Truck Driver Appreciation Week: Symbolic Gesture or Lasting Impact?

Content Sponsored By HMD Trucking

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (TDAW), which runs from Sunday, September 14, to Saturday, September 20, was launched to honor the millions of drivers who deliver more than 80% of America’s goods. It’s a great idea, but here’s the truth: for many, TDAW events – like barbecues at the terminal – are physically impossible to attend when they’re out on the road. A separate example of external appreciation, like the CHP’s free lunch event, is a rare and welcome gesture, but due to its location and time-based nature, it is still inaccessible for most working drivers.

As the majority of truckers just keep doing their job during TDAW, they consistently see congratulations and thanks over social media, making you wonder: is that a real example of appreciation? After 35 years, TDAW has become a reminder that words of thanks need to be backed by actions; drivers still remember being called “heroes” during COVID, only to then be denied access to restrooms. So, for many, TDAW is a nominal week of appreciation that highlights the disconnect between the praise they receive and the reality of their work.

Memes like these, widely shared in truckers’ online groups, reveal the real scenario of how TDAW events are actually going:

We hear your pain. Not every company’s management comes from a trucking background, but when it does, you can feel the difference. HMD Trucking truly knows how it should be, because our founder, Henry Malukas, started out as a simple trucker just like you. And because of that, this company truly knows how it should be. While our dispatchers do their best to get as many truckers to the yard for events as possible, the company’s core belief is that appreciation for a driver’s service is a lasting, year-round commitment. For us, true appreciation isn’t built in a single week. It’s built on respect, support, and opportunity that drivers experience every day. This has been the guiding philosophy for Chicago-based HMD Trucking for over two decades. Our story is a powerful example of a company where appreciation isn’t just a slogan – it’s a way of life.

A Legacy of Appreciation: A True American Dream

HMD Trucking’s story began with the vision and hard work of its founders, Henry and Daiva Malukas, creating what feels like an epic tale of dedication. It gives one the chills. The year was 1991, and the landscape around their homeland of Lithuania was changing dramatically. Henry and Daiva had just crossed the barriers of teenage and stepped into adulthood by being 22 and 23, and in spite of that, the zeal they had to search for better opportunities and working conditions than in their native country was commendable.

Growing up in Lithuania, their lives were a world away from the United States. Basic necessities were restricted, and the idea of coming to America was a distant dream. As Henry said, “The United States, it was at that time, everybody’s dream. It’s like if I told you today you are going to Mars in two years.”

With the imagination of a brand-new life in a new country, they set foot in the United States with only two suitcases. With no knowledge of the language, customs, or even basic skills, they found their path. Daiva got a job as a maid, and Henry, who had always loved to drive, became a truck driver. He enjoyed the work, and over time, his passion led him to become a dispatcher. Daiva soon joined him, helping with office management and payroll. When they purchased their first truck with cash – a practice they learned from their homeland, where loans were not an option – they created a company by simply rearranging their initials: HMD Trucking, Inc.

What started as a single truck has grown over two decades into a multi-faceted freight transportation empire with a fleet of over 600 trucks. This firsthand understanding of life on the road and the sacrifices of a driver is the foundation of their company. That’s why, even today, HMD Trucking maintains a family attitude, where the original American dream lives on. The purpose of appreciation week at HMD is not to serve as a one-off event, but to highlight the company culture drivers experience all year.

In the decades since its founding, HMD has grown far beyond simple cargo hauling. What began as a one-truck operation has evolved into a comprehensive transportation and logistics portfolio. The HMD family of companies now includes a transportation and brokerage division, as well as a factoring company to support other businesses in the industry. The family’s passion for driving extends from the highway to the racetrack. What started as a love for the road has grown into HMD Motorsports, a winning and widely recognized team in the INDY NXT series. This dedication to being the best is a direct reflection of the founders’ vision for the company.

