The Port of Long Beach celebrated Trucker Appreciation Day in the port this week, with drivers turning out for the event on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Tuesday’s event at the port — intended to thank drivers who deliver containers moving through the harbor — included a free breakfast and lunch at the Port of Long Beach’s Terminal Access Center. Port-branded gifts were also distributed at the event, coinciding the National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Long Beach harbor commission President Frank Colonna delivered remarks, along with Kiana Marzo, an air resources technician for the California Air Resources Board; and Niki Okuk, deputy director of trucks and off-road for the nonprofit CALSTART, which focuses supporting the growth of the clean transportation technology industry.
Representatives from the California Air Resources Board were also available to conduct testing on a first-come, first-served basis, and explain requirements for the Clean Truck Check. The program aims to meet air quality standards by ensuring heavy-duty vehicle emissions control systems operate properly throughout the life of the vehicle.
Also on hand were CALSTART representatives to explain how to access funding for purchasing new zero-emissions trucks through the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Incentive Project. With funds collected by the San Pedro Bay ports, HVIP offers significant assistance in truck purchases.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week began on Sunday, Sept. 13, and will run through Saturday, Sept. 19 — the 38th annual event honoring more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers across the United States for their commitment to keep the supply chain moving.
The event acknowledges those who safely deliver essential goods such as food, medicine and clothing.