OTTAWA, Ont. — It’s National Trucking Week, and the Prime Minister has taken a moment to acknowledge the important contributions of the trucking industry.

“I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone marking National Trucking Week 2013,” Harper wrote in an open letter sent to the Canadian Trucking Alliance. “The trucking industry plays a vital role in the Canadian economy. Our trucking transportation services ensure the safe and efficient flow of goods across our vast country and with our major trading partners. I am delighted to have this opportunity to recognize our hardworking trucking professionals for their extraordinary efforts to serve Canadian businesses and communities throughout the year.”

National Trucking Week runs from Sept.1-7. Throughout the week, various events will be held across the country to celebrate the industry.

Harper said he’s doing what he can to enhance safety and productivity for the country’s truck drivers.

“We are committed to bringing our border into the 21century and increasing cooperation with the United States,” he wrote. “Key sectors of our economy, including the trucking industry, will benefit from this landmark agreement.”

Meanwhile, CTA chief David Bradley also wrote an open letter to members of the trucking industry.

Bradley said industry workers “deserve to be recognized and saluted each and every day, but in the everyday course of getting the job done  we all know this is impossible.”

NTW is also a time “to blow our own horn and to make others aware of the essential role the trucking industry plays in the economic and social well-being of the country,” Bradley added.

Bradley noted the economies of North America are gradually recovering and he hopes that “the industry is poised for a new era of prosperity and accomplishment.”

You can read Bradley’s letter here or PM Harper’s here.