Free Food, Discounts, and Giveaways: A Guide to Truck Driver Appreciation Deals

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is an annual event in the United States, typically held in September, dedicated to recognising the contributions of professional drivers. During this period, numerous travel centres, fuel networks, and related companies offer promotional deals, free items, and contests specifically for drivers holding a Commercial Driving Licence (CDL). The available source material details offers for NTDAW in 2024 and 2025, focusing on free food, beverages, vehicle services, and sweepstakes. These promotions are generally accessed through mobile applications or loyalty programmes, with eligibility often requiring proof of professional driving status or membership.

Understanding the Promotional Landscape

The core of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week involves travel centres and fuel networks providing tangible benefits to drivers as a gesture of thanks. The offers are structured as a mix of immediate free items, ongoing discounts, and high-value contests. A common feature across multiple providers is the use of dedicated mobile applications to distribute these deals, often requiring users to activate offers or check in at specific locations.

The promotions are typically time-bound, aligning with the official NTDAW dates or extending throughout the month of September. It is important to note that the specific dates and terms for 2025 are detailed in the sources, while 2024 deals are also referenced for context. Drivers are advised to verify current offers directly with the providers, as terms can change.

Major Providers and Their Offers

Several prominent travel stop brands have been identified in the source material as offering significant driver appreciation deals. The following sections outline the confirmed offers based on the provided data.

Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J, a major travel centre network, structures its driver appreciation offers as a month-long programme in September. Access to these deals is facilitated through the "myRewards Plus" application.

Key Offers for 2025: * Free Drinks: App users receive three free drinks per week in September. This includes Pilot coffee, fountain drinks, and top-selling beverage brands from the cooler. * Exclusive Food Offers: The application provides access to exclusive discounts on food items such as pizza, wings, and burgers. * Road Warrior Contest: Drivers can be nominated for the "Road Warrior Contest," which offers a grand prize of a custom Kenworth truck valued at $50,000. This contest is designed to recognise drivers logging the toughest miles. * Military and Veteran Perks: Military and veteran professional drivers receive a 10% discount on food and beverages after authentication through ID.me. They also receive extra discounts on snacks.

Terms and Conditions: * Offers are available at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel centres. * Data rates may apply for app usage. * Offers are subject to terms and conditions and are available while supplies last.

Love’s Travel Stops

Love’s Travel Stops offers a range of promotions throughout September, accessible via the "Love’s Connect App" and the "My Love Rewards" programme.

Key Offers for 2025: * Mobile App Exclusives: Daily deals are available through the Love’s Connect App throughout September. * Double Rewards Points: My Love Rewards members can earn double points on in-store merchandise when they activate the offer in the app. * Truck Wash Discount: A premium truck wash is available for the price of a Deluxe wash on select days via Mobile Deals. * Free Hats: Drivers can receive free hats with select purchases, such as gloves or Traverse travel gear. * Weekly Food Discounts: The app offers weekly food discounts. * Vehicle Maintenance Savings: Drivers can earn $10 back in points on oil changes and maintenance services.

Eligibility: * To access most offers, drivers must be members of the My Love Rewards programme and use the Love’s Connect App.

TravelCenters of America (TA) and Petro Stopping Centers

TA and Petro, part of the same network, focus their promotions on the official NTDAW dates (September 14–20 for 2025).

TA (TravelCenters of America) Offers: * "You’re the MVP" Sweepstakes: Drivers can enter to win prizes, including 1 million UltraONE points, Bose headsets, and other rewards. Participation requires being an UltraONE member. * Free Daily Meal Deals: Coupons for free meals are available through the TA app during the appreciation week. * Discounted Truck Services: Special offers on shop services and discounted truck services are available. * Bonus UltraONE Points: Extra points are awarded on select purchases throughout the week.

Petro Stopping Centers Offers: * Free Meals and Drink Specials: Available for drivers during NTDAW. * Daily Giveaways and Promotions: Select locations host daily giveaways. * Extra Savings: Additional savings are available through the TA | Petro app.

Eligibility: * Participation in the MVP sweepstakes requires an UltraONE membership. Other offers may be available to all drivers or require app membership.

Sheetz

Sheetz, a convenience store and fuel station chain, celebrates Truck Driver Appreciation Week throughout September.

