National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is in full swing from September 15-21, and it’s time to roll out the red carpet for our 3.5 million unsung road warriors. These drivers are the literal fuel in the engine that keeps our economy humming — without them, we’d be eating stale chips for dinner and waiting months for that shiny new gadget we just ordered. So, this week, we’re going big with perks, prizes, and gratitude that’s cruising at full throttle.
America’s Backbone – Celebrating Our Road Warriors
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) fired up the engine this year with a powerful kickoff, shining the spotlight on the everyday heroes behind the wheel. ATA President Chris Spear nailed it with this one-liner:
“The conveniences of modern life are only possible thanks to the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of America’s professional truck drivers. Our country’s reliance on truck drivers is absolute, and our appreciation for them must be as well.”
In other words: truckers keep America from grinding to a halt. They haul everything from toilet paper to iPhones, and we all owe them big. Check out ATA’s official page (NTDAW) or get a peek at (FMCSA) — both are revving up the appreciation this week.
Love’s Travel Stops – Bringing the Love All Month Long
At Love’s Travel Stops, they’re stretching out the party. This celebration isn’t just for a week — they’re making it last all of September! For the entire month, drivers get to indulge in some serious perks. Here’s the breakdown:
- Double Points: You’ll be stacking My Love Rewards points faster than you can fill up the tank.
- Discounted Truck Washes: Your rig deserves to sparkle, and now it can with a Premium Bundle wash at the Deluxe price. Look good, feel good, right?
- Free Driver Gear: Get a free appreciation hat when you buy three packs of gloves (because who doesn’t love free hats?).
- Traverse Pro Series Gear: Buy a seat cushion or flashlight, and they’ll throw in a free Pro Series hat. You’ll be both comfy and well-lit.
- Food Discounts: Weekly food deals through the Love’s Connect App because truckin’ on an empty stomach is a no-go.
- $10 Back: Get $10 back in My Love Rewards on oil or professional maintenance purchases. Keep your rig in tip-top shape and pocket some rewards while you’re at it.
RaceTrac – Freebies Galore for Drivers
RaceTrac is rolling out the red carpet for drivers all September. If you like free stuff (who doesn’t?), here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Free Coffee: One free any-size coffee per week. Because caffeine is the lifeblood of long hauls.
- Free Energy Drink: Need a pick-me-up? Grab a free 16 oz. Celsius to keep those energy levels in the green.
- Hot Dog Week: From September 4-8, munch on a free Nathan’s hot dog — because what’s better than a hot dog on the road?
- Pizza Week: From September 9-15, claim your free slice of pizza. #FuelUp
- Breakfast Sandwich Week: From September 16-22, grab a free breakfast sandwich to kick-start your day.
- Cheeseburger Deal: End the month on a high note with a free cheeseburger from September 23-30. Burgers on the house? Yes, please.
Don’t forget to update your RaceTrac Rewards App profile and select “professional” to snag these perks.
St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund – Lending a Hand to Those Who Keep Us Moving
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is stepping up again this year to show truckers some love, thanks to sponsors like Blue Beacon, Pilot Company, and Shell Rotella. These companies have ponied up donations ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to help drivers who need a hand when life throws them a curveball.
Shannon Currier, the director of philanthropy, put it best:
“Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, and we see and appreciate every mile they drive. NTDAW is our chance to go big and let them know they’re not just important — they’re essential.” (FMCSA) details on how St. Christopher is giving back, check out their page here NTDAW at St. Christopher.
Drivewyze – The Coolest Giveaway for the Coolest Drivers
Want to win a cooler that’s just as cool as you? Drivewyze is giving away a Bison 25 Quart Beverage Cooler — because keeping your drinks cold is no small matter. Here’s how you enter:
- Follow @drivewyze on LinkedIn.
- Like their NTDAW post.
- Tag a fellow driver in the comments.
Just don’t snooze on this one. The giveaway wraps up at 5 p.m. MDT on September 21.
OOIDA – Swag Time at Truck World
If you’re passing through Hubbard, Ohio, from September 16-18, swing by Truck World and you might just score big. OOIDA is giving away a Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill Driver Kit and two duffel bags packed with trucker essentials. All you have to do is start or renew your OOIDA membership during the event.
C.H. Robinson – #ThankATruckDriver and Make a Difference
C.H. Robinson is taking it global with their #ThankATruckDriver campaign. For every post that uses the hashtag during NTDAW, C.H. Robinson Foundation will donate $10 (up to $50,000) to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. On top of that, they’re hosting in-person celebrations across 13 cities in the U.S. and Mexico, where they’ll be handing out care packages and wellness kits. Now that’s how you say “thanks” in style!
To all the rockstar truckers out there, Eclipse DOT and the entire industry want to send you a big, honkin’ THANK YOU! Whether you’re snagging that free coffee, rocking a brand-new trucker hat, or entering those awesome giveaways, this week is all about celebrating YOU. You’re the ones keeping America rolling, rain or shine, from sunrise to sunset. Without you, we’d all be stuck waiting — and we’re not talking just about deliveries!
At Eclipse DOT, we’re here to keep you on the road and in the game. So while you’re out there owning the highways, know this: we’ve got your back. You handle the miles, and we’ll handle the rest — making sure you’re compliant, safe, and ready to tackle whatever the road throws your way.
Keep on truckin’, keep on winning, and remember: this week is YOURS!
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One thought on “NTDAW 2024: Honoring Truck Drivers Who Keep America Moving”
Your writing has a way of resonating with me on a deep level. It’s clear that you put a lot of thought and effort into each piece, and it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.