Many trucking groups and industry suppliers this week are asking Americans to reflect and appreciate the 3.1 million professional truck drivers that deliver America’s freight safely and securely, every day, as part of the 25th annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

“For 52 weeks a year, America’s professional truck drivers make sure that our most essential items,  food, fuel, medicine, clothing,” said American Trucking Associations president and CEO Bill Graves, “are delivered and lately they are doing so more safely and efficiently than ever before despite increasingly congested highways and ever more demanding logistics schedules. Their commitment is second-to-none and that’s why we’re asking that Americans take a few minutes to appreciate the effort these professionals put in every day.”

The celebrations this week will be hosted by motor carriers, shippers, truckstops and other trucking related industries. Ways in which these groups show their appreciation include million-mile and safety awards, cash bonuses or gifts, an extra paid day off, a cup of coffee or windshield cleaning at truck stops, goodie bags with fresh fruit and water, free health checks and numerous celebration meals.

Several events will last all week, until every driver cycles through company headquarters. Office personnel at some companies are also encouraged to spend a few days out on the road to see the driver’s side of their business. 

Many of the activities for this week can be followed on Twitter by using the hashtag #NTDAW.