Alabama’s top officials want truck drivers to know how much they are valued in the Yellowhammer State.
Several of the state’s political leaders commented on National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW), which is an annual U.S. observance that honors professional truck drivers for keeping goods moving and supporting the economy.
The American Trucking Associations launched it in 1988, which means 2026 is the 38th year.
“THANK YOU, ALABAMA TRUCKERS!” Gov. Kay Ivey said Monday. “This National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we tip our hats to the hardworking, law-abiding professionals who keep the freight moving. If you’ve got it, a truck brought it. Be sure to thank a trucker!”
THANK YOU, ALABAMA TRUCKERS! 🇺🇸🚛🤝
This National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we tip our hats to the hardworking, law-abiding professionals who keep the freight moving.
If you’ve got it, a truck brought it. Be sure to thank a trucker! #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/5BtZEQVevs
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 13, 2026
The week recognizes roughly 3.5–3.6 million professional drivers who deliver food, medicine, clothing, household goods, construction materials, and other freight. According to National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, more than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks for freight.
“The trucking industry plays a CRUCIAL role in Alabama’s economy, and I am grateful for all of Alabama’s truckers,” said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn). “This week, join me in thanking all of our hardworking truckers for keeping our country moving.”
The trucking industry plays a CRUCIAL role in Alabama’s economy, and I am grateful for all of Alabama’s truckers.
This week, join me in thanking all of our hardworking truckers for keeping our country moving.
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) September 14, 2026
It is an industry-led celebration rather than a federal holiday, though Congress has passed resolutions recognizing the week in some years. Appreciation events are meant to highlight drivers’ role year-round, not only during this mid-September window.
“Happy National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! This week we’re celebrating the hardworking Alabamians who keep our state moving,” said U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery). “Alabama truckers are the backbone of our nation’s supply chain and are essential to delivering critical goods and equipment. Thank you for all that you do to keep Alabama strong.”
Happy National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! This week we’re celebrating the hardworking Alabamians who keep our state moving.
Alabama truckers are the backbone of our nation’s supply chain and are essential to delivering critical goods and equipment. Thank you for all that… pic.twitter.com/nXoPyU1dtz
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) September 13, 2026
“It’s Trucker Appreciation Week!” U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) said. “Alabama’s truckers put in long hours and countless miles every day to keep our economy moving and our communities supplied. I’m proud to recognize these hardworking men and women. Thank you for keeping Alabama and America moving!”
It’s Trucker Appreciation Week!
Alabama’s truckers put in long hours and countless miles every day to keep our economy moving and our communities supplied.
I’m proud to recognize these hardworking men and women. Thank you for keeping Alabama and America moving! 🇺🇸
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) September 15, 2026
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
