Fleet drivers – they’re the backbone of the transportation industry, navigating highways and byways, delivering packages, and keeping our supply chains running smoothly. In fact, without them, the gift-giving season would grind to a halt. So, isn’t it time to spread some joy and appreciation in their direction?
Whether you're a fleet manager looking to boost morale, or a friend or family member just wanting to say thanks, Parts Via is here to help you find the perfect gift. We have 10 curated suggestions below, all sure to bring smiles to the faces of these dedicated drivers – and all available right here at PartsVia.com.
Portable Jump Starter
Practical and thoughtful, a portable jump starter makes for an excellent fleet driver gift. These small but mighty handheld solutions “jump” a depleted battery by providing a large boost of power to restart a vehicle and get it back on the road.
While jumper cables are still a great addition to any emergency car kit, a portable starter removes the necessity of relying on a stranger’s goodwill to provide a boost. Plus, many of today’s options are incredibly versatile, offering extra features like built-in flashlights, USB charging, and the ability to power 12V tools and accessories.
Weego is a great go-to brand for these all-in-one solutions, as are Schumacher and NOCO – all of which are shoppable right here on Parts Via. If you want to learn a little more about how these devices work – and how they differ from a battery charger or powerpack, check out our guide on portable power.
Tire Repair Kit
“Be Prepared” isn’t just a motto for the Boy Scouts; plenty of fleet drivers live by the same words. When it comes to the world of logistics and transportation, one flat tire can up-end an entire delivery schedule. Even underinflated tires can cause a host of issues, from uneven wear to poor fuel economy.
Having a tire repair kit on hand – like this one from ARB – ensures emergencies become quick repairs, and save your loved one or fleet employee from having to use their spare. While many kits come with a tire gauge, consider adding in a digital option. It takes the guesswork out of tire pressure readings, and makes it easier to keep tabs on tire health.
First Aid Kit
While it might not be the most exciting thing to unwrap, a first aid kit is one of those gifts likely to earn you a very earnest “THANK YOU” text in the middle of the night. It’s a particular type of anxiety, realizing you have a nasty cut and no way to bandage it, or your blood sugar is dropping and there’s no stores, snack machines, or food stops for miles.
So, whether you choose to build a personalized emergency kit or purchase a pre-packaged solution, be sure to tuck in a few extra goodies along with those gauzes, wipes, and bandages. Consider adding small snack packs and water, as well as some basic OTC meds like antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and headache relievers.
Portable Safe
For many fleet drivers, their rigs are a home-away-from-home. Even if they come back to the same depot or garage every night, they spend the majority of their day in the same vehicle, which means any valuable items they need are also along for the ride. Having a portable safe or lockbox to keep items securely tucked away from prying eyes is a big relief.
Depending on the fleet, some drivers may even be able to install a slightly more permanent solution, like a locking console safe. These accessories maintain the console’s stock look from the outside, but replace the inside with a heavy-duty welded steel insert that installs without any drilling. Check out Tuffy Security, right here on Parts Via, for both portable and console-adapting designs.
Mechanic Work Lights
Just like your dog only ever seems to get sick when the vet’s office is closed, vehicle problems always seem to arise when it’s either dark, raining, and/or every service station within a 10-mile radius is shut down for the night. Quality work lights not only ensure there is hands-free illumination for roadside repairs, but also enough light for other motorists to safely see the stopped vehicle.
Check out the FLEXIT line from STKR Concepts. The brand offers a wide variety of hands-free, flexible LED flashlights and work lights that come in all kinds of funky shapes and configurations. The versatile designs can create a focused spot light, a broad flood light, or a lantern with 360-degrees of light output – some can do all three!
There are plenty of styles and price points to choose from, including slim pocket lights, headlamps, and these wacky little magnetic “light mines” that stick to any steel surface, double as a pick-up tool, and frankly, just look fun to use.
Wiper Blades
There are few things more irritating (and dangerous) than wiper blades that smear precipitation all over the windshield while driving. While a good portion of wiper performance comes down to regular maintenance and blade replacement, picking up a quality set to begin with certainly cuts down on the issues.
Set your fleet driver up for safer drives with top-shelf wiper blades – or at least, something better than flimsy stock equipment. If you’re looking for gifts around the holidays, then check out a seasonal upgrade. Winter-ready wiper blades are critical for cold-weather challenges, as the design is sturdier and more flexible to stand up to freezing temperatures, more frequent use, and accumulating ice and snow.
Parts Via carries a wide selection of well-known windshield wiper brands, at a variety of price points, like ANCO, Bosch, Rain-X, and Trico.
Cargo Tie-Downs
Used to secure heavy loads on trucks or trailers, cargo tie-downs are an essential part of any fleet driver’s transport setup. But these straps wear down over time, especially with frequent or heavy use. Gifting a new set – or several sets of different kinds – is a useful gift since, even if they can’t be used right now, they’ll certainly come in hand later. (Show them you really care about their safety by picking out some higher-quality options that your fleet driver might be hesitant to spend the money on themselves.)
Floor Mats
Floor mats, really? Yes, really, and we’ll tell you why. It’s a part of the vehicle that sees heavy use every time you get in and out – which for some fleet drivers can be dozens of times a day. A good quality set of rubber or TPE floor mats not only stands up to the constant wear-and-tear, but also catches and corrals dirt, debris, snow, mud, spilled liquids and whatever other messes find their way to the floor.
Check out brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners for rugged, easy-to-clean designs ideally-suited for those fleet drivers who need function over form. For those in more public-facing industries, like ride-sharing or charter services, check out 3D Mats’ elegant designs and Fan Mats quirky personalizations.
Travel Coffee Maker
Speaking of quirky, there’s no reason your “practical” gift can’t also be fun and a little bit novelty. GSI Outdoors, which specializes in innovative cookware for camping and outdoor adventure, offers some very clever caffeine solutions for those who take their morning fuel-ups very seriously.
For a small but thoughtful gift, check out the JavaDrip, a complete drip coffee system in a compact, 30 fl. oz. package. Pair it with a lidded, insulated mug and your fleet driver will be one happy – and caffeinated – camper.
Inflatable Vehicle Mattress
No one likes unexpected roadside sleepovers, but with an inflatable air mattress on board, they’re certainly more bearable. If you know a fleet driver who’s been stuck in this uncomfortable position more than once, then check out the AirBedz Backseat Air Mattress by Pittman Outdoors. The soft-but-strong 300D nylon construction offers comfortable support, perfectly molding to the rear seat area by utilizing the entire space – even the footwells. The entire setup inflates in minutes with the included portable DC pump, and deflates down into a convenient carry bag.