HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4731, by Representatives Mielke, Boldt, Schoesler, Morell, Grant, Linville, Hatfield, Skinner and Hankins

      WHEREAS, The names of Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack are well-known and highly-respected names in the trucking industry; and

      WHEREAS, Products purchased in Washington were more than likely shipped by a commercial truck; and

      WHEREAS, Truck drivers in Washington provide an essential role in the economic well-being of the state of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, Driving a commercial truck is an extremely demanding job, requiring both physical strength and mental fortitude; and

      WHEREAS, Commercial truck drivers must possess a strong work ethic and keen business sense; and

      WHEREAS, On a daily basis, Washington trucks move an average of 525,293 tons of inbound freight and 566,966 tons of outbound freight; and

      WHEREAS, Trucks transport freight for 9,310 Washington manufacturing companies; and 

      WHEREAS, Trucks supply the goods for 29,140 retail stores throughout Washington; and

      WHEREAS, In addition to delivering produce and agriculture products to market, trucks supply goods to over 10,500 agriculture businesses in Washington; and

      WHEREAS, More than 186,000 people in Washington, equaling one out of eleven workers in the state are employed by trucking-related occupations; and

      WHEREAS, The total annual payroll for the trucking industry in Washington is over $5.9 billion;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State House of Representatives acknowledge and honor the women and men whose work in the trucking industry throughout Washington has contributed so much to the strength and vitality of our state and its economy, and the general well-being of our citizens; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Washington State Trucking Associations.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      4731 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                          March 12, 2002.

                   _____________________________

                   Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk