National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2025 Complete Guide To Freebies And Discounts

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2025, scheduled for September 14-20, presents numerous opportunities for truck drivers to receive freebies, discounts, and special perks from major truck stop chains, companies, and industry events. This annual celebration recognizes the essential role professional truck drivers play in keeping America's supply chain moving. Throughout the week and extending into the entire month of September, drivers can take advantage of complimentary meals, drink specials, bonus rewards points, discounted services, and various giveaways at participating locations across the country.

Major Truck Stop Chains and Their Offers

Several major truck stop chains participate extensively in National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with special promotions and freebies. These offers typically require enrollment in loyalty programs or use of mobile applications to access the deals.

Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J extends its appreciation to truck drivers throughout the entire month of September with several valuable offers accessible through the myRewards Plus app. Drivers can receive three free drinks per week, including coffee, fountain beverages, or cooler drinks. Additionally, snack discounts are available all month long. The company also hosts the Road Warrior Contest during this period, giving drivers the opportunity to win $1,000 weekly or a $25,000 grand prize. This contest recognizes drivers who log the toughest miles on the road, providing an extra incentive for professional drivers to participate.

Love's Travel Stops

Love's Travel Stops celebrates drivers all month with multiple exclusive offers. Drivers can earn double My Love Rewards points on in-store merchandise when they activate the feature in the app. The company offers a premium truck wash for the price of a Deluxe wash through Mobile Deals. Free hats are available with select purchases, such as gloves or Traverse travel gear. Weekly food discounts are accessible through the Love's Connect App, and drivers can receive $10 back in points on oil changes and maintenance services. These offers provide both immediate savings and long-term value through the rewards program.

TA (TravelCenters of America)

TA focuses its appreciation efforts during the official National Truck Driver Appreciation Week period of September 14-20. During this time, drivers can access free daily meal deals through coupons available in the TA app. The company also provides discounted truck services and special shop offers. Additionally, drivers can earn bonus UltraONE points on select purchases throughout the week. The TA app serves as the primary platform for accessing these special offers, making it essential for drivers to have the application installed and updated.

Petro Stopping Centers

Petro Stopping Centers coordinates with TA to offer driver appreciation perks during September 14-20. At select Petro locations, drivers can enjoy free meals and drink specials throughout the week. Daily giveaways and promotions are available at participating locations, and drivers can access extra savings through the TA | Petro app. The partnership between TA and Petro ensures consistent offerings across both brands during this appreciation period.

Company-Specific Appreciation Programs

Beyond truck stop chains, numerous trucking companies and related businesses participate in National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with their own unique programs and recognition events.

Major Carriers

Several major carriers have established traditions for recognizing their drivers during this important week. Past participants include Hunt, Knight-Swift, Averitt Express, U.S. Xpress, and Wilson Logistics. These companies typically host terminal cookouts where drivers can enjoy complimentary meals in a relaxed environment. Many also distribute mailed swag, including branded merchandise and practical items for use on the road. Custom apparel such as t-shirts, jackets, and hats are commonly provided as tokens of appreciation.

Some carriers implement virtual ceremonies to accommodate drivers who may be on the road during the celebration period. Safety bonuses are another common recognition method, with companies providing additional compensation or rewards to drivers who have maintained exemplary safety records. Gift bags containing various items from company partners or vendors are also frequently distributed.

Recognition often extends beyond material rewards. Many companies organize raffles with prizes ranging from cash bonuses to household appliances. Award ceremonies highlight drivers who have demonstrated exceptional performance or made significant contributions to the company. Some executives make surprise visits to truck stops to personally thank drivers, creating memorable moments of recognition.

Personalized thank-you notes from dispatchers, operations staff, and senior leadership are common during this period and are often deeply appreciated by drivers. These personal touches demonstrate genuine recognition of the sacrifices drivers make to keep freight moving across the country.

Other Companies

Companies without for-hire or private fleets also participate, particularly if professional truck drivers are important to their business operations. C.H. Robinson, a Women in Trucking (WIT) Partner, plans to celebrate truck drivers and carriers with activities from coast to coast during Truck Driver Appreciation Week. These activities typically include special recognition events, appreciation gifts, and opportunities for drivers to connect with company representatives.

Other companies that provide services to the trucking industry often follow suit with their own appreciation programs. This includes maintenance providers, fuel companies, and logistics firms that recognize the importance of professional drivers in their business ecosystem.

Industry Events with Freebies

Mid America Trucking Show (MATS)

The Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) serves as a significant industry event where truckers can access numerous freebies and discounts. MATS facilitates "face-to-face interaction between industry representatives and trucking professionals," creating an environment where businesses can showcase their offerings directly to drivers.

