A recent poll conducted by Trucking Moves America Forward indicates the positive public perception of commercial motor vehicle operators hit new highs.
The organization reportedly commissions the research study in September 2022 to gauge how everyday Americans view CDL professionals. A previous survey was conducted in 2019, when professional drivers were being hailed as heroes for delivering goods and materials during the height of the pandemic. Truckers earned a high profile during those uncertain times and the public’s gratitude has not waned.
“Our latest polling shows that the image of the trucking industry is stronger than ever. The public perception of the trucking is at an all-time high with our poll finding that the majority of Americans – 87 percent of voters – have a favorable impression of trucking, which is the highest public opinion has been since TMAF (Trucking Moves America Forward) began tracking industry views in 2014,” Kevin Burch, co-chairman of TMAF and vice president of government affairs and sales at Martin Transportation Systems, reportedly said.
“More and more Americans continue to realize the essential role that trucking plays in the nation’s economy and in all of our lives, thanks to industry-wide education efforts. TMAF will continue our mission to tell the positive story of trucking to shift public perception even higher,” Burch reportedly said.
Truckers have doubled down on the good will generated during the pandemic by hauling food, water, and other necessities into disaster zones such as the Florida Gulf Coast after Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc. Organizations such as Women in Trucking have successfully advocated for work environment changes to make the industry more gender inclusive. Reports of hero truckers rescuing community members from burning vehicles or stopping traffic to help law enforcement make rescues are beginning to gain media traction.
Although some click-bait platforms choose to post splashy headlines about collisions, an increased number of Americans understand hard-working men and women deliver 72 percent of the goods and materials communities need every day. That may be why the recent TMAF research concluded the following.
- 87 percent of voters have a favorable impression of the trucking industry, which is up from 67 percent in 2019.
- 97 percent of Americans believe the trucking industry plays a “very important” role in the country’s economy, which is the same as in 2019.
- Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) rate the industry’s safety record as “excellent” or “good,” which is nearly the same as in 2019 at 70 percent.
- When asked about truck drivers, 96 percent of Americans stated they are essential to keeping the country’s economy moving, 85 percent consider truck drivers to be professionals, and 78% believe that truck drivers have higher standards for safety than other drivers.
- Voters have generally heard people say more positive than negative things about the trucking industry, with comments like “keeping stores stocked,” “critical for the success of the country,” and “keeping the country moving” as top responses.
- When voters were asked which group of workers should be considered “essential or critical” to the country in times of crisis, trucking ranked top three along with grocery store workers and healthcare workers
The hard numbers indicate that truckers may be more valued by community members than ever before. However, a great deal needs to be done in terms of increasing the availability of legitimate overnight parking spaces and onboarding the next generation of American truck drivers.
Source: truckingmovesamerica.com
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