BROWNSVILLE, Texas — For the third consecutive year, the Port of Brownsville joins the entire U.S. trucking industry in celebration of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (ATA), Sept. 9-14.

“Cargo moving to and from the Port of Brownsville gets there basically by water, rail or road. It’s a relationship dependent upon the cooperation of each mode of transportation and truck drivers play a vital role in our success,” said John Reed, chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District.

The event highlights the efforts of professional truck drivers who deliver the nation’s freight safely and securely every day. In 2017, the Port of Brownsville recorded more than 300,000 truck movements.

According to the American Trucking Association, there are more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers nationwide. These professional men and women log more than 273 billion miles annually and deliver nearly 70 percent of U.S. freight tonnage – or 10.55 billion tons. The trucking industry is an astounding $738.9 billion industry, representing 81.5 percent of the nation’s freight bill.

During this week, truck drivers entering the port will receive tokens of appreciation from both the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority and the port.