Professional truck drivers deliver the holiday spirit in so many ways – that’s why we wanted to share some suggestions on how to show appreciation to truck drivers. Whether you have a truck driver in the family, depend on drivers to keep your business going or are simply looking for ways to send truckers some love, we’ve got a few ideas that can help you out. Our suggestions aim not only to show truck drivers your appreciation for what they do, but also make them safer, healthier and happier!
Gifts for truck drivers
Spending so much time on the road and in their cab means that professional truck drivers have work days that are different from most. Finding practical gifts that truck drivers can use or take with them while on the job means it won’t end up tucked away in a closet and forgotten come January.
Keeping truck drivers healthy
Since we work with Healthy Trucker to help support a healthy lifestyle for truck drivers, there are some great gift ideas that can help promote their well-being. Consider a gift like wearable technology that promotes fitness. These days, there are plenty of popular wearable devices to choose from based on your needs. If you’re looking for an activity tracker that monitors heartrate, sleep and activity, Fitbit and Garmin have a wide range of options to choose from. For the technologically savvy who are looking to do more than just track activity and health stats, there are smartwatches like the Apple Watch and others.
Eating healthy while on the road is also one of the big challenges that truck drivers face. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of grabbing whatever is convenient when making a stop, and unfortunately, those options aren’t usually healthy. Eating healthy can be easier if you’re equipped with the right gadgets! Making home-cooked meals is the best way to ensure you’re eating something healthy and delicious, so a vacuum insulated thermos is a great way to bring a hearty soup or stew and keep it warm. Or if you’ve got a long haul truck driver in mind, there are larger 12-volt coolers and heaters.
Giving back to truck driver charities
You can always show your appreciation by giving items, making donations or volunteering for charity programs put on by trucking companies, and their respective associations.
If you’re looking to support truck driving associations across Canada, the 18 Wheels of Christmas campaign that began in the western provinces has spread to the east coast. You can contribute to the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) and Trucks for Change Network’s annual 18 Wheels of Christmas charity event that collects food and cash donations and distributes it to families in need over the holidays.
The Truckers Christmas Group is also an option if you’re looking to make donations in support of truck drivers and their families who could use a little extra help over the holidays. The group operates cross boarder and helps families in both the U.S. and Canada.
Safe winter driving
One of the most important ways to show your appreciation for truck drivers year-round is also one of the easiest: practice safe driving! This is especially true during the winter months when there are challenging driving conditions. Professional truck drivers practice defensive driving and take precautions to make the road safe for other drivers so they can deliver their loads on time. Pay truck drivers the same respect they give you by practicing the following save driving tips:
- Remove ice and snow from your vehicle before getting on the road.
- Leave plenty of space when driving behind or in front of a truck.
- Be cognizant of extra-large deliveries and wide loads.
- Stay clear of truck drivers’ blind spots.
- Always pay attention to the road and weather conditions.
- Install winter tires.
We hope these suggestions are helpful if you’re looking to show your appreciation to truck drivers over the holidays.
