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Fleets, suppliers recognizing drivers this week with deals and ceremonies

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Updated Sep 11, 2018

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is ongoing this week through Saturday, Sept. 15, and a number of fleets, trucking industry suppliers and more are offering deals and recognition to drivers for their hard work.

The annual event is spearheaded by the American Trucking Associations.

Some of the deals and acknowledgements ongoing for truck drivers this week can be seen on CCJ sister site Overdrive. Some recognition and events from industry organizations and fleets include:

iLuvMyTrucker: CCJ sister site Truckers News opened nominations for its iLuvMyTrucker contest, which gives the opportunity to recognize truck drivers. The best of the submissions will be published on the Truckers News site throughout the week. Truckers in the five best entries will receive a $20 Subway gift card for the recognition.


Trucking Moves America Forward: TMAF is encouraging the trucking industry and the general public to get involved by using the hashtag #ThankATrucker on social media during the week. The group is also planning radio spots and billboards to show appreciation for drivers.


Maine Professional Drivers Association: MPDA, in conjunction with the Main State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Unit, will hold a driver appreciation lunch on Monday, Sept. 10. Truckers are invited to a free lunch at the York Scale Facility from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the luncheon, officers will set up a full Level I inspection demonstration on a demo truck and answer any questions about inspections. There will be no regular inspections on trucks or drivers coming in for lunch.


Dart Transit: Dart is recognizing its truck drivers with the production of a podcast featuring members of the Dart office staff commenting on the role company drivers and owner-operators play in moving the American economy. The Dart Network Podcast interviewed employees in different departments to get their thoughts on NTDAW and what they enjoy most about working with truckers. The company has also planned a schedule of lunch events for drivers at its terminals across the country. The podcast segment discussing NTDAW can be found here.


U.S. Xpress: The Chattanooga, Tennessee-based fleet has announced the launch of its “Full Ride” program, a college scholarship program for drivers and their families. The program gives the company’s drivers the chance to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Ashford University at no cost. Degree options range from business and logistics to accounting and behavioral science. Children of U.S. Xpress drivers can also earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Ashford University. The program pays all costs directly to the university, including tuition, books and course materials, removing any financial barrier for U.S. Xpress drivers and their families. Drivers are eligible to participate as soon as they begin work with U.S. Xpress, and student drivers are eligible to start taking classes as soon as they have completed their behind-the-wheel training and are promoted to “first seat” driver. There is no obligation for drivers to remain with U.S. Xpress after they have earned their degrees.