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Ways to Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 

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Every September, the trucking industry takes a moment to recognize the backbone of freight transportation: professional truck drivers. 

 

This year, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week runs from September 14–20, providing a nationwide opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of professional truck drivers who keep America moving.  

 

With over 3.5 million professional drivers on the road, the impact of their work is felt in every corner of the economy, from grocery store shelves to construction sites. Yet the job is often demanding, isolating, and underappreciated.  

 

That’s why this week is not only about saying “thank you.” It is also a chance to strengthen driver relationships, boost morale, and show genuine respect for the people behind the wheel. The recognition you show during NTDAW can set the tone for year-round driver satisfaction and retention. 

 

Keep reading for 10 practical and heartfelt ways you can celebrate your drivers this September. 

 

Host an Appreciation Event 

Whether it is a cookout at your terminal, a catered lunch, or a grab-and-go breakfast for drivers coming off the road, food is a tried-and-true way to bring people together. Consider making it more personal by having managers and dispatch staff serve the meal.  

 

If you operate across multiple locations, consider coordinating simultaneous events so all drivers feel included. 

 

Give Thoughtful Gifts 

Branded items such as jackets, hats, and travel mugs can be appreciated, but consider adding a personal touch. Quality gear drivers can actually use, like durable work gloves or insulated coolers, shows you understand their daily needs. A handwritten note of thanks tucked in with the gift can add sincerity. 

 

Offer Bonuses or Extra Paid Time Off 

While small tokens are nice, tangible rewards often speak the loudest. A one-time bonus, gift card, or even an extra day of paid time off can go a long way in showing appreciation. Recognizing drivers’ contributions in a way that directly benefits them is always valued. 

 

Share Driver Spotlights on Social Media 

Highlight individual drivers on your company’s social media channels with a photo, brief biography, and a note about their accomplishments. This not only recognizes the driver internally, but also showcases your company’s culture and appreciation to customers, partners, and the public. 

 

Create a Recognition Wall 

If you have a central terminal or office, consider dedicating a wall or bulletin board to feature driver photos, milestones, and personal messages from coworkers. Drivers who are rarely in the office can still be included with a digital version sent by email or posted on your company’s communication system. 

 

Involve Families in the Celebration 

The demands of trucking often extend beyond the driver, impacting and involving their families as well. Invite spouses, children, or other loved ones to events or send them a thank-you letter recognizing their support. Family inclusion can make drivers feel even more valued and respected. 

 

Hold Prize Drawings 

Raffle off useful prizes such as GPS units, high-quality headsets, or fuel cards. Smaller giveaways like restaurant gift cards or truck stop vouchers can keep the fun going throughout the week. 

 

Provide Health and Wellness Perks 

Consider offering free or discounted health screenings, gym memberships, or vouchers for healthy meals on the road. Not only does this show appreciation, but it also supports drivers’ well-being in a demanding job. 

 

Feature Management Ride-Alongs 

Have executives or office staff spend a day riding along with a driver. This can be scheduled during NTDAW as both a symbolic gesture of appreciation and an opportunity for management to better understand the challenges of the road. 

 

Make it a Launchpad for Year-Round Recognition 

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week should be more than a one-time event. It’s important to use it as a springboard to create ongoing recognition programs. Monthly shoutouts, anniversary celebrations, and consistent communication can keep the momentum going long after September. 

 

Why It Matters 

Driver appreciation is not just about boosting morale for one week a year. When drivers feel valued, they are more likely to stay with their employer, take pride in their work, and maintain high safety and service standards. In an industry facing ongoing driver shortages, retention is critical.  

 

NTDAW is also an opportunity to connect with the public. The more customers and community members understand the vital role of truck drivers, the more respect and support the industry receives.  

 

Whether you make a big public gesture or focus on personal touches, what matters most is that your drivers know their hard work does not go unnoticed. It’s also important to remember that no two drivers are alike and what makes a driver feel recognized is a personal preference. While one driver might appreciate a public display of appreciation, another driver might prefer a private note. Please keep this in mind to make sure your celebration considers a variety of ways to show appreciation.  

 

For more ways to stay ahead of the curve in the transportation industry in 2025, be sure to check out the rest of our Employer Blog posts and connect with us on social media.  

10 Ways to Celebrate Your Drivers

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How is your company celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week?  

