Trucks move about 73% of the nation’s freight by weight, which equates to 10.2 billion tons of goods worth more than $732 billion traversing the nation’s roads during any given year. At the wheel of these vehicles are about 3.6 million men and women who keep this vital transportation network running every day.
Frederick May is one of those important individuals. A semi-trailer truck (“semi”) driver with more than 40 years of experience in the field, May joined DB Schenker about a year ago after learning about the opportunity on social media.
“I called DB Schenker up and they needed a driver for a route that I like and that provided the home time that I liked,” said May, “so I applied for the job.”
Celebrating DB Schenker’s Dedicated Drivers
Today, May is a semi driver who hauls cargo from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) for one specific DB Schenker customer. He started his career as a truck driver in 1979, a few years after getting out of the military.
“I’ve always wanted to be a truck driver,” said May, who also drives the DB Schenker Golden Truck, which the company has been using to spread the word about its recent move into the over-the-road (OTR) trucking industry in the U.S.
When he’s not driving, May enjoys being home with his family. Being a truck driver for this particular DB Schenker route means he gets weekends off—something that he also really enjoys.
Currently 63, May is pretty sure he’ll stay with DB Schenker until retirement. He especially likes being in on the ground floor of the new U.S. OTR trucking division. “It’s pretty exciting to watch their progress,” said May.
Playing an Essential Role in the US Economy
A time for America to pay respect and thank all the professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is September 11-17 this year.
Established by the American Trucking Associations, the week recognizes the millions of professional men and women who not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, but also keep our highways safe.
May said he appreciates the fact that ATA has dedicated a week to an industry he’s worked in since 1979, and feels the recognition is especially important for younger drivers. “It’s always great to be recognized for a job well done,” said May, “and for newer and younger drivers to know that their participation plays a vital role in the nation’s economy.”
According to the ATA, Americans in all 50 states have taken extraordinary steps to show their appreciation for the important work that professional truck drivers have done as we navigate our way through the coronavirus pandemic. “From children passing out lunches, to ‘I Heart Trucks’ signs across America’s highways,” it said, “the public has taken notice of the essential role truck drivers play in their lives.”
