Washington, D.C., 09/16/2024 — Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is proud to recognize and celebrate the more than 7,000 truck drivers employed by wine and spirits wholesalers across the United States during Truck Driver Appreciation Week. These dedicated men and women are the backbone of the industry, ensuring America’s favorite wines and spirits reach retail and on-premise locations from coast to coast.
“Every time you see one of our delivery trucks wrapped in familiar wine and spirits branding, you’re seeing the hard work of wholesalers in action,” said Francis Creighton, President and CEO of WSWA. “These trucks are operated by wholesalers who are family-owned, multigenerational businesses. Our drivers are the face of these businesses in their communities, delivering products safely and efficiently to bars, restaurants, and stores nationwide. This week, we celebrate their hard work and dedication.”
The role of these truck drivers is invaluable, providing value-added services to retail and on-premise customers and maintaining the high standards that WSWA members are known for. Across the country, these drivers are the community face of wholesaler businesses, often interacting directly with customers and ensuring timely delivery of products that consumers enjoy.
Investing in fleet modernization, driver training, and benefits is critical to the continued success of these businesses, and the 199A tax deduction plays a vital role in making these investments possible. The tax provision allows family-owned companies to compete with larger, multinational corporations by providing the financial flexibility needed to invest in their
workforce and operations.
“As we honor our truck drivers this week, it’s also important to recognize the crucial role that the 199A tax deduction plays in our industry,” added Creighton. “Without it, family-owned businesses would be at a significant disadvantage, especially when it comes to making necessary investments in their truck fleets and training programs. The expiration of 199A would make it harder for these companies to compete, specifically the ability to hire, train and retain drivers in an uber competitive market, ultimately impacting the entire industry.”
Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time to acknowledge the hardworking men and women who deliver the products enjoyed when celebrating life’s occasions. WSWA is proud to honor these individuals and will continue to advocate for policies that support the success of family-owned wholesalers.
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies across 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States. To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.