Shell Rotella will premiere an unscripted video on Sept. 13 featuring nearly 100 professional truck drivers recorded at the 2026 Mid‑America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The clips include owner‑operators, fleet drivers and influencers such as The Boston Trucker, Clarissa Rankin and Tarik Al‑Amin. The release coincides with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (Sept. 13–19), and Shell Rotella pledged $25 per recording to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, totaling more than $2,000.
Shell Rotella Premieres Unscripted Drivers' Video to Kick Off National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
National Truck Driver Appreciation week runs from Sept. 11-13. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)
Shell Rotella will premiere an unscripted video on Sept. 13 featuring nearly 100 professional truck drivers talking about their careers, life on the road and what makes them proud to work in trucking. The recordings were captured at Shell Rotella's Recording Studio during the 2026 Mid‑America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
Voices From the Road
Owner‑operators, fleet drivers and well‑known trucking influencers took part in the sessions. Participants included personalities such as The Boston Trucker, Clarissa Rankin and Tarik Al‑Amin. According to Shell Rotella, the conversations were deliberately unscripted to preserve authentic, personal stories from drivers representing a range of backgrounds and operations.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
The video release coincides with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, observed Sept. 13–19, 2026. Launched by the American Trucking Associations in 1988, the week recognizes the contributions of professional drivers—an industry that includes an estimated 3.6 million drivers in the U.S. and supports communities where more than 80% of deliveries arrive by truck.
Industry Recognition and Events
Companies across the trucking sector are marking the week with a variety of initiatives. Pilot is extending Driver Appreciation Month in September with its Road Warrior contest (a customized Kenworth W990 and $50,000 cash prize), complementary drinks and snacks for drivers through its app, and local travel‑center events. C.H. Robinson is assembling carrier appreciation bags with handwritten notes and gifts and will honor Carrier of the Year winners at a Sept. 17 ceremony in Minneapolis.
Charitable Component
Shell Rotella tied its project to a charitable pledge, donating $25 to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund for each recording captured at the Mid‑America Trucking Show. Those contributions totaled more than $2,000. The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund provides financial assistance to drivers and their families who face hardship due to illness or injury.
"Every driver has a story, and every story shared helps support truck drivers facing difficult circumstances," said Diane Hutsell, director of philanthropy at the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.
"Truck drivers are at the heart of what we do, and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week gives us a chance to recognize the hard work and dedication they bring to the profession every day," said Julie Wright, Shell Rotella brand manager.
Why This Matters
The video project highlights individual stories that humanize the profession and demonstrates how companies can combine recognition with tangible support. By sharing drivers' voices and contributing to a relief fund, Shell Rotella's initiative amplifies awareness of the everyday challenges and critical importance of the nation’s professional drivers.
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