The annual campaign to recognize truck drivers, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, is just around the corner.
The 38th annual event, officially organized by the American Trucking Associations but celebrated across much of the entire spectrum of the industry, is being held this year Sept. 13-19.
The team here at Overdrive certainly appreciates all that you do, drivers, this month, next week, year-round.
“Here’s a salute to you for doing what you do,” said Overdrive Chief Editor Todd Dills. “We try to make trucker appreciation a year-round affair here at Overdrive, and so much of what we do relies on those news tips, biz insights and beautiful custom trucks we hear about direct from you, of course. Keep ‘em coming this week and the rest of the year!”
Track back through this year's Trucker of the Month honorees in the 2026 competition for the Trucker of the Year award, in their own words in the playlist below.
Below is a list of recognition delivered in various forms from various quartered, including deals and events ongoing not only during NTDAW, but in some cases throughout the month of September. The list will be updated as more deals and appreciation are announced.
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association discounting membership
The trade association representing owner-operators and other small-business truckers is offering a discount on membership through the end of September for new and renewing members.
Those interested in joining OOIDA or renewing their membership can do so for just $25 for a year’s membership by calling OOIDA at 816-229-5791 or visiting the association’s website and using promo code FIGHT25.
“Truckers don’t need people telling them how important they are one week out of the year and forgetting about them the other 51,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. “They need somebody in their corner every single day -- fighting bad regulations, standing up to policies that threaten their livelihoods and making damn sure the people making decisions in Washington hear from the men and women actually behind the wheel. That’s what OOIDA has done for more than 50 years. We believe every trucker in America deserves to have that kind of force behind them, and that’s why we’re making it easier to become part of OOIDA for just $25.”
This week, Sept. 9-11, the organization is also taking its appreciation on the road to Truck World in Hubbard, Ohio. The Spirit of the American Trucker, OOIDA’s touring tractor-trailer, will be on-site with OOIDA sponsoring complimentary lunch for professional drivers who come through Truck World during the three-day stop.
Pilot giving away custom Kenworth
Pilot is celebrating Driver Appreciation Month throughout September with special offers and the return of its annual Road Warrior contest.
Road Warrior nominations are open, and one outstanding professional driver will be recognized with a Kenworth W990 truck customized by the Diesel Brothers, along with a $50,000 cash prize.
Drivers can be nominated through the Road Warrior entry form through Sept. 18. Eligible nominees should demonstrate outstanding professionalism, safety and service.
This year’s Road Warrior winner will be announced in October.
The Kenworth W990 features a 52-inch flat-top sleeper equipped with a Diamond VIT interior, powered by a Paccar MX-13 engine that delivers 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque via a Paccar TX-18 transmission. The custom build journey and Road Warrior highlights will be shared through exclusive content on Pilot and Kenworth social media channels.Pilot
"Professional drivers do much more than deliver freight. They connect communities, support businesses and help power everyday life," said Rusty Kirby, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. "We're honored to recognize one exceptional driver and celebrate the hardworking people who make this industry possible."
Additionally, throughout the month, truck drivers can enjoy three free drinks and a snack each week throughout September for Driver Appreciation Month. The weekly offers feature top-selling brands and can be redeemed through the Pilot app at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers. Pilot will also host events at select stops across the U.S. to surprise drivers with swag, giveaways and free samples.
Love’s offering deals, extra reward points, more
Love’s Travel Stops is celebrating truck drivers with exclusive deals through the Love’s Rewards App.
All month long, drivers can receive double points in-store and triple reward points on drink refills.
Each week, the company will offer:
- Buy one, get one (BOGO) free breakfast sandwiches (9/7-9/13)
- Buy one Drummies 3 count, get a free egg cup (9/14-9/20)
- BOGO free taco (9/21-9/27)
- Buy two, get one free Old Wisconsin Meat Snacks (3 oz.) (9/13–9/19)
Other deals include a free Little Debbie single-serve on Sept. 16; buy one, get two free gloves Sept. 1 through Oct. 28; and two Subway footlongs for $13.99 Sept. 13-19.
All offers are exclusive to professional drivers and can be redeemed in the Love’s Rewards App.
TravelCenters of America hosting sweepstakes
TA is hosting a Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes throughout September in which customers can earn entries for specific purchases.
