Trucking Celebrates Crucial Work of Truck Drivers During NTDAW
Appreciation Week Marks Its 37th Anniversary
Key Takeaways:
- The trucking industry celebrated more than 3.6 million professional drivers during the 37th annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in mid-September.
- Events nationwide included giveaways, donations and tributes from groups such as Trucker Path, Shell Rotella, Love’s Travel Stops and state trucking associations.
- Industry partners emphasized drivers’ essential role in keeping the economy moving and pledged continued support through charitable and recognition efforts.
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The trucking industry and its partners celebrated professional truck drivers during the 37th annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in mid-September.
NTDAW recognizes the more than 3.6 million truck drivers who are responsible for keeping freight moving with events, giveaways, rewards and donations.
“When every convenience and necessity is available on a store shelf or just a click away, it can be easy to overlook America’s 3.6 million truck drivers who pull off this logistical feat day after day,” President said. “Our reliance on truckers is absolute, and our appreciation for them should be as well. These hardworking professionals should be celebrated for their dedication that powers our economy.”
Trucker Path Sweepstakes
David Whaley of Citra, Fla., was selected as the winner of Trucker Path’s fourth annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes. Whaley won more than $10,000 in prizes from title sponsors Trucker Path, Sheetz, Double Coin Tires and Exxon Mobil and supporting sponsors La Quinta, Red Roof Inn, Rokform and the Trucker Media Group.
“I’ve never come close to winning anything like this,” said Whaley, a lease operator for Springfield, Mo.-based Prime Inc. “I just can’t believe it. I’m so appreciative.” Prime ranks No. 19 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.
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During NTDAW, Shell Rotella, in partnership with Love’s Travel Stops, debuted a tribute video for drivers titled “Thank-a-Trucker,” which featured messages recorded by attendees at the 2025 Mid-America Trucking Show in March.
“Truckers are the unsung heroes of the highway, and their sacrifices and commitment deserve our deepest gratitude,” said Julie Wright, North American brand manager for Shell Rotella. “We are honored to shine a spotlight through this shared tribute to every mile, every sacrifice and every story worth celebrating through our continuing support of [.”
Both companies pledged to donate $20 for each appreciation video. In total, $2,880 was donated to St. Chris.
Love’s, ranked No. 28 on the TT Top 100 list of the largest private carriers, also feted drivers throughout September with deals.
“It’s an honor to align with Shell Rotella in sharing a sincere thank-you to the people who drive the transportation industry and economy,” said Courtney Franklin, manager of community relations at Love’s.
From the recording booth at to this moment right here, our “Thank-a-Trucker” effort with was all about showing real appreciation for the folks behind the wheel.
We’re proud to officially present the $2,880 donation to the , made possible… — Shell Rotella (@ShellRotella)
Keystone State
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the marked the week with events at service plazas along the turnpike, where drivers enjoyed pizza and drinks, and could enter a raffle to win a 30-ounce Yeti tumbler.
“Professional drivers are essential to the nation’s economy and to the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s mission of supporting national mobility and commerce,” Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Mark Compton said.
Other visitors at these events learned about the industry and some best practices for sharing the roads with truck drivers.
“Pennsylvania is home to more than 71,000 trucking companies supporting 1 in every 15 jobs in the state,” PMTA CEO Rebecca Oyler said. “These men and women make sure businesses stay open, hospitals are supplied and families are fed.”
Alabama Sings Drivers’ Praises
The released a new song celebrating drivers alongside a collective of musicians called the Heroes of the Highway. The song, “Highway Dreaming,” aims to be a heartfelt anthem celebrating truck drivers. The project featured the Sweet Tea Trio, a country music group, and was produced and recorded in Alabama.
Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach hosted a Sept. 16 event, distributing port-branded gifts and free breakfast and lunch. Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Frank Colonna discussed the growth of clean transportation technology during the event alongside representatives from the California Air Resources Board and Calstart.
The port's CEO, Mario Cordero, recently announced he was retiring at year's end.
Hynes Industries Focuses on Small Details
Hynes Industries President and CEO Rick Organ said that every day, “truck drivers who arrive to pick up or drop off loads are met with more than instructions — they’re handed a care package with a cold drink and a bag of snacks.” He said one of his plant managers said, “It’s a small gesture, but it says a lot. We just want them to feel welcome. It says ‘We see you. We appreciate you.’ ”
Youngstown, Ohio-based Hynes supplies roll-formed steel products for trucking and other industries.
Coming Through for the Military
Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which ranks No. 25 on the TT sector list of wholesale/retail carriers, honored drivers with signs, banners, thank-yous and more. “Exchange drivers are vital to the mission,” said Army Lt. Col. Emanuel Velez, the Exchange’s deputy director of logistics. “They brave long distances, harsh weather and rough roads to ensure the tastes of home reach shoppers safely around the world.”
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