The second week in September is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. It’s a time to recognize the importance of those who work in the industry and offer them thanks for all they do to support the economy, companies, and people. 

In celebration of the event, many companies seize opportunities to showcase their appreciation. Whether you hire drivers through a west coast truck staffing company or your own, a small gesture is often greatly valued. It lets your drivers know that they are valued, boosting morale significantly. 

If you’re looking for ways to motivate your drivers, here are some simple gestures you can use to make this National Truck Driver Appreciation Week a memorable one. 

Thank You Cards

A heartfelt thank you can actually go a very long way. While you should certainly say it to your drivers often, a card can be a better approach if you want to make a bigger impact. 

When you fill out the card, do more than just sign it. Instead, mention something specific that the driver has done recently that you particularly appreciate. This personalizes the content, making it far more meaningful. 

Free Meal

There are very few situations where a free meal isn’t going to be appreciated by your drivers. Good food can feel like an amazing treat. Plus, it typically isn’t going to bust the company’s budget. 

Often, you have two options available if you go this route. If your drivers frequently gather or are home daily in the local area, you could host an event, bringing everyone together for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ideally, you want to choose a time that isn’t an inconvenience. Additionally, you want a wide variety of meal options, ensuring the dietary restrictions of your drivers are respected. 

If your drivers are widely dispersed, then you may want to go with gift cards. Choose restaurants with a broad selection of dishes and good availability on most routes. That way, if they would like to use the gift card while they are on the road, they can do so with ease. 

Useful Gifts

Small gifts can be a great way to recognize drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. However, you want to make sure that you choose the right items to give away. 

Don’t default to a lot of company swag. While you can provide a branded t-shirt or water bottle, that may not feel particularly valuable to drivers. 

Instead, reflect on the kinds of items that make their time on the road easier. Heated seating pads or pressure-relieving cushions could be a nice option. Nice coolers for on-the-road snacks or well-insulated travel mugs might also work. 

Your goal should be to show your appreciation by providing them with something that makes their road time better. That way, your gift feels like it’s about them and not about advertising your company. 

Ready to Staff up?

Ultimately, all three of the options above can be great small gestures that showcase your appreciation. If you need help with your west coast truck staffing needs, PTS® can help. Contact us 24/7 at (844) 467-8756.