Every year, Truck Driver Week serves as a national reminder to recognize the unsung heroes of our highways: the truck drivers who make modern life possible. Organized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), this annual celebration goes beyond gratitude. It’s about understanding the essential role truckers play in the economy, honoring their resilience, and amplifying the importance of supporting them across the supply chain.
When Is Truck Driver Week Celebrated?
In 2025, Truck Driver Week is officially scheduled for September 14 to 20. While it’s a U.S.-based initiative led by the ATA, the movement resonates throughout North America. With regional trade intensifying under USMCA and the rising volume of cross-border freight, this week has become a symbolic and strategic opportunity to recognize those keeping goods moving, regardless of borders.
Why Is It Important to Recognize Truck Drivers?
Truck drivers are the backbone of the supply chain. More than 70% of all freight in the United States is moved by truck. That’s over 11 billion tons of goods annually: delivered under pressure, over long distances, and across industries like retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.
Their work touches every part of daily life. From the medication you rely on to the produce in your fridge or the equipment in hospitals, chances are a trucker made that delivery possible. As consumer expectations grow and logistics windows tighten, their contribution is more critical than ever.
Top Challenges Truckers Face Today
Despite their value, drivers face tough industry realities:
- Driver Shortage: The ATA reports a shortage of over 78,000 drivers, expected to hit 160,000 by 2030 if current trends persist.
- Health and Burnout: Long hours and time away from family contribute to both physical and mental stress.
- Inconsistent Pay: Although truckers earn between $68,000 – $85,000 annually (BLS), many face issues like unpaid detention time or misclassification.
- Safety and Compliance: Navigating DOT regulations and staying compliant with FMCSA standards remains a growing challenge, especially as tech transform’s vehicle systems.
Celebrating Women in Trucking This Truck Driver Week
Historically, trucking has been male-dominated. But women are increasingly stepping into the driver’s seat, literally and figuratively.
- During WWII, women replaced men in transport roles to support the war effort.
- Today, women make up nearly 13% of the U.S. trucking workforce, with numbers continuing to rise.
- The Women in Trucking Association actively promotes recruitment, mentorship, and leadership development for women in all logistics roles.
Supporting inclusion isn’t just good ethics. It’s smart business. Diverse teams lead to safer fleets, stronger retention, and better performance.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Truckers
Lighten the load with these trucking tidbits:
- If you lined up every freight truck in the U.S., they’d stretch over 63,000 km. Enough to circle the Earth 1.5 times.
- Many team drivers are married couples, co-piloting life and logistics across the nation.
- Pets on board? Absolutely. Dogs, cats, and even parrots frequently join truckers for emotional support and company.
- The average trucker drives over 3 million miles in their career. Some, like Homer Flores, clocked 4 million accident-free.
- Before fame hit, Elvis Presley, Sean Connery, and Viggo Mortensen were all truck drivers.
How Companies Can Show Appreciation During Truck Driver Week
Not every thank-you needs fireworks. Here are simple, impactful ways logistics companies, 3PLs, and shippers can honor drivers:
- Host appreciation breakfasts or virtual shout-outs
- Send handwritten thank-you notes
- Offer wellness benefits or flexible routes
- Recognize milestones on social media
- Donate to initiatives like Truckload Carriers Association or WIT
Celebration Ideas for Everyone (Even If You’re Not in Logistics)
Gratitude doesn’t require a supply chain degree. This Truck Driver Week try:
- Posting a “thank you” using hashtags like #ThankATrucker or #DriverWeek2025
- Surprising a driver at a truck stop with a coffee or snack
- Teaching children about freight and logistics
- Waving at drivers on the highway (safely!)
Our Commitment at GLT Logistics
At GLT Logistics, we don’t own trucks, but we wouldn’t be here without the incredible carrier partners who move with us.
As a certified partner of Women in Trucking, and a North America-based 3PL, we work with thousands of vetted carriers to ensure:
- Fair, efficient dispatching
- Consistent communication
- Reliable load opportunities
- Industry-recognized support tools
We believe that supporting carriers creates better service, lower costs, and happier customers. It’s a win-win.
Carriers interested in working with us can reach out via email or complete our online registration form.
Shippers can explore our Online Freight Platform to quote, track, and manage shipments across all modes from a single dashboard.
Truck Driver Week Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Truck Driver Week?
It’s a U.S. initiative led by the ATA to recognize the critical contributions of truck drivers. In 2025, it takes place September 14–20.
How do 3PLs like GLT Logistics support truck drivers?
We don’t own fleets, but we play a key role in supporting drivers. At GLT Logistics, we connect carriers with a wide network of customers, reduce empty miles, and provide consistent, high-quality freight.
Our Quick Pay program ensures fast payments within one business day. We’re financially reliable, with an A+ credit score and a commitment to long-term partnerships.
Carriers also benefit from our tech tools for real-time tracking and performance visibility. As a SmartWay-certified partner, we prioritize efficiency, transparency, and true collaboration.
What are simple ways to say thank you on Truck Driver Week?
During Truck Driver Week, appreciation can be personal or public: from handwritten notes and social media mentions to wellness bonuses or just being flexible with load times
Are there enough truck drivers today?
No. The industry is short by 78,000 drivers and counting, which is why retention and respect are so vital.
How can I work with GLT Logistics?
Carriers: Click here to join our carrier network and access consistent freight opportunities, streamlined communication, and reliable support from a trusted 3PL partner.
Shippers: Click here to explore our Online Freight Portal and manage all your shipments. Quote, book, and track across multiple modes from a single dashboard.
Truck Driver Week isn’t just about saying “thanks.” It’s about remembering how interconnected we all are. From warehouse to doorstep, it’s truckers who power our way of life.
So whether you work in logistics or just enjoy the convenience of a fully stocked shelf, take a moment this September to honor the people who make it possible.
