What is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
September 18, 2026
What Is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and Why Does It Matter?
TL;DR: National Truck Driver Appreciation Week honors the 3.6 million professional truck drivers who keep professional drivers who keep businesses, jobsites, and communities moving. . The 38th annual celebration runs from September 13 to September 19, 2026, and was founded by the American Trucking Associations in 1988. At Schlouch Incorporated, we’re using this week to thank our drivers for the safety, reliability, and hard work they bring to our projects every day..
Their work requires much more than getting from one location to another. At Schlouch, our lowboy and tri-axle drivers safely navigate active jobsites, secure and transport equipment, coordinate closely with field teams, and adjust to changing schedules and project needs.
This year marks the 38th annual celebration, taking place September 13 through September 19, 2026. At Schlouch Incorporated, we see firsthand how much skill and dedication it takes to move freight safely and on schedule. This week gives us a chance to say thank you to the drivers who make that possible.
What Is the History Behind National Truck Driver Appreciation Week?
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) launched National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in 1988 to formally recognize the men and women behind the wheel. Nearly four decades later, the tradition continues to grow, giving companies like Schlouch an opportunity to recognize the drivers who play an important role in keeping our work moving.
At Schlouch, our drivers are a critical connection between our yard, suppliers, equipment, and active jobsites. They move heavy equipment, haul materials, support paving and site operations, and help make sure our field teams have what they need to stay productive.
The significance of this week goes beyond ceremony. According to the American Trucking Associations, more than 80% of U.S. communities depend exclusively on trucks for their freight transportation.
Why Do Truck Drivers Matter to American Commerce?
Truck drivers form the backbone of the American economy. Roughly 3.6 million professional drivers deliver essential goods safely and on time, often working long shifts in demanding conditions to meet tight schedules.
These drivers do more than transport freight. They ensure medical supplies arrive at hospitals, building materials reach job sites, and everyday products reach store shelves. Communities across the nation rely on their commitment, even when that reliability goes unnoticed.
How Do Companies and Communities Celebrate NTDA Week?
Businesses and communities mark National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in a variety of ways. Truck stops and trucking companies often host cookouts, hand out goodie bags, and offer special discounts to drivers passing through. Many organizations also run giveaways as a small gesture of thanks for the work drivers put in year-round.
Social media plays a growing role in these celebrations, too. Companies and individuals share messages of gratitude using the hashtag #NTDAW, and many organizations use dedicated social media toolkits provided by the American Trucking Associations to spread appreciation online.
How Is Schlouch Incorporated Celebrating Our Drivers This Year?
At Schlouch Incorporated, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an opportunity to recognize the drivers who help keep our projects, equipment, materials, and crews moving every day.
Throughout the week, our Logistics team takes time to thank our drivers for their hard work, safe performance, flexibility, and commitment to supporting our field teams. We celebrate with breakfast, appreciation gifts, and some friendly competition through truck-related games, team trivia, and fun questions that help everyone learn a little more about the people they work with every day.
It’s also a chance to step away from the daily schedule, spend time together, have some fun, and recognize the important role our drivers play in Schlouch’s success.
Celebrate the People Who Keep America Moving
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a reminder of just how much the country depends on the people behind the wheel. From long-haul routes to local deliveries, professional drivers keep goods flowing and communities running. Join Schlouch Incorporated in recognizing and thanking the drivers who keep our crews, equipment, materials, and projects moving safely—not just during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, but every day of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in 2026?
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week runs from September 13 to September 19, 2026, marking the 38th annual celebration.
Who started National Truck Driver Appreciation Week?
The American Trucking Associations launched National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in 1988 to honor professional drivers nationwide.
How many truck drivers does National Truck Driver Appreciation Week honor?
The week recognizes approximately 3.6 million professional truck drivers across the United States.
How can companies participate in NTDA Week? How can companies participate in NTDA Week?
Companies can host cookouts, give out goodie bags, offer discounts, and share appreciation messages on social media using the hashtag #NTDAW.
Why is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week important?
More than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks for freight transportation, making drivers essential to daily commerce and supply chains.
Why are truck drivers important to civil site construction?
Truck drivers help keep construction projects moving by transporting equipment, materials, and supplies to and from active jobsites. At Schlouch, our drivers work closely with our Logistics and field teams to help ensure crews have the equipment and materials they need to stay productive and on schedule.
