It’s been a challenging year for truck drivers working around-the-clock to deliver critical medical supplies, food and other essentials during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those hauling relief provisions to several states ravaged by wildfires and Hurricane Laura.
Starting Sunday, the trucking industry will come together to celebrate truck drivers during National Driver Appreciation Week, Sept. 13-19.
Companies like PAM Transport, Driver Solutions, Schneider, Averitt Express and Shell Rotella, are offering giveaways or special discounts to honor America’s professional truck drivers. Social distancing because of COVID-19 has proved challenging this year and some companies have had to change their annual activities compared with previous years.
Here’s a look at some of the ways drivers are being appreciated this week.
Driver Solutions is teaming up with PAM Transport and “Trucker Wayne” Cragg to recognize truckers this week.
All active PAM drivers will be entered into drawings for the following prizes:
- 5 – $500 Amazon Gift Cards
- 1 – Beats by Dre Solo Pre Wireless Headphones
- 1 – Fire HD 10 Tablet
- 1 – Toshiba 32 inch Smart HD TV (Fire TV Edition)
- 1- JBL Charge 4 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- 1 – YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler
“I’ve worked with Trucker Wayne, now with PAM Transport, for over eight years now and he’s done over 200-plus videos for Driver Solutions,” Derek McClain, digital marketing manager of Driver Solutions, told FreightWaves. “With everything going on in the world, we wanted to do something really big, something positive, for Driver Appreciation Week.
Schneider recognizes professional truck drivers
Schneider (NYSE: SNDR) is celebrating Driver Appreciation Days Sept. 15-17. All drivers will be entered into drawings for prizes, such as:
- iPads
- Heated lunch boxes
- Deluxe truck organizers
- Bluetooth speakers
- Certificates for Loyalty Points to the company store
“Every load they haul has a direct impact on people’s lives, especially during the unprecedented events of this year,” said Mark Rourke, president and CEO of Schneider. “Driver Appreciation Days allows us to reflect on how valuable their contributions are every day and to provide them with some fun perks in honor of that.”
Averitt Express plans numerous ways to recognize drivers
Throughout the week, Averett Express will be recognizing professional drivers through daily prize drawings for CB radios, wireless headsets, GPS units, gift cards, televisions and iPads.
Five over-the-road Averitt drivers will have their names drawn to be assigned a brand-new Freightliner truck.
“This year has presented very unique challenges, and I’m incredibly proud of how our team has reacted, adapted and persevered,” said Gary Sasser, chairman and chief executive officer for Averitt Express. “Because of the efforts of our entire team, we’re well-positioned for success, and Driver Appreciation Week is a great opportunity to reaffirm how thankful we are for our associates.”
Shell Rotella offers giveaways, promotions to recognize drivers
Shell Rotella is celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with giveaways and promotions “as a small act of kindness for drivers’ dedication to the industry.”
Shell Rotella will be giving away thank you packages to truck drivers at participating LubeZone Truck Lube Centers and Pilot Flying J Truck Care Service Centers from Thursday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Sept. 20. The package will include to-go coffee mugs, flashlights and pull-top backpacks. Truck drivers can find the participating locations at www.LubeZone.com and Pilot Flying J Truck Care Service Centers at https://pilotflyingj.com/truck-care/.
“Truck drivers are committed to delivering essentials to Americans each and every day. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, and it deserves our recognition,” said Annie Peter, North American marketing manager of Shell Rotella.
Read more articles by FreightWaves’ Clarissa Hawes
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