To celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) joined Thomason Express Trucking Company to learn more about the Southern Illinois-based business and raise awareness about the critical role of truck drivers.
“As consumers, we rely so heavily on the hardworking men and women within the trucking industry, who sacrifice time away from their families to ensure that our goods are delivered each-and-every day,” said Sen. Fowler. “With 80 percent of U.S. communities receiving all their goods from the trucking industry, it’s undeniable that the trucking industry has a major impact on our state and national economies.”
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is September 8 through the 14, recognizing professional truck drivers across the nation. Thomason Express Trucking Company is based in Marion, currently operating about 30 trucks.
“Having traveled across the nation, I still firmly believe that Southern Illinois is the best place the country has to raise a family and live,” said Lee Thomason, owner of Thomason Express. “We have an amazing group of drivers who are dedicated, passionate and work hard, and I take great pride in our employees and the business we have created.”
Sen. Fowler joined the trucking outfit for a tour of their facility on Sept. 12, learning more about the local company and the work they do in-state and around the country. Sen. Fowler also presented a certificate to Thomason in honor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, recognizing the commitment of their employees and truck drivers throughout the nation.
“This week is all about recognizing our truck drivers for their service and bringing attention to an industry that we depend on heavily for access to products and goods,” said Sen. Fowler. “I want to thank Thomason for welcoming me into their facility. I also want to thank their employees and the millions of professional men and women who take to the roadways so that our essential goods conveniently arrive in our communities and make it to our doorsteps.”
“The Illinois Trucking Association proudly supports National Truck Driver Appreciation Week,” said Matt Hart, Executive Director of the Illinois Trucking Association. “3.5 Million professional truck drivers safely deliver over 70 percent of our nation’s freight each day. We encourage everyone to thank our professional truck drivers this week and every week.”
Thomason Express Trucking Company has been in operation since 1980, expanding over the years, employing Southern Illinois residents and working to promote driving safety among Southern Illinois students as part of the annual Williamson County Traffic Safety Days. More information about the company can be found at http://thomasonexpress.com.