TORONTO, Ont. — Mark your calendar now and get ready to celebrate National Trucking Week 2004 (September 11 17, 2004).

National Trucking Week is held annually to spotlight the important contributions made by the 400,000 Canadian men and women who keep the country’s freight moving. The week also serves as a platform for the trucking industry to promote the important contribution it makes to the province’s economy and to the quality of life enjoyed by each and every citizen.

Each year members of the trucking industry and its suppliers come up with a wide variety of ways to recognize truck drivers and other employees. Trucking company executives have washed and fueled trucks for their drivers. Employees have enjoyed complimentary breakfasts, lunches, or BBQs courtesy of their employers. Appreciation gifts, ranging from shirts and jackets displaying the company logo through to movie tickets, have been distributed to staff by appreciative company executives. Even truck stops have gotten involved and have poured complimentary cups of coffee or offered slices of fresh pie to truckers."

In Ontario, the Ontario Trucking Associations is helping further boost awareness of the event with posters and buttons for to employees of OTA member companies thanks to the support of Kingsway General Insurance.

"The Ontario Trucking Association along with the Canadian Trucking Alliance is encouraging each carrier, supplier and industry partner to undertake activities to mark the event," says OTA Communications Manager, Rebecka Torn. "Whether you choose to participate in a small or large way, getting on board with National Trucking Week helps spotlight the men and women who have made a career in the industry. It also provides a platform from which both industry members and OTA can raise community awareness of the essential service provided by the trucking industry and about how to safely share the road with trucks."