Alright, drivers — it’s YOUR week. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) 2025 is officially here, and from September 14–20, the whole country is hitting pause just long enough to say, “Thank you for keeping America from falling apart.”
And we’re not talking about some polite email blast with clip-art trucks. This is the 37th annual NTDAW (yep, going strong since 1988), and it’s a full-blown party on wheels. We’re talking free meals, double rewards, truck washes, barbecues, and even a shot at driving away in a custom Kenworth with $50K cash in the glovebox.
🚛 Why NTDAW Actually Matters
Here’s the truth: trucks move over 70% of all freight in the U.S. — more than 11 billion tons of stuff every single year. If you parked for even 24 hours, grocery shelves would go empty, gas stations would go dry, and someone’s Prime package would end up sitting in a warehouse instead of on their porch.
Drivers log over 100,000 miles a year and spend more nights away from home than most folks spend on vacation. That takes grit. That takes sacrifice. NTDAW is the one week where everyone stops to say, “You’re the reason the lights stayed on and the fridge stayed full. Let us buy you a taco.”
🏆 The Best Deals & Freebies on the Map
⭐ Love’s Travel Stops – Stretching the Love All Month
Love’s is throwing a month-long celebration (Sept 1–30):
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Double points on in-store purchases with the Love’s Connect App.
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Premium truck wash for the price of Deluxe — yes, it’s time to make that chrome shine.
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Weekly food specials:
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Sept 1–5 – Buy one roller grill item, get one free.
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Sept 8–12 – Buy one taco, get one free.
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Sept 15–19 – Half-off Tyson Drummies.
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Sept 22–26 – Buy one fruit cup, get one free.
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$3 off gloves through Oct 31.
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Free drink credit at Truck Care locations.
⭐ Pilot Flying J – Big Fuel, Big Prizes
Pilot is handing out rewards like candy:
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Three free drinks per week (check the app weekly).
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Road Warrior Contest: Nominate your favorite driver (or yourself) between Sept 2–19.
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Grand Prize: A custom Kenworth + $50K cash.
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100 million myRewards® points giveaway — over 65,000 prizes.
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Military & Veterans: 10% off food & drinks with ID.me.
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Earn points for every gallon and spend them like cash.
⭐ TA & Petro – Meals on the House
From Sept 14–20:
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Free daily meals in the TA app.
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Discounted truck services.
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Bonus UltraONE points on select purchases.
⭐ Weigel’s – Small Stop, Big Heart
Sept 15–21, participating locations are offering:
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Free case of water with $10 purchase.
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Free coffee, hot dogs, energy drinks, air fresheners, seeds, and hats.
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$10 off Big Rig tees & hats.
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Double Ambucks points for Ambest members.
⭐ England Carrier Services – Your Freebie Roadmap
England’s team has a list of national NTDAW freebies — from gloves to drinks to washes. Basically, they’re the GPS for all things free this week.
🎉 More Than Just Free Tacos
Sure, the food deals are great, but this week is also about community.
Fleets are firing up the grills for terminal barbecues. Vendors are doing free diagnostics and tune-ups. Manufacturers are rolling out electric truck demos and letting drivers test the latest safety gear. State and federal agencies are getting involved with webinars, proclamations, and even rest area upgrades.
This is more than appreciation — it’s a giant reminder that without drivers, America literally stops rolling.
💡 Dan’s Take
Let’s be honest: most of the year, trucking is a thankless grind. Early mornings, late nights, crazy schedules, and a steady stream of DOT rules that make you wonder if anyone’s ever driven a truck before writing them.
But this week? This week, America is tipping its hat. And so am I. Go grab that free coffee, enter to win that Kenworth, and remember — you’re the reason we get to enjoy stocked shelves and hot showers.
🚦 Eclipse DOT: Appreciation All Year Long
Here at Eclipse DOT, we don’t just throw you a high-five once a year — we help fleets create safer, smarter, more compliant operations so drivers can focus on driving (and getting home on time).
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⭐ Free DOT Micro Audits – Stop sweating surprise inspections.
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⭐ Mock Inspections & Training – Fewer violations, less stress.
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⭐ DOTDocs™ – Effortless recordkeeping, zero headaches.
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⭐ Leadership Training – Build better managers who actually get it.
📅 Book your free micro audit today — because appreciating drivers should last longer than a week.