Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an opportunity for carriers across the country to recognize the professional drivers who keep their operations moving every day. 

 

This year, Drive My Way clients celebrated their drivers with cookouts, catered meals, gifts, giveaways, and events held throughout the week. From longstanding company traditions to personalized gifts for individual drivers, keep reading for a look at how some of our clients celebrated Truck Driver Appreciation Week in 2026. 

 

Food, Cookouts, and Time Together 

Food was a major part of the week for many Drive My Way clients, with companies finding different ways to bring drivers and staff together. 

 

S&H Express continued a tradition that has been part of the company for years. Cookouts were held throughout the week at locations including York, Hazleton, and Reading, with the company president cooking smash burgers and members of the management team helping with preparation. Drivers were also treated to donuts and coffee on Monday and soft pretzels on Thursday, and every driver received a Driver Appreciation shirt. 

 

C&M Water Trucking started the week with an appreciation station stocked with snack bags for drivers. On Tuesday, the company held a cookout dinner timed for drivers returning from the road and others coming in for their shifts. 

 

At JRayl, drivers had catered meals or food deliveries each day throughout the week. Each terminal also hosted a picnic or other event, and every driver received a gift bag. 

 

Driver Driven Transportation provided breakfast and lunch every day during Driver Appreciation Week, while Dart America brought drivers together for its annual driver appreciation picnic over the weekend. 

 

Truck One also planned a BBQ for its local drivers, giving those drivers a chance to celebrate together. 

 

 

Gifts Drivers Could Take With Them 

Several Drive My Way clients marked the week with gifts chosen specifically for their drivers. 

 

In addition to its BBQ, Truck One gave Carhartt backpacks to over 100 OTR and regional drivers. Peters Brothers provided each driver with a packed toolkit, while Driver Driven Transportation gave every driver $50 in cash in addition to the meals provided throughout the week. 

 

At River City, the celebration had a personal touch. Each driver received a personalized card, a Walmart gift card, and a stack of homemade cookies from management. 

 

NFI Industries made the week special by handing out company swag, including vests and hats, and arranged for food trucks to provide lunch to drivers. 

 

These gifts varied from company to company, but each gave drivers something tangible to take away from the week, whether it was useful on the road, something to eat, or simply an extra thank-you. 

 

NFI drivers received a range of merch options to celebrate the week.  

 

 

Giveaways and Company-Wide Recognition 

Driver Appreciation Week also gave companies an opportunity to recognize employees through larger giveaways and activities. 

 

At Cheeseman Transport, customers and vendors donated items that the company was able to distribute to employees. Three drivers won 55-inch TVs as grand prizes. 

 

The company also set aside another TV for a peer-nominated award. Employees could nominate a coworker who had gone above and beyond throughout the year and was known for a strong work ethic and being easy to work with. The recognition was open to drivers, dock workers, mechanics, and office staff, extending the celebration across the operation. 

 

Celebrating Drivers Throughout the Week 

While Truck Driver Appreciation Week puts a national spotlight on the profession, recognition can have an impact throughout the year. Taking the time to acknowledge drivers, listen to their feedback, and build stronger relationships can contribute to a workplace where drivers feel valued and connected to their company. 

 

For carriers, the week can serve as a reminder to consider how driver appreciation fits into the company culture long after the celebrations are over. 

 

 

For more trucking industry stories, insights, and updates, stay up-to-date on our Truck Driver Blog and connect with us on social media.