NORFOLK, VA – Motor carriers hauling containers of exports and imports are critical to the success of The Port of Virginia. In fiscal year 2017 (July 1 – June 30), the port processed more than 950,000 truck moves compared with 908,000 in fiscal year 2016. In August, nearly 83,000 moves were safely processed. To recognize their importance to the port and the overall supply chain, members of the port’s leadership, sales, operations and public affairs teams will be at the terminals this week to mark National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which runs Sept. 10-16. “For all that these men and women do for the port and the economy, this is a small gesture to say ‘thanks for your hard work and dedication,’ ” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “We are in the big-ship era, our cargo volumes continue to increase and we are forecasting consistent volume growth. The importance of the motor carrier to this port is greater than ever before.” Reinhart will be among those port leaders at the terminal gates greeting motor carriers and giving away port gift bags to the drivers. Beginning Sept. 13 at Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT), the team recognizing the drivers will rotate between the terminals throughout the week. Last year, the port team handed out nearly 1,000 bags to drivers. 600 World Trade Center I Norfolk, VA 23510 I ph (757) 683 8000 I toll-free (800) 446-8098 I portofvirginia.com “The motor carrier is a critical link in the supply chain and we are committed to providing a safe, efficient and productive environment for them,” Reinhart said. “We continue to drive-down our turn times, we just opened the new North gate at NIT, we’re adding new truck lanes at VIG (Virginia International Gateway), we are adjusting peak-season gate hours to reduce congestion and the expansion that is underway at both terminals will create more opportunity for drivers to move cargo.”