 

This year, from September 15-21, America has a chance to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is the perfect opportunity for companies to show their gratitude to the men and women who keep our country moving. 

While there are many ways to show your appreciation throughout the year, these 10 strategies are guaranteed to make your drivers feel valued and recognized for their essential contributions.  

 

Provide Meals 

One of the best ways to recognize and celebrate your drivers’ hard work, dedication, and sacrifice is by providing them with a free meal. Whether it’s a full breakfast or buffet style lunch, any driver will appreciate the chance to have a satisfying meal and time to catch up with their coworkers.  

Since some drivers are often far from home, provide these meals throughout the week, and if possible, at different company locations. You want to make sure that every driver has a fair chance at receiving a meal. If a driver is unable to make it, consider offering to cover a meal of their choice on the road.  

 

Small Tokens of Appreciation  

If you are looking for a more lasting reminder of your gratitude, consider giving drivers a small gift to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.  

 

Branded merchandise, like hats, shirts, or water bottles, is a great gift to show your drivers how much you care.  

 

Drivers also would appreciate gifts that could help them in their daily operations, such as seat cushions, LED flashlights, or travel mugs. These serve as a reminder that you understand the difficulties involved with being a CDL driver, and that you appreciate their dedication to the team.  

 

Share Their Stories 

Throughout the week, consider giving your drivers a platform to share their experiences and accomplishments. Use social media to highlight their hard work through testimonies and driver spotlights.  

 

Highlight a different driver each day of Appreciation Week or make a video that includes multiple stories. These are a great way to make your drivers feel listened to and appreciated and promote your company culture and driver-centric practices.  

 

Create a Video from the Management Team 

Instead of using driver testimonies for a video, consider having leadership and dispatch teams come together to create an appreciation video for social media that directly acknowledges the hard work and dedication of your drivers.  

 

Personalized messages from management, sharing specific examples of how drivers have made a difference, can go a long way in making your team feel valued. This approach not only shows that leadership is aware of the challenges drivers face daily, but it also fosters a sense of unity and respect throughout the company. It is a way to illustrate your company values in action.  

 

Personalized Notes  

If management is not able to come together for a video, or if you are looking for a more tangible message, personalized “thank you” notes are another meaningful way to show your appreciation.  

 

Be sure to write the notes out by hand, or include personalized messages for each driver, to make sure they feel seen and uniquely appreciated. These can be given out at work, or mailed to drivers’ homes, which offers a chance to acknowledge their families’ sacrifice as well‒they deserve appreciation too! 

 

Host Educational Workshops  

Offering continued educational opportunities is an important way to show your company is invested in the professional growth of its drivers year-round. For Driver Appreciation Week, consider providing unique educational workshops, such as advanced safety training, which can help drivers sharpen their skills and stay updated on the latest industry standards.  

 

You might also offer workshops on financial planning, giving drivers the tools to manage their earnings effectively and plan for the future. Another idea is to host health and wellness sessions, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and mental health, which are crucial for long-term success and well-being on the road.  

 

These workshops demonstrate your commitment to their professional development and to their overall quality of life. 

 

Gift Cards & Fuel Discounts  

Everyone likes saving money, and truck drivers are no exception. Providing gift cards or fuel discounts are an easy way to show your appreciation with a gift that any driver would readily enjoy.  

 

Purchase gift cards for local restaurants or popular truck stops and chains, such as Love’s, Sheetz, or Iowa 80.  

 

Another way to show your appreciation and save drivers money is by compiling a list of retail locations and local restaurants offering specials to drivers during the week or month. Hand it out to your drivers so they can enjoy the discounts and benefits.  

 

Family Appreciation Day  

Truck drivers deserve all our appreciation and recognition, but so do their families. They are the ones supporting and encouraging drivers behind the scenes every day and sacrificing home time and special moments when drivers must be on the road.  

 

Consider hosting an event, such as a barbeque, potluck, or work party, and inviting all your drivers and their families. This is a great chance to display your commitment to each driver and bring together the whole team for a day of fun and games.  

 

Host Virtual Events  

With a job like trucking, it can be impossible to get the whole team together for an event. Instead, consider hosting a virtual celebration or workshop to show drivers you care.  

 

You could organize a virtual appreciation ceremony, where leadership can publicly recognize standout drivers and share messages of gratitude. Additionally, consider offering online workshops on topics like stress management, route planning, or even technology training to help drivers enhance their skills.  

