Truck Driver Appreciation Week is in September and this year it’s September 10th-16th.
What is Truck Driver Appreciation Week?
Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an annual event for the American trucking associations to honor and celebrate truck drivers across the country. This week is to recognize the jobs truck drivers do to keep America moving.
These professional truck drivers are on the road for long hours, away from their families, to deliver products and goods to businesses and communities across the country.
During Truck Driver Appreciation Week, organizations, trucking companies, and industry partners come together to say thanks and recognition to these road warriors.
Special events, ceremonies, and initiatives will be happening for one week to recognize the truck drivers’ dedication and sacrifice. These will vary by company but all will be honoring truck drivers.
It’s a time for businesses and individuals to say thanks, whether through words, small gifts, or amenities to make their time on the road more comfortable. The week is also a reminder for the public to recognize the hard work and dedication of these professionals who keep the economy moving.
Why is Driver Appreciation Week important?
Driver Appreciation Week brings unity and camaraderie among drivers and the community. It shines a light on the often underappreciated profession to the public and encourages them to be respectful and considerate on the roads. It’s a time for businesses and organizations to extend their thanks through various ways, discounts, gifts or appreciation events.
It’s also a time for companies to review and improve their driver support systems, recognizing the importance of drivers to their business and implementing measures to take care of them.
How to celebrate your truck drivers
There are many ways to celebrate your drivers this week. Some of the most popular are parties, games and big events. Many companies also provide food for drivers at their terminals and on the road this week.
If you have OTR drivers then it may not be possible to get them to a party or event you are hosting. Don’t worry, there are still ways to celebrate the drivers who can’t attend. Gifts are a great way to say thanks to drivers while they are on the road.
Gift Ideas
Company Swag is a great gift for drivers on the road. Hats, shirts, or sweatshirts can make a driver feel part of the team. Creating designs specifically for driver appreciation week can make this gift even more special.
Gift Cards are a great option for drivers but consider what they need. For example, a movie theater gift card may not be very useful for a driver who spends most of their time in their trucks. Gift cards to popular chain restaurants or other food options they will encounter on the road or to places like Amazon where they can choose a gift for themselves will be received better.
Cash Prizes are another great option. These can be given out as rewards for participating in a game. Some options are raffles that require participation to enter or trivia games. This way your drivers feel like they are part of the fun and earning prizes for their time.
Also identifying what items will be useful for the drivers on the road can be a great way to make them feel appreciated this week. Gifts like coolers, neck massagers, or hands-free devices can help truck drivers have a better quality of life on the road without having to spend extra money on it. You can give it to all drivers or give it out as prizes depending on your fleet.
