The American Trucking Associations is recognizing the nation’s nearly 3.6 million professional truck drivers during the 38th annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. The nationwide celebration runs from September 13 through September 19, 2026, highlighting the essential work drivers perform to keep freight moving safely across the United States.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, commonly known as NTDAW, provides trucking companies, industry organizations, government officials, businesses, and the public with an opportunity to recognize professional drivers for their contributions. Truck drivers safely deliver more than 72% of the country’s total freight tonnage, including food, medicine, clothing, consumer products, and other essential goods.
ATA Chairman and Groendyke Transport CEO Greg Hodgen emphasized that consumers depend on truck drivers every day, whether they are purchasing products from store shelves or ordering items online. He credited drivers’ professionalism, attention to detail, dedication, and driving skills with helping maintain highway safety while keeping the U.S. economy moving.
ATA is encouraging state trucking associations, motor carriers, suppliers, and other industry organizations to participate throughout the week. Planned activities include distributing gift bags to professional drivers at truck stops and rest areas and encouraging companies to organize appreciation events at their terminals.
On Monday, trucking supporters are encouraged to wear the official green and yellow NTDAW colors and decorate company terminals. ATA staff will also participate with the Department of Transportation in an appreciation event at a weigh station.
Tuesday’s activities encourage carriers to provide meals for drivers at their terminals. On Wednesday, ATA will host a free Women In Motion webinar featuring four professional women drivers, providing an opportunity to hear directly from women working behind the wheel.
Thursday will focus heavily on public recognition through social media, with trucking supporters encouraged to share messages thanking professional drivers. On Friday, companies are encouraged to organize employee raffles or other celebrations. ATA representatives will also participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation Safety Expo in Washington, D.C.
The campaign also emphasizes the role motorists can play in supporting professional drivers and improving highway safety. ATA encourages the public to provide trucks with sufficient space to maneuver, avoid lingering in truck blind spots, and eliminate distractions while driving near commercial vehicles.
ATA provides resources through the official National Truck Driver Appreciation Week website to help carriers and other organizations plan events, engage local communities, and promote positive awareness of professional drivers.
The 2026 celebration is supported by sponsors ACT 1, Intact Insurance, and Geotab. Through the weeklong campaign, ATA is encouraging Americans to recognize the skill and commitment required of professional drivers and acknowledge their essential role in delivering the goods communities and businesses depend on every day.
Leave a Comment