From keeping taxes low to supporting economic policies of business growth, Mississippi Trucking Association President David Roberts says the state's well being is largely driven by trucking.

"Those men and women that are out on the highways and byways are safely moving our economy," says Roberts.

Mississippi's trucking industry provides one out of thirteen jobs in the state, and more than 86% of Mississippi communities depend exclusively on trucks to move their goods.

State Representative Forrest Hamilton of Olive Branch says lawmakers need to understand as much as possible before passing legislation dealing with transportation.

A truck parked outside the Capitol Wednesday gave lawmakers who are not so familiar the opportunity to hop into the driver's seat and understand the challenges and needs of truckers in the state.

"Anything we can do as a legislator to help make our roadways safer, I think it's very incumbent upon us to do that," says Senator Sally Doty, a Republican from Brookhaven.

With more than 4,800 trucking companies in Mississippi, the association is hoping legislation with them in mind will help pave the way to maintaining a successful workforce.