The 5 Pillars of Lasting Appreciation

At HMD Trucking, gratitude goes far beyond a single week. It’s a year-round commitment built on five key pillars that directly impact a driver’s life on the road and at home.

1. Great Pay and Benefits: HMD offers some of the best pay in the logistics industry, including a highly competitive rate for all miles and generous safety and productivity bonuses. Drivers are also compensated for detention and layovers, and flatbed drivers get paid for every load, whether a tarp is needed or not. Beyond the paycheck, drivers get a full benefits package with health, dental, vision, 401k, and paid time off.
2. Top-Notch Equipment: Appreciating a driver’s effort also means providing the right tools for the job. Our fleet consists of Peterbilt 579s and other comfortable, dependable big rigs, all less than two years old. Each is equipped with amenities to prioritize health and safety, such as a diesel APU, inverter, mini-fridge, and comfortable combo sleeper.
   Breakdowns are the last thing you should have to worry about. We have our own on-site maintenance shop with dedicated mechanics who work hard to get you back on the road in no time, ensuring our trucks are always running as they should.
3. Respect for Your Home Life: Here at HMD Trucking, we believe drivers need to spend time both on the road as well as back home with family and loved ones. We understand the isolation that can come with life on the road. At HMD Trucking, we understand that time on the road must be balanced by time with your family. That’s why we always try to accommodate your home time requests, especially for important occasions. Even though being home every weekend is available only on our regional positions in the Midwest, our dispatchers will work with you to make sure you get home when it matters most. 



4. A Culture of Recognition: Appreciation at HMD is a monthly event, not a yearly one. Our staff nominates 20 dedicated drivers for our “All-Star Driver Award,” and every month, one of those nominees is randomly chosen as the “Driver of the Month,” winning a $100 gift card, a swag bag, and public recognition. We also celebrate every driver on their one-year anniversary, showing that retention of drivers is a core value. This focus on recognition of service helps to keep turnover rates low. Beyond the standard perks, drivers get a discount at the HMD Bar & Grill and can feel proud to be part of our winning HMD Motorsports racing team. Our passion for speed and excellence on the track is a reflection of how we operate our company on the road.
5. A Path to Higher Earnings: At HMD, professional motivation means more money in your pocket. While we don’t have a formal career path from driving to management, our most motivated drivers can earn significantly more by taking on higher-paying hauls like flatbed, HazMat or Doubles. Here, your ambition and skill are rewarded, and it’s not uncommon for our top drivers to earn more than some managers in the industry.

Yes, we believe that appreciation does not happen once a year, but if we throw a party, we do it right. A glimpse into our TDAW celebrations from years past:

The Driver’s Perspective

The true testament to a company culture is what its drivers say. HMD’s family atmosphere and commitment to its drivers are echoed in numerous testimonials. The expectations and reality of working here align.

“I’ve been with HMD for about three years now, and it’s been great. They’ve been treating me great, the dispatchers have been wonderful, and the office is great. I’ve been loving it; nothing to complain about. Best company I’ve ever been with.”

“My name is John. I’ve been with this company for over two years now. My equipment with HMD is brand new; my dispatcher Jerry is the best. I’m 63 years old, and I hope to retire here. HMD is the best.”

“I’ve been with HMD for almost a year, and everything is awesome. Good equipment, steady miles. What I was told while being recruited is actually what happens here, and I gotta tell you, I’ve been out here 15 years and it’s very strange for a company to actually carry through on what they promise, but this company does.”

These drivers’ words paint a clear picture: at HMD Trucking, the commitment to drivers is a long-standing tradition that strengthens the entire supply chain.

A Message for the Road Ahead

TDAW is an important moment to honor the hard work of truckers, but for those who are seeking a truck driver job where that appreciation has a lasting impact, HMD Trucking stands out. It is much more than a job. It is a family, a partnership, and a place where you are truly appreciated.

If you are a driver and want to join a family that treats you with the respect you have earned, drop us your application – and who knows, maybe we’ll celebrate the next TDAW together.

Article by Eugene

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