一品探花

Every September, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week rolls around as a chance to recognize the women and men who keep America moving from behind the wheel. For many companies with for-hire or private fleets across the country, it鈥檚 more than just a celebration鈥攊t鈥檚 an opportunity to show genuine gratitude to the professional drivers who are vital to their operations and the broader economy.

In fact, the 一品探花 (WIT) recently conducted a LinkedIn poll asking followers if they are planning to do something special this year in to recognize truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Sept. 14-20. According to the WIT poll, out of 70-plus responses 56% are planning to do something special this year, including gifts and recognition, to recognize truck drivers. Another 20% say they plan to do something 鈥渟omewhat special鈥� through small gestures. Another 8% are still unsure.

How Organizations Acknowledge Drivers

From coast to coast, organizations in the trucking industry mark the week in creative and heartfelt ways. Major national for-hire carriers such as Schneider, Werner, J.B. Hunt, Knight-Swift, Averitt Express, U.S. Xpress and Wilson Logistics are well-known past participants in driver appreciation events, often hosting terminal cookouts, mailed swag, and virtual ceremonies. Some give out gift bags, custom apparel, or safety bonuses. Many companies also run social media campaigns highlighting their drivers, sharing stories of long hauls, snowy climbs, and family sacrifices.

Others have been known to go the extra mile with raffles, award ceremonies, or even surprise visits from executives at truck stops. Personalized thank-you notes from dispatchers, operations staff, and senior leadership are common and often deeply appreciated.

Some organizations without for-hire or private fleets also get involved 鈥� especially if professional truck drivers are important to their businesses. For example, Love鈥檚 Travel Stops last year extended the celebration through all of September with perks exclusive to professional drivers that include 鈥淒ouble My Love Rewards鈥� points on in-store merchandise, discounted truck washes, and free driver hats with purchases like gloves or gear. Pilot Flying鈥疛 has hosted a Road Warrior contest with a grand prize of $25,000, and has offered free drinks (three per week) via the myRewards Plus app for professional drivers.

Why It Matters to Drivers

For professional truck drivers, this week of recognition isn鈥檛 just about freebies and food鈥攊t鈥檚 about feeling seen. Trucking can be a demanding and isolating job, with long hours, time away from loved ones, and little room for error. Acknowledgement during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week reinforces that their hard work is valued and respected.

Many drivers say the week reminds them that they鈥檙e more than a number on a route sheet. It boosts morale, strengthens company culture, and fosters loyalty. When companies recognize the people behind the wheel, they help build trust, reduce turnover, and create a more motivated workforce.

Women truck drivers in particular often face unique challenges on the road鈥攔anging from safety and facility access to isolation and work-life balance. Acknowledging those experiences during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (and beyond) sends a powerful message of respect and inclusion.

Each year, through the Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation recognition program by Redefining the Road magazine, WIT recognizes companies that go above and beyond becoming an 鈥渆mployer of choice.鈥� Many of those named to the list do specific things to support and celebrate women professional truck drivers, including the following:

Recognition & Visibility

• Feature women drivers in internal and public campaigns: Share their stories on social media, newsletters, or company websites to highlight their journeys and contributions.
• Nominate women for industry awards (e.g. Redefining the Road magazine鈥檚 Top Women to Watch or WIT Driver of the Year).
• Host "Women Who Drive" spotlights with Q&A sessions or short video tributes.

Tailored Appreciation Gifts

• Offer personalized swag (e.g. high-quality jackets, hats, toolkits) designed with women in mind鈥攏ot just unisex or male-focused gear.
• Provide gift cards for self-care services (especially for services that would appeal specifically to women, such as spa, haircuts, massages, etc.)
• Distribute comfort or wellness kits including items like sanitary products, hand sanitizer, snacks, and mini-first-aid kits.

Empowerment Events

• Host roundtable discussions or meetups for women drivers鈥攅ither virtual or at terminals.
• Partner with organizations like WIT to bring speakers or workshops focused on leadership, resilience, or safety.
• Organize peer mentoring circles connecting new and veteran women drivers.

Facility Improvements

• Ensure terminals and company facilities have:
• Clean, private restrooms and showers for women.
• Secure, well-lit parking areas and lounges.
• Designated safe rest areas or safe hotel options for overnight stays.

Safety Support

• Provide self-defense training (virtual or in person).
• Offer tools like emergency apps, personal safety alarms, or wearable tech (panic buttons, etc.)
• Train dispatch and terminal staff on how to respond to safety concerns reported by women drivers.

Long-Term Commitment

• Promote policies that support work-life balance, such as predictable routes or flexible schedules for women with caregiving responsibilities.
• Encourage women to pursue leadership or trainer roles within the fleet.
• Create feedback loops (surveys, listening sessions) to understand and act on the needs of women in the driver workforce.

More Than a Week

While National Truck Driver Appreciation Week shines a spotlight for seven days, the companies that make the biggest impact are those that carry that appreciation throughout the year. Driver recognition programs, flexible scheduling, quality equipment, and open communication go a long way in showing respect long after the celebration ends.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a powerful reminder: without drivers, the supply chain doesn鈥檛 move. Honoring professional truck drivers鈥攍oudly and often鈥攊sn鈥檛 just a 鈥渇eel good鈥� exercise to go through for your workforce, it鈥檚 smart business.

Related Articles:

• Thanks to Women Drivers Who Go the Extra Mile Every Day
• Thank You Professional Truck Drivers!
• Recap: National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

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