The only vehicles that log more miles over the holidays than Santa’s sleigh are trucks.

While the rest of the working world takes time off, truckers are more likely to see an increase in hours, delivering all the goods that make the holidays possible. Many times, that means driving on days when it seems like everyone else is opening presents or celebrating with friends and family.

We talked to a few truckers and asked for their experiences driving on the holidays:

“At the end of the day, it is just another day on the road. In 12 years of trucking, I have only been home for Christmas Day once. I try to take part in the family activities of presents etc. either with a phone call where I listen in or a video session on Facebook or Skype so I can see what is going on. It makes being away a lot easier to handle.”

~ Tom Kyrk, RoadPro Pro Driver Council

“I have been on the road almost every year over Christmas and New Year. I don't remember any special moments, events or treatment. My favorite thing being on the road those days is that most weigh stations are closed, truck stops are empty, no waiting in the fuel line. It's incredibly peaceful.”

~ Brita Nowak, RoadPro Pro Driver Council

“I'm usually in on the actual holiday. I have only been out a couple times on Thanksgiving and Easter. I was just happy to sit down to a traditional dinner at a truck stop. Then it was back to the road as any other day.”

~ Libby Clayton, RoadPro Pro Driver Council 

“I've had a couple truck stops wish me holiday greetings and prepare a wonderful feast. Some offer a few extra points during a fill up or free shower.”

~ Ryan Sexton, RoadPro Pro Driver Council

So for truck drivers, holidays are often just another day on the road. However, once in a while something happens to make the holidays a little more special. A truck stop might offer a free meal or coffee or a local church might reach out so that drivers do not feel forgotten. That’s what happened to driver Tom Kyrk:

“The best Christmas I had at a truck stop was 2 years ago at the TA in Buckhorn, Pa., on Christmas Eve. The chaplain came around with a little Christmas care package for the drivers, a few small things and an invitation to watch a Christmas movie in the chapel. It was one of the most relaxing evenings I have had in years.”

“Then, on Christmas Day a local church brought a wrapped Christmas box to all the drivers. In it were things like gloves, socks, snacks, a pen and paper and little things that come in handy on the road, such as personal care items. I had heard of people doing things like that for drivers, but this was the first time I had experienced it.”

To all the drivers out there, we hope you encounter special appreciation like this, and know that RoadPro wishes you all a safe and happy holiday season!