Five good things in trucking: Truck Driver Appreciation Week

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which each year recognizes the men and women in this industry who move the goods and resources Americans need, begins this Sunday, Sept. 11. We thought it was a perfect time to bring back the popular Five Good Things blog created by former FleetOwner digital editor Catharine Conway.

This weekly feature began during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to recognize an industry that couldn’t work from home. We want to celebrate drivers, fleets, businesses, and others who are doing some good for trucking and the world. Feel free to pass along ideas for this space by email.

By the way, Catharine left us at FleetOwner back in February, but she didn’t leave the trucking industry. She’s working on the communications team of a major fleet. No doubt readers who have asked if we’ll bring this blog back will consider that a Good Thing.

Benefits (and challenges) of trucking

Almost all truck drivers could still feel the appreciation of Americans this time last year. In 2022, two of three drivers think their job is appreciated, according to a Truckstop survey of 500 professional truck drivers. The same poll in 2021 found that 96% of drivers felt appreciated.

"Each and every day, we appreciate the unwavering commitment made by our nation's truck drivers to keeping the country moving and are thankful for the sacrifices they make day in and day out," said Truckstop CEO Kendra Tucker.

Here are some highlights from the survey Truckstop released this week:

90% of U.S. truck drivers surveyed said they use software/technology to assist with back office-related tasks (e.g., invoicing, insurance, IFTA reporting, etc.), and 38% said they use a mobile app for load planning daily.
83% of drivers experience daily challenges with recent spikes in fuel prices, and almost three-quarters (74%) said they are concerned about the pressure to work longer hours due to the driver shortage.
68% of those surveyed find it challenging to keep up with insurance-related matters and changing industry regulations.

Just over a quarter (26%) of drivers surveyed said fluctuating spot market rates have impacted their revenue positively, making up to 24% more money, and over 72% surveyed said they find factoring an efficient way to get paid.

For the second year, Truckstop will recognize the women and men hauling goods by hosting Rockstar of the Road appreciation booths at three Roady's truck stop locations/affiliates. Drivers can stop get a free lunch, fuel gift cards, die-cast trucks, and Truckstop branded merchandise at participating locations:

Monday, Sept. 12, 11-1 p.m., Fontana Truck Stop, 14264 Valley Blvd., Fontana, California
Wednesday, Sept. 14, noon-2 p.m., On the Run Travel Center, 10026 South Eisenman Road, Boise, Idaho
Friday, Sept. 16, noon-2 p.m., Baker Truck Corral, 515 Campbell St., Baker City, Oregon.

Sheetz cutz diesel prices over 50 cents

The national average for diesel this week fell to $5.084, but it will below average at Sheetz next week in honor of truck drivers. The Mid-Atlantic convenience chain is cutting diesel prices to $4.49 a gallon through Sept. 30 at all 654 Sheetz stores that sell diesel.

During Truck Driver Appreciation Week, ReceTrac travel centers and EDO (Expanded Diesel Offer) stores will host events and giveaways, including:

Lynco Products will host daily free item and coupon giveaways at various travel centers throughout Truck Driver Appreciation Week, including one grand prize giveaway for Bluetooth headphones. Guests can check rttruckdrivers.com for specific dates and location information.
On Sept. 14, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs is sponsoring a free hot dog from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at all RaceTrac travel centers.
Truck drivers will have access to a free massage station at the Forest Park store (132 Forest Pkwy., Forest Park, Georgia) on Sept. 13, noon-6 p.m.

More Truck Driver Appreciation deals

Do not consider this an exhaustive list, but here are some of the other National Truck Driver Appreciation Week offerings fleets and their drivers could encounter on the road (or on their phones) next week.

Great Dane’s Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes features prizes each day next week. The prices include Great Dane gear, Carhartt coolers and jackets, Apple Airpods, gift cards, pizza oven, and Weber grill. Details on how to enter.
Love’s Travel Stops is giving away 23.5 million My Love Rewards points to professional drivers this month, along with other deals for truckers.
Pilot Co. is extending its driver appreciation deals through Oct. 31, which include free drinks, food discounts, free safety checks and more. We had details on this last week.
Driver business solutions provider ATBS has opened up a driver appreciation sweepstakes that features Visa gift cards. Details on how to enter.

Something cheesy for drivers

Sargento Foods is using the driver appreciation week to visit Wisconsin locations to give out cheese and hire new drivers and other positions. The three-day tour will make five stops in four cities: Milwaukee, West Bend, Fond du Lac and Appleton.

The company plans to hold on-the-spot interviews for CDL drivers, maintenance technicians, and second and third shift production jobs. This hiring event also is for open Sargento positions in IT, engineering, marketing, and food science and quality.