TORONTO, Ont. — This week marks National Trucking Week a time to acknowledge the excellent work and significant contribution of the 400,000 Canadians who make their living in the industry.

"Grocery store shelves are stocked and the supplies we need for daily living are available when we need them, thanks to the country’s safe and reliable trucking industry," says Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) president David Bradley. "During National Trucking Week we salute the men and women who form the backbone of the trucking industry. Without you the country would literally stop!"

Trucking companies and industry suppliers have found a number of ways to celebrate the event.

“Each year members of the trucking industry and industry suppliers come up with a wide variety of ways to recognize truck drivers and other employees,” says Bradley. "Trucking company executives have washed and fueled trucks for their drivers. Employees have enjoyed complimentary breakfasts and barbecues courtesy of their employers and all sorts of tokens of appreciation have been presented to employees. Truck stops have poured complimentary cups of coffee and offered slices of fresh pie to truck drivers."

For its part, the OTA is helping spread the word about the excellent safety record of truckers and the career opportunities that exist in the industry. It has produced two newspaper supplements which will run in a variety of Ontario newspapers including the Globe and Mail.

Even Prime Minister Paul Martin acknowledged the important week with a statement to the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

"This week Canadians thank and show our support for the thousands of men and women who are part of our nation’s trucking industry," said Martin. "The job is not always easy, yet these professionals work diligently to ensure the efficient and safe delivery of our nation’s freight. I would like to commend everyone associated with this critical industry for their skill, professionalism and dedication."