16 pounds of Any-thing
Written By: Debbie Cardoza On 11-26-21012
Bosley, my 11 year old Yellow Labrador retriever, underwent surgery last week for the purpose of extracting a sixteen pound tumor from his stomach. Yes, you are reading correctly… a sixteen pound mass was extracted from his belly. Bosley is fine now – rolling around on the floor showing people his new and improved waistline – and just as goofy and happy as he was before the surgery.
You may read this and think, “What does a dog’s surgery have to do with truck drivers…with transportation?” The answer is clear when you delve deeper and ask yourself – “What is the process involved in the transport of medical supplies? How did the medicine Bosley is now taking post-surgery arrive? “.
These are valuable questions that deserve a thoughtful response: The important surgical supplies do not deliver themselves to the veterinarian hospital – the manufacturer must ship them via some form of transportation. Even if the shipment of the supplies originates via plane, boat or train, these medical materials eventually land on a truck – and that truck arrives at the intended destination with a driver who is entrusted to deliver them a timely manner.
Truck driving is a profession that is not easy; the occupation requires training, knowledge and patience. The men and women in this field encounter traffic and construction difficulties, and also endure dangerous road conditions – all in an effort to deliver goods in a timely fashion. People unintentionally do not give truck drivers the acknowledgement they so truly deserve. Consider for a moment what surrounds you in your immediate environment – yes, right now – look around you and take note of any- thing. Truck drivers are entrusted with the transport and care of various items ranging from food, clothing, gasoline and oil, to school and medical supplies. The list could go on and on as virtually any-thing can be shipped via truck. Reflect if you will for a moment on how the various items you use every day eventually end up in your hands. Yes, some of these items may read they were made in China…but what brought them from China to your living room, office, kitchen, and car or to your doorstep?? Most likely, these items arrived by way of a truck.
So, the next time you meet someone who says they are a truck driver take a moment to thank them. Thank them for what they do, and the time they spend driving out on the sometimes hazardous roads in extreme weather conditions. Thank them for the part they play in the supply chain process of putting clothes on your back and food in your pantry…I certainly will. Most of all, I will thank them for the surgical and medical supplies used in saving my dog’s life- and I’m sure if Bosley could speak he would thank them too.
Deborah A. Cardoza
Freelance Writer
