Thankyou, thankyou…thankyou
TRUCKING OPERATORS AND INDUSTRY organisations joined in celebrations around the country of New Zealand’s rst
in September.
e day, organised by publisher Allied Publications, was promoted as a way of saying thanks to the country’s truck drivers – who play a critical part in the country’s economy.
Appreciation stations at truck stops and hubs around NZ were buzzing with lots of truckies oered free coees, barbecued sausages, gift packs…and praise.
trucking and forestry industry groups and individual companies embraced the concept and staged their own events.
“ ere were a lot of happy drivers out there,” says David Aitken, CEO of National Road Carriers: “We handed out over 100 sausages in one morning.
“Most of the truckies ask where the donation box is – they think we’re fundraising! We say ‘no – today’s for you!”
e Road Transport Association put on food and drink for drivers at the Canterbury A&P showgrounds, with support from ASB Asset Finance.
RTA Canterbury rep Simon Carson says that there was a great turnout: “We had about 80 drivers show up and put on some food and drink for them.
“ e response was really good – some of the reactions were priceless: ey couldn’t believe something like this was being done just for them.”
Keith McGuire, Auckland, North Waikato and ames Valley RTA area executive and Kevin O’Hara from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team were based in Kevin’s usual spot in Huntly: “Drivers who called in were very happy to come and have a chat for a few minutes and each left with a bag of goodies donated from road safety partners,” says McGuire.
e Eastland Wood Council put on a big do for log truck drivers in the Gisborne/Wairoa area. Says CEO Kim Holland: “Drivers play an integral part in keeping our economy moving – from the food on your tables, the fuel in your vehicle, products to market, to the logs for processing.
“ ey do an amazing job, with long hours on the road and often a thankless task – so this week It was a chance to say thanks to the men and women who drive our trucks!”
Among the road transport operators who got behind the Week was Timaru-based Hilton Haulage, which spent the week celebrating its drivers with daily activities day, including free health checkups, barbecues and free fruit handouts.
“We decided to make a big deal about because our business is all about our people,” says Allie McGrath, Hilton’s chief people ocer.
“We do our best to provide the best working environment that we can. However, driving often involves long hours, regular changes to the plan and time away from family – so we wanted to recognise that and say thankyou.” Hilton drivers were also entered in a draw to win a trip to next year’s
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