 

Hosting a live Q&A session with industry experts or a virtual roundtable discussion on industry trends can also provide valuable insights while making drivers feel included and appreciated.  

 

Appreciate and Celebrate Drivers Year Round  

Consistently recognizing the hard work and dedication of truck drivers goes beyond a single week of celebration. 

 

By providing continued professional growth opportunities, such as ongoing training and development programs, you show that your company is committed to their long-term success. Regular driver engagement surveys can give drivers a voice, allowing you to understand their needs and concerns, and tailor your practices to better support them.  

 

Implementing driver-centric practices, from fair compensation to a focus on work-life balance, ensures that your drivers feel valued every day. 

 

 

 

For more information on making your carrier a place where any driver would want to work, be sure to check out the rest of our Employer Blog posts or connect with us on social media to see how our clients will be celebrating this year’s Truck Driver Appreciation Week.  

How Our Clients Are Celebrating This Driver Appreciation Week

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Commercial truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. It’s also one of the most important, with drivers across the nation responsible for transporting over 70% of the United States’ freight.  

 

Each year, Truck Driver Appreciation Week provides the perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate the tireless commitment of commercial drivers around the country. Here at Drive My Way, we’ve noticed that many of our clients have found creative and thoughtful ways to uplift their drivers with fun gifts, exciting games, and heartfelt messages. 

 

Keep reading to find out how our clients are shining the spotlight on their drivers this appreciation week, and how to keep the recognition going all year round. 

Goody Bags, Prizes, and More! 

Presents don’t have to be limited to birthdays or the holiday season any more! This September 10-16, many companies will provide their drivers with unique merchandise, useful tools, or fun swagto show their appreciation. A personalized gift is a thoughtful way to reward drivers for their hard work and show that you care.  

Company merchandise is a great way to show drivers how important they are to the mission, such as Go-To Transport’s tumbler.

This year, drivers at Go-To Transport can look forward to receiving a fun collection of company merchandise from display tables set up at their locations throughout the country. A Go-To tumbler, pen, and personal thank you card will be available to every company driver that stops by throughout the week. Drivers will also be able to choose between either a baseball cap, beanie, or a hoodie, depending on supplies.  

 

Drivers for NFI Industries are sure to enjoy choosing from a wide range of fun gear this appreciation week too. With locations across the country and over 4,500 drivers and contractors nationwide, NFI has stepped up by offering company hats, shirts, duffle bags, lunch boxes, and more!  

 

Meanwhile, Schwend, Inc. is utilizing its four locations across the South to set up stations for drivers to receive goody bags and door prizes this appreciation week. Prizes will range from Schwend merchandise to tickets for a weekend vacation!  

At each location, Schwend will also be setting up a breakfast and lunch serving station, where drivers can receive a home cooked meal each day of appreciation week. But for any driver that isn’t able to make it to a company terminal, there’s no need to worry! Schwend will offer to cover a few meals throughout the week for any driver out on the road.  

 

Do Something Nice 

You can never say ‘thank you’ too often. For many commercial truck drivers, they don’t hear it enough. This Driver Appreciation Week, show your team how much you care by sending out a thoughtful message or organizing an exciting event.  

 

The management team at Go-To Transport has been busy working with their marketing division to create a video of thank you messages for drivers to go on company social media pages. Hearing words of appreciation directly from management helps keep drivers invested in the company mission by highlighting the direct impact they have through their hard work.  

 

At NFI, it’s clear they know food is the way to everyone’s heart. Besides offering catered breakfast and lunch throughout the week, the company will be holding BBQ cookouts and picnics with food trucks, snow cone trucks, and raffle giveaways to celebrate their hardworking drivers across the country. 

 

At Schwend, their late summer employee appreciation picnics act as an extension of Driver Appreciation Week each year with cash prizes, CB radio giveaways, games, and more. Held at their Jasper, TN, and Dade City, FL, terminals, the picnics are open for all Schwend employees, but focus on drivers and their families.  

 

Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an annual reminder of the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of commercial drivers across the nation. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate drivers, and to highlight the incredible contributions they make each day to the economy and our way of life.  

Drive My Way is proud of our clients and the efforts they make each year to acknowledge the hard work of their drivers.  

 

If your company celebrates Driver Appreciation Week in a unique way, or you’d like to be featured in more stories like this in the future, be sure to reach out to us on social media!