When it is, how to celebrate it at fleet scale, and how to plan backward from the week so kits arrive on time. Updated every year.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is held the second full week of September. In 2026 it runs September 13–19; in 2027, September 12–18. It's the trucking industry's dedicated moment to recognize the professional drivers who keep freight moving — and the single biggest window for fleet recognition each year.
Because it's one fixed week, timing is everything: plan backward from mid-September so branded kits arrive before the week starts, not after. Looking for the dated 2026 landing page? See Driver Appreciation Week 2026.
The anchor. A branded, gift-boxed kit for every driver — the clearest signal that leadership planned ahead.
Catered breakfasts and cookouts at each terminal, paired with a kit the driver takes on the road.
Name safe-driving and million-mile achievers in company comms and on social — recognition that outlasts the week.
A signed card from a real name beats a form email. Personalization is what makes it land.
For OTR drivers, a gift the family sees at home extends the thank-you past the cab.
Want a bigger list? See 25 driver appreciation gift ideas fleets actually use.
| When | Do this |
|---|---|
| 8+ weeks out (mid-July) | Set headcount, budget, and which kit; collect your logo files |
| 6 weeks out (early Aug) | Order deadline — approve branded mockups; production starts |
| 2–3 weeks out | Kits ship to your dock or drop-ship to terminals |
| The week (Sep 13–19) | Distribute kits, host terminal events, publish recognition |
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2026 is September 13–19, 2026 — the second full week of September. In 2027 it falls on September 12–18.
NTDAW is an annual industry observance, held the second full week of September, dedicated to recognizing the professional truck drivers who keep the supply chain moving. Fleets use it to run driver appreciation gifts, events, and awards.
Order by early August 2026 (about six weeks out) to guarantee delivery before the week. Set headcount and budget 8+ weeks ahead so branded mockups can be approved in time.
Fleet-wide branded kits, useful cab drinkware and apparel, terminal meals, public recognition of safe-driving milestones, and personal notes from leadership. See our 25 gift ideas list for specifics.
Custom-branded kits, delivered before the week, for fleets of any size. Order by early August 2026 for guaranteed delivery.