It’s Time for a Round of Applause

The Square Deal Blog welcomes Senior Vice President of Distribution, Logistics, Commodities and Industry Affairs, Josh Sell, to the blog. Josh works for Quality Supply Chain Co-op, Inc., also known as QSCC, which is tasked with supporting the Wendy’s supply chain. QSCC is expertly focused on the procurement, logistics and distribution of the delicious ingredients (ahem, like Wendy’s always fresh, never frozen beef*) you find at every Wendy’s restaurant.

Anyone who decides to drive a commercial truck for a living is performing one of the most critical aspects of our economy.

Think about the products we enjoy every day, yet probably take for granted. Groceries. Gas. Clothing. Electronics. School supplies. Food at our favorite restaurants, like Wendy’s.

Do we ever stop to consider how these staples of our lives magically get to where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there?

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in America is Sept. 9-15.

It’s an opportunity to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment to one of the most demanding and important jobs that exists. These 3.5 million professional men and women support supply chains across the country to deliver the vast majority of our time-sensitive goods safely, securely, and efficiently 365 days a year.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance also just observed National Trucking Week, which spotlighted the important contributions made by the 400,000 Canadians who work in the industry.

Quality Supply Chain Co-Op (QSCC) would not be able to supply Wendy’s supply chain with fresh beef, chicken and salad (not to mention every other item on the menu) were it not for the tens of thousands of truck drivers who support Wendy’s logistics by delivering food to the distribution centers and, ultimately, the restaurants.

Without truck drivers, there’s nothing to sell on the menu. Nothing to promote. No Wendy’s.

Driving a truck is not the easiest job in the world. At times, it can be lonely and sedentary. But, perhaps most difficult, truck drivers deal with being the unsung heroes of the business. Although trucking has become a lucrative business for drivers, what we are finding is it’s not all about the money. Culture, employee appreciation and respect are a big part of what motivates them to climb into the cab every day.  

So, how can we show them we care?

It starts with a thank you – and the recognition that truck drivers are the backbone of how our economies in the U.S. and Canada operate. We know that drivers are a critical component to our success and we appreciate them.

We especially realize how important they are these days, given the severe shortage of truck drivers across North America. Not to mention the important role they play in times of need, like natural disasters. Per Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, “Truck drivers provide the goods you need, and when disaster hits, are some of the first responders to help rebuild communities.”

So, let’s go beyond National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and let drivers know how much we appreciate them every day.  

How can you help? Simply by being a safe and courteous driver. Truck drivers are doing everything they can to deliver your goods. You can help them out by giving them space, staying focused on the task at hand (not being distracted), staying out of their blind spots, and not cutting in front of them.

Whether you work in the restaurant industry or just out on the highway driving home from work, do it “Dave’s Way” and treat truck drivers with the respect they deserve.