Origin of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
Who Started It: The American Trucking Associations (ATA) started National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
When It Started: There are two different dates cited for its official start: 1988 or 1998. The ATA's official website states they launched the program in 1988. Other sources suggest 1998 as the year it was officially founded. The purpose was to honor the vital contributions of professional truck drivers to our daily lives and the economy.
What Companies Are Doing for Their Drivers
This year, many companies and industry partners are hosting a wide variety of events and promotions to show their appreciation:
Amazon: Amazon is taking the opportunity to thank its partner carriers for their hard work, dedication, and expertise. They are highlighting the human impact of on-time delivery by sharing real customer feedback that shows how much a carrier's efforts mean to people across the country.
Love's Travel Stops: Love's is extending the celebration all month long. Through their "My Love Rewards" program and the Love's Connect App, professional drivers can get perks like:
Double points on all in-store purchases throughout September.
Premium truck washes at a reduced price.
Weekly food specials sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Pilot Flying J: Pilot Flying J is focusing on providing free drinks for drivers, offering three free drinks each week throughout September. They are also running their "Road Warrior Contest" to recognize outstanding professional drivers who go above and beyond.
CRST: CRST is celebrating its drivers as "Heroes of the Highway" for their tireless dedication. They are sharing stories from their drivers to highlight their contributions to the company and the world.
Foley: Foley, a company that provides hiring and compliance solutions, has offered fresh ideas for companies to celebrate their drivers, including:
Giving personalized recognition instead of generic swag.
Hosting appreciation lunches.
Offering performance-based bonuses.
Investing in tools that make drivers' jobs easier.
Launching driver feedback campaigns to show that their voices are valued.
This year's celebrations appear to be more robust, with many companies going beyond a single week to show their gratitude.
Bill to Curtail Frivolous Lawsuits
The ATA has voiced strong support for a new bill, the Forum Accountability and Integrity in Roadway (FAIR) Trucking Act, introduced by Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and Tom Barrett (R-Michigan), with co-sponsorship from Representative Brandon Gill (R-Texas). The bill aims to combat what the ATA refers to as "forum shopping," an abusive legal practice where plaintiffs' lawyers seek out jurisdictions known for high-dollar "nuclear verdicts" against trucking companies. The FAIR Trucking Act would grant federal courts jurisdiction over consequential cases involving interstate trucking, providing a more neutral and consistent forum for litigation.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an annual event organized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) to honor the nation's approximately 3.6 million professional truck drivers. This year, it is being celebrated from Sunday, September 14, through Saturday, September 20. The event recognizes the critical role these drivers play in the economy and our daily lives, as they are responsible for delivering over 70% of all freight in the U.S.
Bill to Curtail Frivolous Lawsuits
The ATA has voiced strong support for a new bill, the Forum Accountability and Integrity in Roadway (FAIR) Trucking Act, introduced by Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and Tom Barrett (R-Michigan), with co-sponsorship from Representative Brandon Gill (R-Texas). The bill aims to combat what the ATA refers to as "forum shopping," an abusive legal practice where plaintiffs' lawyers seek out jurisdictions known for high-dollar "nuclear verdicts" against trucking companies. The FAIR Trucking Act would grant federal courts jurisdiction over consequential cases involving interstate trucking, providing a more neutral and consistent forum for litigation.
Protection of Independent Contractors
The ATA is backing the administration's efforts to protect independent contractors in the trucking industry. This move is in response to the U.S. Department of Labor's recent proposal to rescind a 2024 independent contractor rule. The ATA believes this action will help restore a clearer, more business-friendly standard for classifying independent contractors, similar to the one that was in place before the 2024 rule. The ATA and other business groups argue that the independent contractor model is essential for the industry, offering drivers the flexibility to run their own businesses, set their hours, and choose their routes.
International and PlusAI Autonomous Truck Fleet Trials
International Motors, in partnership with PlusAI, has launched real-world trials of autonomous trucks in Texas. The pilot program is operating along the Interstate 35 corridor, a major freight route between Laredo and Dallas. The trials are managed from International's autonomous hub in San Antonio.
Technology: The trucks are equipped with PlusAI's "SuperDrive," an AI-based autonomous driving system. This is a factory-installed system on International LT Series trucks, which includes an updated sensor suite with cameras, radar, and lidar.
Goal: The primary goal is to prove the commercial viability of autonomous technology for "hub-to-hub" operations. This approach aims to make freight transport safer and more efficient by leveraging the expertise of existing truck manufacturers and fleet operators.
Phased Approach: The trials are starting with a two-person team (a safety driver and a test engineer) in the cab. The plan is to gradually transition to a single safety driver and eventually to fully driverless operations, with a projected commercial launch in 2027.
The "Orange Juicer" Fast Charger
The "Orange Juicer" is a new battery-integrated DC fast charger unveiled by Orange EV and OptiGrid at the IANA Intermodal EXPO. Its purpose is to overcome two of the biggest hurdles to electrifying truck fleets: long utility upgrade delays and high infrastructure costs.
