How to thank truck drivers in 8 different ways

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes 

Every day, truck drivers go the extra mile to keep America moving. They deliver the goods that communities rely on, ensure shelves are stocked and support industries coast to coast with their commitment and hard work. 

At Schneider, we know firsthand the dedication and hard work it takes to keep goods moving safely and efficiently across the country. That’s why we show our appreciation for drivers year-round through our rewards and loyalty program.

Here are eight ideas on how to say ‘thank you’ to a truck driver for the work they do to keep America moving, whether during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week or beyond.

8 great ways to say thank you to a truck driver

1. Help keep the roads safe.

Doing your part to keep truck drivers safe so they can get home to see their families is the best thing any motorist can do when sharing the road with a trucker.

Some simple ways to be a safer motorist include:

• Never use your phone while driving.
• Pay close attention to the roadway.
• Leave plenty of room for big rigs to operate.
• Use your turn signals.
• Be mindful of a truck’s blind spots.  
• Avoid cutting into a trucker’s following distance.

2. Verbally thank a truck driver for their work.

A simple, ‘thank you’ means a lot to professional drivers who work hard to deliver the goods we use on a daily basis. It could be as easy as saying thank you to a truck driver you pass at a truck stop.

If you have a friend or family member who is a truck driver, a great way to thank them is by asking to do a video or phone call when they're on their break or completing their reset. Doing this is an easy way to make them feel appreciated after spending a day out on the road by themselves.

3. Pick up the driver’s tab at a truck stop.

The next time you find yourself at a truck stop, pick up the tab for a truck driver. If you’re standing by them in line, pay for the coffee they’re about to buy. If you’re sitting at a table near them in a truck stop restaurant, tell the server you want to pay for their meal.

4. Thank truckers on social media.

Thank-you posts on social media always seem to find their way back to drivers. Take the time to remind people how crucial truckers are to our lives and our economy.

Did you know? September is a special month for the transportation industry. It puts more than 3.5 million truck drivers center stage to be recognized and thanked for the important work they do. Join in recognizing a truck driver during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 

5. Give the driver a gift card.

A simple gift card can go a long way in showing appreciation. By picking gift cards for places truck drivers already stop often, you can make their time on the road a little easier and more convenient.

Here are two great options for gift cards for truck drivers:

• National retailers: Perfect for buying paper products, cleaning supplies, snacks, healthy food items and other truck driver essentials.
• Large truck stops chains: Useful for grabbing a quick meal and coffee or paying for showers and laundry services.  

6. Gift the driver something for their truck.

A driver’s truck is their home away from home, where they eat, relax and sleep. That means the products we use at home every day are stored in the truck for those who make a living on the road.  

Show your appreciation by asking if they need anything for their truck and consider gifting items that improve life on the road, such as:

• A seat cushion.
• Storage containers.
• A mattress topper.  
• A cooler.
• Cooking equipment.
• Practical tools like a flashlight or wire cutters.

7. Send a compliment to the driver's company.

Truckers often go out of their way to help others. If you see a truck driver demonstrate safe behavior or witness one helping a standard motorist, you could contact the driver’s employer about it.

Note the trucking company the driver works for and their tractor or trailer number. Providing the time and date of the situation can help too.

Then, share your story with that driver’s company by sending a direct message to their social media channel or emailing the address you find on their company website. Many companies have reward programs for drivers and recognize those who go above and beyond.

8. Make your business driver friendly.

If you own a business that takes deliveries, you have ample opportunities to thank drivers every day.  Ways you can make your business more driver-friendly include:

• Put a sign on your dock thanking drivers.
• Make sure drivers have access to restrooms, and, if possible, a place to relax.  
• Offer truck drivers bottled water and snacks.
• Encourage your associates to ask if drivers need anything when they arrive at your business.

Drivers will appreciate your recognition of how their efforts keep your business moving.