The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) is kicking off National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (Aug. 21-27) by giving free 60-minute phone cards to over 20,000 professional truck drivers.

The telephone cards will be distributed to working truck drivers passing through weigh stations, rest stops and travel plazas along busy truck lanes in 17 states. The phone cards will be delivered by the truck-driving Captains of America’s Road Team; each of whom has been recognized by ATA for driving over one million accident-free miles. Numerous state trucking associations will also distribute the calling cards at their annual driver appreciation events.

“America’s truck drivers deserve our thanks for delivering the things we need safely, efficiently, and on time,” said Gov. Bill Graves, ATA president & CEO. “With trucking delivering nearly 70% of the freight moved in this country, and with over 80% of our communities depending solely on trucking to deliver their food, clothing, and other necessities, it is an important job and the men and women who do it deserve our thanks.”