How it Works: The system has an onboard 180-kWh battery. It draws power steadily from a site's existing electrical infrastructure at a lower rate, storing it in the battery. It then delivers a high-capacity DC charge on demand to the trucks. This "garden hose in, fire hose out" principle allows fleets to charge multiple vehicles without overwhelming the grid.
Benefits: This technology can dramatically reduce installation timelines from years to weeks and significantly lower upfront costs. It can deliver full charging performance with up to 85% less grid input power than a conventional fast charger, making it a scalable and cost-effective solution for fleet electrification.
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International and PlusAI Autonomous Truck Fleet Trials
International Motors, in partnership with PlusAI, has launched real-world trials of autonomous trucks in Texas. The pilot program is operating along the Interstate 35 corridor, a major freight route between Laredo and Dallas. The trials are managed from International's autonomous hub in San Antonio.
Technology: The trucks are equipped with PlusAI's "SuperDrive," an AI-based autonomous driving system. This is a factory-installed system on International LT Series trucks, which includes an updated sensor suite with cameras, radar, and lidar.
Goal: The primary goal is to prove the commercial viability of autonomous technology for "hub-to-hub" operations. This approach aims to make freight transport safer and more efficient by leveraging the expertise of existing truck manufacturers and fleet operators.
Phased Approach: The trials are starting with a two-person team (a safety driver and a test engineer) in the cab. The plan is to gradually transition to a single safety driver and eventually to fully driverless operations, with a projected commercial launch in 2027.
The "Orange Juicer" Fast Charger
The "Orange Juicer" is a new battery-integrated DC fast charger unveiled by Orange EV and OptiGrid at the IANA Intermodal EXPO. Its purpose is to overcome two of the biggest hurdles to electrifying truck fleets: long utility upgrade delays and high infrastructure costs.
How it Works: The system has an onboard 180-kWh battery. It draws power steadily from a site's existing electrical infrastructure at a lower rate, storing it in the battery. It then delivers a high-capacity DC charge on demand to the trucks. This "garden hose in, fire hose out" principle allows fleets to charge multiple vehicles without overwhelming the grid.
Benefits: This technology can dramatically reduce installation timelines from years to weeks and significantly lower upfront costs. It can deliver full charging performance with up to 85% less grid input power than a conventional fast charger, making it a scalable and cost-effective solution for fleet electrification.
AI in Logistics and Cargo Theft Prevention
The use of artificial intelligence is expanding rapidly across the logistics sector, with a growing focus on combating cargo theft and improving overall management.
Combating Cargo Theft:
Behavioral and Anomaly Detection: AI algorithms can analyze data from GPS, door sensors, and ELDs to recognize "normal" operational patterns. When a vehicle makes an unauthorized stop or deviates from its planned route, the system can automatically trigger an alert.
Predictive Analytics: AI can analyze historical data to identify high-risk areas or routes, allowing logistics companies to proactively reroute shipments or add security measures.
Identity Verification: AI-powered solutions can verify the identity of carriers and drivers using digital fingerprints, ensuring that loads are not picked up by fraudulent actors.
Improving Logistics Management:
Route Optimization: AI can analyze real-time data on traffic, weather, and road conditions to create the most efficient routes, saving on fuel and time.
Predictive Maintenance: AI algorithms can monitor vehicle health to predict and schedule maintenance, reducing unexpected breakdowns and improving fleet uptime.
Demand Forecasting: AI can analyze a wide range of data, from historical trends to external factors like weather and regional events, to produce more accurate demand forecasts for better inventory management.
These technological advancements highlight how the trucking industry is adapting to new challenges and striving for greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Trucking Operational Cost Matrix (2025)
Category | Average Cost per Mile | Details |
Total Operating Cost | $2.26 - $2.27 | This is the overall average, with some reports showing a slight decrease from the previous year due to lower fuel costs. |
Driver Wages & Benefits | $0.70 - $0.78 | The largest single cost item. While wages saw a surge in recent years, growth has moderated in 2025. |
Fuel | $0.55 - $0.64 | Fuel prices have stabilized, but they remain a major variable cost. Prices vary by region. For example, the West Coast has the highest prices, while the Gulf Coast has the lowest. |
Truck & Trailer Payments | $0.33 - $0.39 | This is a fixed cost that has been rising, reaching a record high. |
Maintenance & Repairs | $0.20 - $0.31 | These costs are driven by mileage and vehicle age. Costs have increased in 2025 due to a combination of parts and labor costs. |
Insurance Premiums | $0.10 - $0.19 | Insurance costs have continued to rise, with some reports noting a significant increase in premiums this year. |
Other Costs | Varies | This includes tolls, tires, permits, licenses, and other overhead. |
Export to Sheets
Key Trends Affecting These Costs:
Fuel Prices: Diesel prices are relatively stable but are subject to regional variation. The national average is around $3.71 per gallon.
Non-Fuel Costs: While fuel costs have provided some relief, non-fuel costs, particularly those related to equipment and insurance, have risen to record highs.
Profit Margins: Due to high costs and a soft freight market, operating margins for many carriers are under pressure. The truckload sector, in particular, has seen a negative average operating margin.
Enjoy the leftover scraps the office people left setting out all day while you were working. Opps! Was that out loud? I mean Happy Truck Driver Appreciation Week.