On the cusp of concluding her highly successful Eras Tour in the United States, Taylor Swift expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated crew members who have tirelessly worked alongside her on the road. Among those she wished to acknowledge were the tour’s unsung heroes – the truck drivers. In a stunning gesture of appreciation, Swift surprised the tour’s trucking staff with a remarkable bonus of $100,000 each, leaving them in awe and disbelief.
Michael Scherkenbach, the CEO of Shomotion, a Denver-based trucking company responsible for transporting the stage and essential structures for the concerts, disclosed that almost 50 members of the combined trucking crews were the recipients of this generous gift. Such an extraordinary amount far exceeded the standard expected bonus, which usually ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per person. The significance of this bonus extends beyond financial gains, as it has the potential to be “life-changing” for these hardworking individuals.
Truckers play an indispensable role in the success of concert tours, sacrificing time with their families for months on end. The grueling nature of their work, with night shifts and long hours on the road, makes it a demanding task. For Taylor Swift’s tour, they had been away from home for a staggering 24 weeks. The unexpected bonus of $100,000 now provides them with opportunities they might not have previously had.
Scherkenbach’s drivers were taken aback when they were called into what they assumed was a routine production meeting before a concert. Little did they know, this meeting was about to change their lives. During the meeting, Taylor Swift’s father, Scott Swift, made a surprise appearance to deliver the astonishing news. Scott expressed that Taylor believed it was only fair that every crew member, including the drivers, receive a bonus as a token of appreciation. Each driver was handed an envelope containing a handwritten note from Taylor, sealed with her monogram, and the amount of the bonus enclosed.
Apart from the trucking staff, other essential crew members, such as catering, video, audio, and lighting personnel, were also recipients of these thoughtful bonuses. Swift’s act of kindness not only recognizes their hard work but also acknowledges the sacrifices these crew members make to ensure the success of the tour.
