AFS Celebrates National Driver Appreciation Week
Last week was National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and Associated Food Stores joined in the celebration by recognizing AFS drivers. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an important time for America to thank professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of the economy’s most demanding and important jobs.
The success of AFS is extremely dependent on the team of drivers who, rain or shine, ensure member retailers receive their orders on time and in great condition. To celebrate, AFS provided drivers with a new jacket or parka to use heading into fall and BBQ lunches Tuesday through Friday to express appreciation. As drivers work unconventional hours, Andrew Wischerath, transportation coordinator, and other team members kept barbecues ready for up to 10 hours per day, serving approximately 400 hamburgers and 200 brats during the week.
“While AFS does everything we can to appreciate our drivers every week, the purpose of the National Driver Appreciation week is to honor and thank all drivers (especially AFS drivers) for the exceptional work they do while dealing with crazy regulations, ever-increasing traffic, dangerous weather and demands from every aspect of the job,” said Wayne Kinder, AFS transportation manager.
Drivers are key ambassadors between the distribution center and AFS member retailers. They culminate in a massive logistics and delivery system and the final leg of an incredible journey that starts in receiving, works through the distribution center, moves through loading and then travels between 1.5 miles to nearly 900 miles one way to member retailers.
Wayne loves his team, and drivers in general, and donated his time last week at the Utah port of entry to hand out water and bananas to the over-the-road drivers entering Utah.
“Wayne is an amazing leader who is passionate about the success of our drivers, retailers and ‘One Associated,’” said Glen Keysaw, vice president of distribution. “We are fortunate to have him and the entire transportation team as we serve our member retailers each day.”