Industry, Congress praise truck drivers during NTDAW

(Truckingdotorg via X)

Professional truck drivers earned congressional and industry praise for their critical role in society during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which was Sept. 13-19.

On Capitol Hill, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) on Sept. 14 introduced a resolution to officially recognize the week as a celebration of drivers.

“Americans everywhere have truckers to thank for the ability to buy the same goods almost anywhere,” Hageman said. “They haul our cattle, stock our stores and serve the small towns that no other form of transportation can reach with year-round deliveries of the raw material of the 21st century. This resolution says thank you and builds on the work I am already doing.”

Hageman has previously introduced legislation to support trucking by expanding interstate driving opportunities for young drivers, tightening driver-training qualifications and cracking down on unsafe operators.

Hageman’s efforts to officially support NTDAW this year came alongside industry associations, suppliers and motor carriers that hosted events across the country.

American Trucking Associations organized events honoring the over 3 million truck drivers across the country for their commitment to keeping supply chains moving and delivering essential goods safely.

It's National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! America's truckers haul the American dream across our highways every single day. Thank you for everything you do to keep our country moving. 🚛 pic.twitter.com/RiWc4cY4Cf

— Rep. Harriet Hageman (@RepHageman) September 15, 2026

“National Truck Driver Appreciation Week provides all Americans with the opportunity to give truck drivers the recognition and gratitude they richly deserve,” ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen said. “Their extraordinary dedication, professionalism, attention to detail and skill are the keys to keeping our roads safe and our country moving.”

ATA also urged the industry to engage their local communities during the week.

Motor carrier Averitt Express hosted a week of festivities that included local cookouts and food trucks. There was also a companywide drawing for prizes including electronics, and each day a driver could win an assignment for a brand-new truck.

The company noted that this year’s events aligned with it celebrating 55 years in business.

“There was a real sense of excitement across the company as we celebrated the people who make what we do possible,” said Barry Blakely, president and chief operating officer at Averitt. “Most importantly, it gave us an opportunity to recognize the drivers who keep us moving every day.”

Averitt ranks No. 29 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America and No. 12 in the less-than-truckload segment of the freight market.

This National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we're looking back on one of our favorite moments from MATS.

We had nearly 100 drivers stop by the Shell Rotella recording studio to talk about life on the road, memorable moments behind the wheel, and why they choose Shell Rotella.… pic.twitter.com/uAEg9O2zJq

— Shell Rotella (@ShellRotella) September 13, 2026

Supplier Shell Rotella recognized the week with a video spotlighting the personal stories of truck drivers. The unscripted recordings were made during the 2026 Mid-America Trucking Show. The heavy-duty engine oils producer pledged that for every video recorded, it would donate $25 to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, resulting in an overall donation of over $2,000.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week campaign was providing nearly 100 drivers with a platform to share what makes them proud of their work and their role in the trucking community,” said Julie Wright, brand manager at Shell Rotella.

Shell Rotella premiered the videos during the first day of NTDAW. The feature stories highlighted the essential role drivers play in keeping the country moving, as well as the ways they give back to their fellow truckers and communities.

“It was especially meaningful to see and hear the positive impact of these driver stories and celebrate the people behind the wheel,” Wright said. “By putting drivers’ voices at the center of the conversation, this initiative helped shine a well-deserved spotlight on the people whose dedication keeps our economy and communities moving.”

As National Truck Driver Appreciation Week comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the millions of professional truck drivers who keep America moving every day.  

We are also grateful to the carriers, law enforcement agencies, state trucking associations, industry… pic.twitter.com/NtU2kkyPfz

— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) September 19, 2026

The Propane Education & Research Council celebrated the week by highlighting outstanding drivers that were nominated by propane companies and customers. The nominated drivers were recognized for their attention to detail, adherence to proper procedures, ability to identify potential hazards, equipment maintenance and commitment to inspections.

“What stands out in these nominations is the trust propane drivers earn every day,” said Bridget Kidd, chief operating officer at PERC. “They put safety first, build lasting relationships with their customers, and step up when their communities need them most.”

The Port of Long Beach showed its appreciation for the truck drivers that support its operations with an event Sept. 15 that included a free breakfast, refreshments and port-branded giveaways. Truckers at the event could also take advantage of free Clean Truck Check testing required by the California Air Resources Board.

Other NTDAW events:

• Love’s celebrated the week with exclusive deals for drivers through its rewards app that included double in-store points all month, and free food deals.

• C.H. Robinson held a series of celebrations honoring drivers that culminated with a ceremony honoring its carrier of the year winners.

• Werner Enterprises hosted appreciation week events across its operational network to bring celebrations directly to team members.

• Geotab hosted appreciation events at truck stops across North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida, where drivers could get complimentary refreshments and brand gear.