10 Creative Ways Fleet Leaders Can Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) - happening this year from September 14–20, 2025 - is more than a tradition. It’s an opportunity to spotlight the 3.6 million professional truck drivers who keep America running.

They deliver our groceries, fuel our industries, and power our economy. They navigate early mornings, long hauls, and tough conditions to ensure communities get what they need, on time, every time.

As a fleet leader, this week is your chance to say thank you. Whether you operate a private fleet or manage independent contractors, showing appreciation can boost morale, reduce turnover, and build stronger relationships with the people behind the wheel.

Need some ideas? Here are 10 meaningful (and fun) ways to celebrate your drivers this year:

1. Surprise Them With Swag They’ll Actually Use

Skip the generic pens and paperweights. Think quality jackets, toolkits, custom hats, wireless earbuds, YETI-style tumblers, or even truck seat cushions. Bonus points for personalization with their name, route, or years of service.

2. Host a Driver Cookout or Food Truck Day

There’s nothing like good food to bring people together. Host a cookout at your terminal or partner with local food trucks to serve up a hot meal. Offer to-go boxes for drivers on tight schedules.

3. Give the Gift of Time Off

If schedules allow, surprise your safest or longest-serving drivers with an extra paid day off, or offer flexible route swaps for some well-deserved family time.

4. Write a Personal Note (Yes, It Matters)

A handwritten thank-you note from a manager, dispatcher, or exec can go a long way. Make it personal. Mention a recent job well done, a milestone reached, or simply that their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.

5. Run a Social Media Driver Spotlight Series

Feature your drivers on your company’s LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram channels. Share their stories, celebrate their achievements, and show the world who’s behind your success.

It’s a win-win: your drivers get well-deserved recognition and increased visibility, while your customers and community get to know the real people powering your fleet. These personal touches can build trust, boost engagement, and humanize your brand.

6. Raffle Off Big (and Small) Prizes

Keep the fun going all week with daily giveaways—gas cards, travel coolers, Bluetooth speakers, or gift certificates. Cap it off with a grand prize like a new TV, iPad, or $500 cash.

Want to take it up a notch? Partner with your parts suppliers, tire vendors, or fueling partners to sponsor prizes or donate swag. It’s a great way to boost prize value, build vendor goodwill, and show your drivers just how many people appreciate what they do.

7. Set Up a “Gratitude Wall” at the Terminal

Give coworkers, office staff, and fellow drivers a chance to leave thank-you messages on a whiteboard or banner. Take photos of the wall and post them in your company newsletter or social channels.

8. Offer On-the-Go Comfort Kits

Build grab-and-go kits with useful items: snacks, gum, gloves, hand sanitizer, travel tissues, charging cables, eye drops, or coffee gift cards. For women drivers, consider comfort and wellness kits tailored to their needs.

9. Get the Leadership Team Involved

Have your executives join in, whether it’s flipping burgers at the cookout, handing out thank-you bags at rest stops, or posting appreciation videos. Visibility from leadership makes the message more meaningful.

10. Extend the Appreciation Beyond One Week

The best way to honor drivers? Make it a year-round effort. Implement monthly recognition programs, invest in newer equipment, ask for driver feedback regularly, and build policies that prioritize their safety, comfort, and success.

Keep It Real. Keep It Grateful.

NTDAW is your chance to show genuine appreciation for the people who power your fleet. However you choose to celebrate, make it personal, memorable, and focused on what your drivers value most.

Because when your drivers feel respected and recognized, everyone wins - your team, your customers, and your business.