dogs, and family members. The truckers who drive alone stay in contact with their home base by cell phones, CBs, and laptops. Both groups are sociable and talked of really liking their jobs and their chosen way of life.
“I love being my own boss out here because I’d go crazy sitting in a office all day.”
“It’s peaceful and interesting to go to new places every day and meeting new people everywhere you end up.”
“My wife and I get to be together and we have a great time seeing the country.”
In fact, the only complaints associated with the constant travel are being ever vigilant for disrespectful car drivers on the road that cut them off as well as not enough places to park for rest periods. Almost every driver had positive things to say about driving all day.
The purpose and motive for the event was to deliver person-to-person appreciation and acknowledgement of drivers’ commitment to deliver goods to every corner of the country. The booths were located at the Pilot Truck Stop in Otay Mesa as well as further up north at the TA Truck Stop in Ontario. Throughout the week, Freight Capital also conducted raffles giving away backpacks, key chains, padfolios and hats along with additional items donated from TransWorld Media and Black Box Distribution.
Most of the drivers accepted the thanks with a little suspicion and braced themselves for the sales pitch that never came. However, there was one driver who was so surprised at the gesture, he went into the Pilot store and bought ice cream for everyone in the booth.
“In 20 years, no one has ever said thanks for driving to me before.”
