[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 16521-16522] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK ______ HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR of minnesota in the house of representatives Friday, September 24, 2010 Mr. OBERSTAR. 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, or the medicine we rely on. This week, September 19-25, has been designated National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which provides a perfect opportunity to express our appreciation to the 3.4 million professional truck drivers in the United States. I urge my colleagues and all Americans to use this week to reflect on the important role these hard-working and dedicated drivers play in facilitating many aspects of our daily lives. Trucking serves as the backbone of our economy, responsible for nearly 70 percent of the total U.S. freight tonnage. Over 80 percent of communities rely solely on the trucking industry for their goods and commodities. Across the Nation, the trucking industry allows businesses and manufacturers to connect with consumers in a reliable and efficient manner that allows the free flow of goods to power the American economy every day. One out of every 15 people across this country is employed in the trucking industry, making it one of our Nation's largest employers. Most individual long-haul drivers average [[Page 16522]] 100,000 to 110,000 miles driving per year. In doing so, 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 the fine professionals of the Nation's trucking industry and their families for the dedication they continue to demonstrate to America and for delivering life's essentials safely and securely. ____________________