Motor carriers hauling containers of exports and imports are critical to the success of The Port of Virginia.

In fiscal year 2017, 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 the importance of motor carriers to the port and to the overall supply chain, members of the port’s leadership, sales, operations and public affairs teams have been at the terminals this week to mark National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

“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, chief executive officer 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 and other port leaders have been at the terminal gates this week, greeting motor carriers and giving away port gift bags to the drivers.

Last year, the port team handed out nearly 1,000 bags to drivers.

“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 under way at both terminals will create more opportunity for drivers to move cargo.”