Truck Driver Appreciation Week: Honoring Our Highway Heroes

Every year since 1998, during the second week of September, our nation comes together to express heartfelt gratitude to the unsung heroes of our economy—the truck drivers. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time to honor these dedicated professionals for their relentless commitment to keeping our country’s goods and services moving. In 2023, this week of recognition will take place from September 10 to September 16.

Truck drivers play an indispensable role in our daily lives, ensuring that products reach our stores, our homes, and our factories on time. They endure long hours on the road, face challenging conditions, and make countless sacrifices to keep our supply chain flowing smoothly. Their hard work and dedication are the backbone of our economy, and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an opportunity to give back and say “thank you.”

Throughout this special week, various organizations, businesses, and state trucking associations join forces to make truck drivers feel valued and appreciated. It’s a time when gestures of gratitude are abundant, with many offering discounts, special events, and tokens of appreciation.

California Highway Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division, for instance, goes the extra mile by hosting a Truck Driver Appreciation Day during this week. They invite truck drivers to a complimentary lunch at their northbound scale location on Tuesday, September 12. It’s a chance for drivers to take a well-deserved break, enjoy a meal, and connect with fellow professionals.

Two major truck stop chains, TravelCenters of America and Love’s Travel Stops, also step up to show their appreciation in a big way. They understand that sometimes, a small gesture can mean a lot to truck drivers. Both chains have carefully curated special experiences to express their gratitude.

TravelCenters of America has planned a series of engaging activities and initiatives for professional drivers at their participating locations throughout National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. While the specifics vary by location, drivers can look forward to events like cookouts, cornhole tournaments, goodie bags, and ‘Thank You’ cards with valuable coupons. They even offer window washes and truck mid-trip and tire inspections, all aimed at making the week memorable.

Love’s Travel Stops, headquartered in Oklahoma City, takes a digital approach to express its thanks. Through the company’s My Love Rewards loyalty program, truck drivers are offered exclusive deals that can be redeemed throughout the entire month of September. These deals include a free Love’s-branded consumable product valued at up to $5 and My Love Rewards points worth $10, redeemable for an oil change and preventative maintenance at Love’s Truck Care or Speedco locations.

Shane Wharton, President of Love’s, encapsulates the sentiment: “As National Truck Driver Appreciation Week arrives, we extend our gratitude to the heroes of the highway: professional drivers. Their grit and sacrifice embody the spirit that propels our nation’s progress forward, and we proudly honor their invaluable contributions.” Alongside these digital offers, Love’s also treats drivers to food and drink specials from September 11 to September 15. Additionally, drivers can receive a complimentary hot sandwich, bowl, or fresh salad with the purchase of an oil change during this period.

See more about Love’s Truck Driver Appreciation Deals on their website.

In observance of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which begins Sept. 10, Denny’s locations inside travel centers are offering truck drivers 50% off of a breakfast meal.

The special is in partnership with Motel 6, according to a news release.

Dubbed the Motel $6 Meal Deal Trucker Breakfast, the meal includes an Original Grand Slam meal consisting of two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage links and two eggs — all for $6.

The special will be available until the end of September.

“We are delighted to team up with Denny’s, another trusted roadside brand across the United States, to extend our support for our nation’s truck drivers,” said Julie Arrowsmith, president and interim CEO of G6 Hospitality. “Both Motel 6 and Denny’s are here to ensure all truckers are fueled and ready to hit the road no matter the distance, so, next time they’re traveling, they can stop into Denny’s and reward themselves for that hard work with a $6 Grand Slam Trucker Breakfast Deal.”

How to Redeem

Truckers can join My6, the free rewards program from Motel 6 and Studio 6, to get a downloadable coupon in the My6 trucker marketplace on the app.

To become a My6 member and receive 6% off stays at all 1,400 Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations year-round, as well as hundreds of added benefits, download the free app on iOS and Android.

As we approach National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, it’s essential to remember the dedication and hard work of the millions of truck drivers who keep our nation running smoothly. They not only deliver goods safely and on time but also contribute to highway safety. This week serves as a reminder to express our gratitude through various gestures of appreciation, from discounted meals to exclusive offers, that show just how much we value their essential contributions.

In conclusion, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our economy—the truck drivers. They deserve our thanks, and the various initiatives and special offers during this week are a small but heartfelt way to acknowledge their crucial role in our lives. So, as we celebrate this week in September, let’s make it a point to show our appreciation to the dedicated professionals who keep our nation moving forward.

Truck driver appreciation is not just a formality; it’s a recognition of the dedication and resilience that these professionals demonstrate day in and day out. It’s an acknowledgment of the sacrifices they make to ensure that essential goods reach our communities. It’s a salute to their role in maintaining the intricate web of commerce that keeps our nation thriving.

During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we have the opportunity to make truck drivers feel special and valued. These men and women spend long hours on the road, often away from their families, facing all kinds of weather conditions and road challenges. Their commitment to delivering goods efficiently and safely is nothing short of commendable. They navigate the highways and byways, ensuring that store shelves are stocked, factories receive raw materials, and our lives continue to function smoothly.

This week also highlights the importance of the trucking industry in the broader context. It’s not just about delivering goods; it’s about the livelihoods of millions of truck drivers and the interconnectedness of our economy. The industry contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the supply chain.

So, when you see a truck driver on the road, take a moment to acknowledge their hard work. A simple wave, a friendly nod, or a “thank you” can go a long way in brightening their day. And if you’re a truck driver yourself, remember that this week is for you. Enjoy the perks, discounts, and special offers that organizations like TravelCenters of America and Love’s Travel Stops have prepared for you. It’s a small token of appreciation for your enormous contributions.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time when the nation collectively salutes the dedication, professionalism, and resilience of truck drivers. It’s an opportunity for us all to recognize the vital role they play in our lives, our economy, and our nation’s progress. So, let’s make this week special by showing our truck driver appreciation in every way we can. They deserve it, and our nation’s prosperity relies on their continued hard work and commitment.