CALGARY, Alta. – No matter how you look at it, everyone depends on trucking in one way or another.

But it can be a thankless profession for those who spend their lives on the road turning the wheels of the economy for a living.

With National Trucking Week upon us – from Aug. 26 to Sept. 1 – Truck News visited the Calgary SuperSTOP to find out how drivers would like people to show their appreciation.

When asked, most truckers had a hard time deciding where to begin – but one theme was on everyone’s mind. When it comes to sharing the road with big trucks, many motorists could take some tips from big rig drivers, and show a bit more respect on the nation’s roadways.

John Lobb was seeking directions to a furniture pick-up when he took a moment to think about driver appreciation week.

“I’d like people to show their appreciation by being a bit more considerate,” says Lobb, who hauls for Gallant Trucking out of Watson, Sask.

He says it’s hard to keep his ’95 Volvo on the road at times, due to the erratic driving of motorists.

Landstar Ranger driver, Allan Davies jokes that people who want to appreciate truckers during National Trucking Week can, “Buy our fuel for us!”

His 2001 Western Star was empty as he patiently waited for his next load.

“Fuel prices are way too high and the rates aren’t high enough,” he complains.

Ryan Sallembach was hauling a chemical called U14 for Liquids in Motion, and he took no time in deciding that people should show their appreciation by, “Giving us some leeway on the highway and in the city.”

The Calgary native and Kenworth pilot, says drivers from his home city are among the worst at giving truckers room on the roads. He was preparing to deliver the chemicals he just hauled up from Texas.

Trans-X driver Quency Williams suggests people can show their appreciation by writing their MLA’s demanding they take a five-hour truck ride.

“If they take five hours out of their lives to ride in a big truck and let drivers point out what everybody else in a four-wheeler is doing to the truck driver then they would know that they’re putting the truck drivers lives in danger when they cut the truck driver off,” says Williams.

Gord Diment was bobtailing home to Regina, Sask. when he paused to consider trucker appreciation.

“I would like to have them mount a camera in front of my truck to show that truckers aren’t always in the wrong,” he says.n