During September, TA customers can earn Every Driver Counts Sweepstakes entries by using their EarnifyPro (formerly UltraONE) account to:
- Making a qualifying purchase of 60 gallons or more of commercial diesel fuel in a single fill at the truck diesel island;
- Purchasing a Rapid, Premium, or Ultimate Oil Change
- Purchasing a work order for $500 or more at a TA Truck Service Center
There will be 16 prizes given away via the contest:
- 4 Race Car Hauler Prizes: Each Race Car Hauler Prize consists of a 1:64 scale TravelCenters of America-branded replica #17 Chris Buescher Race Car Hauler. The approximate retail value (ARV) of each Race Car Hauler Prize is $19.
- 7 Die-Cast Car Prizes: A 1:24 scale TravelCenters of America-branded #17 Chris Buescher Ford Mustang die-cast car.
- 3 Brad Keselowski Die-Cast Car Prizes: Each consists of a 1:24 scale Brad Keselowski RFK #6 Castrol/TravelCenters of America 2024 Mustang die-cast car.
- 2 Grand Prizes: Each Grand Prize consists of 50,000 EarnifyPro loyalty points. The ARV of each Grand Prize is $500.
Sheetz lowering bulk DEF prices
Sheetz is celebrating Truck Driver Appreciation Month by reducing the price of its diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to $1.99 per gallon at 55 Sheetz locations across its seven-state footprint that offer bulk DEF. The discounted price is available through Sept. 30.
The offer applies only to bulk DEF sold at Sheetz’s truck diesel dispensers. To find participating locations that offer bulk DEF, customers can visit the “Find a Sheetz” page on Sheetz’s website and filter by “bulk DEF,” or use the Sheetz app to find locations offering DEF.
As a thank-you to truck drivers for their hard work, Sheetz will offer the following additional deals throughout September:
- Sheetz will give away a free commercial diesel hat at its 59 locations offering high-flow truck diesel, while supplies last. Limit one hat per truck diesel customer.
- Customers who purchase high-flow diesel can receive one free half-size sub. Limit one free half-size sub per customer. Excludes extras and add-ons.
- Customers who pump 100 gallons of high-flow diesel can receive one free made-to-order (MTO) item or beverage. The offer is valid now Oct. 27 and excludes alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, 15-piece-or-larger MTO items, multi-pack cooler items, extras and add-ons. Limit one redemption per day.
All three offers are exclusively available to My Sheetz Rewardz members.
RaceTrac giving away food, drinks throughout September
Free pizza, fountain and energy drinks plus double loyalty points on fuel are waiting for professional drivers at RaceTrac throughout September.
Truck drivers registered in RaceTrac’s Rewards program and RaceTrac app will receive special perks Sept. 2-30.
“Professional drivers spend weeks away from home moving what the rest of us count on,” said Nick LaFalce, senior manager, fuel programs & partnerships for RaceTrac. “A free slice and a cold drink are a small way to give something back. It’s the same reason we built our Travel Centers around what drivers actually need when they pull in: fast fuel, hot food and somewhere to relax.”
RaceTrac’s official Truck Driver Appreciation Month promotions include:
- One free pizza slice per week
- One free fountain drink per week
- One free Reign, Bang, Nos or Full Throttle 16 oz. per week
- 2x loyalty points on fuel all month long
C.H. Robinson readies to name Carriers of the Year
Mega broker C.H. Robinson is set to kick off its celebrations for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (September 13-19) under the banner “Built to Move.” The week will culminate with a ceremony honoring the Carrier of the Year Award winners.
“The resilience of our carrier community never ceases to impress me,” said Michael Castagnetto, president of North American Surface Transportation at C.H. Robinson. “The past year has brought no shortage of challenges, from ongoing market pressure and regulatory uncertainty to broader economic and geopolitical headwinds. Through it all, these carriers continued to show up for customers, support their drivers, and keep freight moving. Their ability to adapt and deliver in tough conditions is what sets them apart. That’s why we’re taking this week to celebrate their service.”
Over the past few weeks, as a token of their appreciation, C.H. Robinson employees at different locations across the country assembled carrier swag bags containing hand-written thank you notes and useful gifts for the road. These will be handed out to drivers at C.H. Robinson distribution centers during Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Capping off the week, on Thursday, Sept. 17, C.H. Robinson will honor its 17 Carrier of the Year Award winners, including executives, owners and drivers, at an awards ceremony in Minneapolis. The winners range from one-truck owner-operators to large fleets with hundreds of trucks.
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