Atlanta, Georgia — RaceTrac and Sheetz have announced new September incentives aimed at truckers, offering free food, drinks, fuel rewards, and discounted DEF during the National Truck Driver Appreciation Week run from September 13 to 19.

The trucking sector thrives on reliable stops for fuel, rest, and quick meals. Promotions that lower costs or add value at travel centers directly influence route planning and daily expenses. When chains roll out deals that align with industry needs, drivers can extend their operating budgets and reduce downtime.

RaceTrac’s Driver Appreciation Month runs from September 2 through September 30 at participating Travel Centers and Extended Diesel Offer locations. Each week, professional drivers who are members of RaceTrac Rewards receive a free pizza slice, a free fountain drink, and a free 16‑ounce energy drink—Reign, Bang, NOS, or Full Throttle. The chain also doubles loyalty points earned on fuel during the promotion. Drivers must register with RaceTrac Rewards and set “semi‑truck” as their vehicle type in the app to unlock the offers.

Sheetz is cutting the price of bulk diesel exhaust fluid to $1.99 per gallon through September 30 at 55 sites across its seven‑state footprint that sell bulk DEF from truck diesel dispensers. The discount is available only at locations equipped with bulk DEF at the truck diesel dispenser; packaged DEF sold inside the store remains unchanged. Truckers can locate participating stops by searching the Sheetz store locator or app for “bulk DEF.”

In addition, Sheetz is giving away a free commercial diesel hat at 59 locations that offer high‑flow truck diesel through September 30, while supplies last. One hat per customer is limited to a single redemption. High‑flow diesel purchases also qualify My Sheetz Rewardz members for a free half‑size sub, excluding extras and add‑ons. The free sub is available only for purchases of high‑flow diesel and requires a My Sheetz Rewardz account.

Drivers pumping 100 gallons of high‑flow diesel can receive one free made‑to‑order item or beverage. This 100‑gallon offer extends through October 27 and allows only one redemption per day. Alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco products, MTO items with 15 pieces or more, multi‑pack cooler items, and add‑ons are excluded from the free item promotion.

All promotions require active rewards accounts. RaceTrac offers are limited to drivers with a RaceTrac Rewards profile set to “semi‑truck.” Sheetz’s food and merchandise deals are available through My Sheetz Rewardz, and only stores equipped with bulk DEF at the truck diesel dispenser can offer the $1.99 price.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators can cut daily costs by using RaceTrac’s free meals and double fuel points, which translate into tangible savings on fuel purchases. The bulk DEF discount helps reduce maintenance expenses for fleets that rely on diesel exhaust fluid for emission compliance. The free hat and sub perks provide low‑cost incentives that encourage stops at Sheetz locations, potentially shortening layovers during long hauls.

OTR truck drivers planning overnight stops will find the free energy drink and pizza slice a convenient way to refuel mentally and physically. Fleet managers can track fuel savings through the rewards programs, giving them data to negotiate better fuel contracts or adjust routing to capitalize on the promotions.

Industry Reaction

While the source does not cite specific carrier statements, industry observers note that such promotions reinforce the importance of fuel‑center partnerships in keeping operating costs down. Trucking companies hiring new drivers often highlight cost‑saving benefits as a recruitment advantage, and these deals provide real, immediate value for drivers navigating FMCSA regulations and long‑haul schedules.

Key Points

• RaceTrac offers free pizza, drink, and energy drink each week plus double fuel loyalty points from Sept. 2‑30.
• Sheetz sells bulk DEF for $1.99 per gallon through Sept. 30 at 55 sites with truck diesel dispensers.
• Free commercial diesel hat and half‑size sub available for high‑flow diesel purchases at 59 Sheetz locations.
• 100‑gallon high‑flow diesel purchase grants a free made‑to‑order item or beverage, valid through Oct. 27.

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