Key Offers for 2024 (Note: 2025 offers were listed as "still loading" in the source material): * Hot Dog Deal: Two hot dogs for $1 (does not include recipes, toppings, or extras). * Free Fryz: A free bag of fryz with any other purchase. * Zoa Energy Drink Deal: Buy one 12-ounce Zoa energy drink, get the other free. * Free Water: A free 24-pack case of Nestle Pure Life or Dasani water with any $10+ purchase.

Terms and Conditions: * Offers are available for My Sheetz Rewardz members at all Sheetz locations. * Limit one offer per customer transaction.

7FLEET

7FLEET offers specific deals for drivers fueling at their CFL locations with specific restaurant brands during NTDAW (September 15–21, 2024).

Key Offers: * Speedy Café: Free 6” Sub. * Laredo Taco: Free Chicken Fajita Taco. * Raise the Roost: Free Classic Chicken Sandwich. * Fuel Savings: An extra penny per gallon savings for 7FLEET Diesel Network Mastercard customers.

Terms and Conditions: * Limit one per offer. * Valid only at CFL locations. * Valid for the specified dates in 2024.

RaceTrac

RaceTrac’s offers for 2025 were listed as "still loading" in the source material. Historically, the company has offered free coffee, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) snack deals, and swag. Drivers are advised to check back mid-month or look for in-store signage for live promotions.

Contests and Sweepstakes

Beyond immediate free items and discounts, NTDAW features several high-value contests open to professional drivers.

Pilot Flying J Road Warrior Contest

As mentioned, this contest offers a grand prize of a custom Kenworth truck and $50,000. Drivers can be nominated to recognise their tough mileage.

TA "You’re the MVP" Sweepstakes

This sweepstakes offers prizes such as 1 million UltraONE points and Bose headsets. Participation is contingent on being an UltraONE member.

Double Coin Tires Sweepstakes

Double Coin Tires is the presenting sponsor of the National Truck Driver Appreciation Sweepstakes. Winners receive premium gear, gift cards, and driver essentials. Entry details are available through participating travel centres and fleets.

Local and Regional Events

In addition to national chain offers, local and regional events provide opportunities for free food, networking, and giveaways.

  • Arkansas Trucking Association – Driver Appreciation Day: An event held on September 19, 2025, at the Little Rock Port Authority. It includes free lunch, giveaways, industry networking, and recognition events. It is open to all Arkansas-based CDL drivers.
  • Jubitz Travel Center – Driver Appreciation Day: Held on September 10, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. The event features a free BBQ lunch, giveaways, raffles, vendor booths, and entertainment.
  • W.W. Williams – Free Swag + Raffles: The company hosts events that include giveaways of YETI mugs, hats, and branded gear, along with free lunch and raffles. Drivers can find a location near them on the company’s site.

Accessing and Redeeming Offers

The primary method for accessing most deals is through mobile applications. Drivers are generally advised to download relevant apps before the appreciation week begins to ensure smooth access.

Key Applications: * myRewards Plus (Pilot Flying J): Required for free drinks, food discounts, and contest entry. * Love’s Connect App / My Love Rewards: Necessary for daily deals, double points, and truck wash discounts. * TA | Petro App: Used for meal deal coupons, sweepstakes entry, and extra savings. * My Sheetz Rewardz: Required for Sheetz offers.

General Redemption Process: 1. Download the relevant app and sign up for the loyalty programme. 2. Check the app for active offers, which may require activation or a check-in. 3. Present the offer or use the app at the point of sale or service. 4. For vehicle services (e.g., truck washes, oil changes), offers are typically applied when booking or paying through the app.

Eligibility Notes: * Many offers are exclusively for professional drivers, often requiring a CDL or affiliation with a fleet. * Military and veteran drivers may have additional benefits, as seen with Pilot Flying J’s ID.me authentication. * Membership in loyalty programmes (e.g., My Love Rewards, UltraONE) is frequently a prerequisite for accessing the best deals.

Conclusion

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week offers a concentrated period of value for professional drivers, primarily through the travel stop and fuel network sectors. The promotions are largely digital, relying on mobile applications to distribute free food, beverages, discounts on services, and entries into high-stakes contests. The 2025 deals, as outlined in the sources, include substantial offers from major networks like Pilot Flying J, Love’s, and TA/Petro, alongside local events providing community recognition and free meals. To maximise benefits, drivers should proactively download the necessary applications and verify terms and conditions directly with the providers, as specific dates, locations, and eligibility criteria apply.

Sources

  1. cdllife.com
  2. bayandbay.com
  3. drivers1st.com
  4. eclipsedot.com

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