At MATS, exhibitors frequently provide various freebies and discounts to attract attention and build relationships with professional drivers. These can include: - Product samples - Branded merchandise - Information about special offers - Opportunities to register for drawings or contests - Discounts on future purchases of products or services

The MATS website provides a platform for exhibitors to share information about the freebies and discounts they plan to offer at the show. Businesses can submit their promotional information through a form provided on the website, which includes details about the freebies, their value, conditions for obtaining them, registration requirements, and distribution times and locations.

This platform benefits both businesses and drivers by: - Increasing visibility for exhibitor promotions - Providing drivers with centralized information about available offers - Facilitating connections between drivers and industry suppliers - Creating opportunities for drivers to discover new products and services

Everyday Discounts for Truck Drivers

Beyond special appreciation week events, many truck drivers can access everyday discounts through various programs and partnerships.

Restaurant Discounts

Some restaurant chains offer discounts to truck drivers, particularly those with Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL). Long John Silver's and KFC have been noted to provide discounts when drivers inquire about CDL discounts. While not advertised prominently, these savings can add up over time for drivers who frequently dine at these establishments.

Some drivers report success by identifying themselves as bus drivers when visiting certain restaurants like Ryan's, though this approach may not be universally applicable or recommended. Local restaurants along frequently traveled routes may also offer discounts to regular truck driver patrons, though these arrangements are typically informal and location-specific.

Hotel Discounts

Hotel accommodations represent a significant expense for many professional drivers, particularly those on long-haul routes. Fortunately, many hotels offer discounts to truck drivers, either through corporate partnerships negotiated by trucking companies or through individual hotel policies. These discounts can substantially reduce accommodation costs during extended trips.

Corporate Discounts

Some trucking companies negotiate corporate discounts with various businesses on behalf of their drivers. These can include discounts on: - Phone services - Car rentals - Hotels and motels - Truck repairs and parts - Various retail stores

For example, one company mentioned in the sources provides corporate discounts that make phone services and car rentals half price. Local terminal businesses may also offer exclusive discounts to drivers from specific companies, such as a Harley shop in Joplin or various automotive dealerships (Whirlpool, Kia, Ford, GM) that offer special deals to drivers of particular carriers.

Other Free Items and Perks

Truck drivers occasionally receive complimentary items and perks through various programs and promotions. Some drivers report receiving free baseball caps from Flying J/Pilot locations. Occasional free services have also been mentioned, including free fax services, complimentary coffee, and free shower access at certain locations.

While these individual items may seem small, they contribute to the overall value that professional drivers can access through their industry connections and participation in loyalty programs.

How to Access These Offers

Mobile Applications

Many of the most valuable offers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and throughout the year are accessed through mobile applications. Key apps include: - myRewards Plus (Pilot Flying J) - Love's Connect App (Love's Travel Stops) - TA App (TravelCenters of America) - TA | Petro App (Petro Stopping Centers)

These apps typically require users to create an account and provide verification of professional driving status. Once enrolled, drivers can access: - Digital coupons for free meals and discounts - Points tracking and redemption options - Special offer notifications - Store locators with information about current promotions

In-Person at Locations

Many offers, particularly those from truck stop chains, require in-person visits to participating locations. This includes: - Free meal deals - Truck wash promotions - Merchandise giveaways - In-store specials

Drivers should check the specific terms and conditions for each offer, as some may require: - Presenting a valid CDL - Showing proof of employment with a participating company - Making a minimum purchase - Visiting during specific dates or times

Company Programs

Some discounts and freebies are accessible through company-specific programs. These may include: - Corporate discount programs negotiated by employers - Company loyalty programs - Terminal-based appreciation events - Safety recognition rewards

Drivers should inquire directly with their employers about any available programs or discounts. Some companies distribute physical copies of discount guides or provide digital access to comprehensive lists of partner businesses that offer special rates to their drivers.

Conclusion

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2025 provides numerous opportunities for professional truck drivers to receive freebies, discounts, and special recognition. Major truck stop chains including Pilot Flying J, Love's Travel Stops, TA, and Petro Stopping Centers offer comprehensive promotions throughout September, with many deals accessible through their respective mobile applications. Additionally, trucking companies host various appreciation events, from terminal cookouts to virtual ceremonies, and distribute branded merchandise and bonuses.

Beyond the special week, drivers can access everyday discounts through restaurant partnerships, hotel programs, corporate negotiated rates, and various industry promotions. The Mid America Trucking Show serves as another valuable resource for discovering new products, services, and exclusive offers from industry suppliers.

To maximize these benefits, drivers should enroll in loyalty programs, download relevant mobile applications, inquire about corporate discounts, and stay informed about special promotions both during National Driver Appreciation Week and throughout the year. These offers not only provide immediate value but also demonstrate the industry's recognition of the essential role professional drivers play in keeping America's economy moving.

Sources

1. England Logistics - Driver Appreciation Week Freebies
2. Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips - MATS Freebies Information
3. Truckers Report Forum - Truck Driver Discounts
4. Bay and Bay - Driver Appreciation Week Deals
5. CDLLife - National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
6. Women in Trucking - Celebrating Truck Drivers