Created in partnership with the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute, the certification evaluates participating carriers across areas including safety, compensation, benefits, quality of life, equipment, operations and technology.

Driver Feedback Is Part of the Certification

Participating carriers submit company information that is evaluated alongside confidential surveys completed by drivers and independent contractors.

Those surveys examine satisfaction, working conditions, and overall experience with the carrier. The program also considers company policies and metrics covering pay and bonus programs, health and retirement benefits, home time, career opportunities, driver engagement, facilities and equipment.

Carriers that complete the process receive feedback on their application and survey results along with comparisons to industry benchmarks.

TCA For-Hire Carrier Members Can Apply

The program is open to TCA for-hire carrier members, and enrollment must be completed by an employee of the participating carrier.

Enrollment for the 2027 program is open through November 13, 2026. TCA’s current program timeline lists December 4 as the deadline for completed company applications and driver surveys, both of which must be submitted in full for a carrier to be considered for certification.

Carriers interested in participating can learn more and complete enrollment through the TCA Elite Fleet Program website.

Certified Fleets Will Be Announced in January

TCA plans to announce the 2027 certified fleets on January 13, 2027.

The program was introduced in 2025, when 48 carriers earned the inaugural Elite Fleet certification. The designation is intended to recognize North American for-hire carriers that meet the program’s benchmarks for the driver workplace and overall experience.

Recognition Set for TCA’s 2027 Annual Convention

Carriers earning 2027 Elite Fleet certification will be recognized during the TCA Annual Convention, February 28 through March 3, 2027, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The program is sponsored by TruckRight and Acrisure.

Eligible carriers can find the full program requirements, timeline, and enrollment information at TCAEliteFleet.com.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 14, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: TCA

The post Enrollment Opens for TCA’s 2027 Elite Fleet Program appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The program combines self-paced online courses with a six-part live webinar series beginning in October. Participants can take individual online modules, while the live sessions are available separately and do not require enrollment in the online program.

Online Program Covers 10 Safety and Operations Topics

TCA’s Fundamentals of Safety Management program provides foundational training for people entering safety roles and serves as a refresher for experienced professionals.

The full program includes 10 approximately one-hour modules covering Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, hours of service, DOT drug testing protocols, driver qualification files, dispatch, accident procedures, safety meetings, and safety leadership.

Seven modules are currently available. Additional courses covering safety leadership, driver orientation and onboarding, and medical regulations and qualifications are scheduled to become available over the coming months.

Several of the courses deal directly with issues that affect drivers during everyday operations. The hours-of-service module covers 49 CFR Part 395 and ELD compliance, while the dispatch course addresses communication, problem-solving, and common situations involving drivers and customers.

The accident procedures course covers reporting, investigation, and recordkeeping requirements following qualifying crashes. Another module focuses on creating and maintaining driver qualification files.

Live Webinar Series Begins in October

TCA is also expanding the program with six Fundamentals of Safety Management LIVE webinars for the 2026-27 session.

The first, “Achieve Safety Results through Strategic Marketing,” is scheduled for October 20, 2026. Additional sessions will cover regulations and compliance, safety professional burnout, progressive discipline and retention, coordination between safety and operations, and the connection between maintenance, safety, and driver retention.

Dates for most of the remaining webinars have not yet been announced.

Participation in the online courses is not required to attend the live sessions, allowing trucking professionals to participate in individual webinars without completing the full online program.

Training Extends Beyond Traditional Safety Roles

Although the program centers on safety management, its course lineup reaches into several parts of carrier operations that directly interact with professional drivers.

Dispatch communication, driver onboarding, qualification requirements, hours-of-service compliance, and accident procedures can involve safety departments, fleet managers, dispatchers, and other employees responsible for supporting drivers on the road.

TCA says the program is intended for both people beginning careers in safety management and experienced professionals looking to strengthen their knowledge in specific areas.

More information about the Fundamentals of Safety Management program, individual courses, and upcoming webinars is available through the Truckload Carriers Association.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 10, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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As part of the project, Elevate participants will assemble 250 driver appreciation backpack kits during the TCA Fall Business Meetings on Sept. 1. The backpacks will be filled with practical items and snacks before being distributed to professional drivers at truck stops throughout Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region.

The initiative is designed to thank drivers for their contributions to the trucking industry while giving TCA members an opportunity to participate in a hands-on appreciation event.

Members Invited to Donate Backpack Items

To help stock the backpacks, TCA has created an Amazon wish list featuring everyday essentials and comfort items that will be included in the kits.

Association members who are unable to attend the Fall Business Meetings can still participate by purchasing items through the wish list and having them shipped directly to TCA before the event.

The association is also accepting donations of items not included on the wish list. Members interested in contributing alternative products are encouraged to coordinate donations through TCA Senior Membership Engagement Manager Erica Bledsoe.

Recognizing Drivers During Appreciation Week

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, observed this year from Sept. 13-19, recognizes the millions of professional truck drivers who transport freight throughout the United States. Many carriers, industry organizations and trucking companies hold appreciation events, meals and recognition programs during the week to acknowledge drivers’ contributions to the nation’s supply chain.

TCA said the Elevate project is intended to bring that appreciation directly to drivers by personally delivering the backpack kits at fuel stops across the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Truckload Carriers Association’s Elevate Young Leadership Program develops emerging leaders within the truckload industry through networking, education, and leadership development opportunities.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 25, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post TCA Elevate Program Launches Driver Appreciation Initiative Ahead of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Chris Wetzel, Prince Bali, Karamjit Singh Cheema, and Scott Miller were honored for their actions in separate incidents involving a serious crash, stranded motorists during severe winter weather, and a tour bus accident. Each recipient received a Highway Angel certificate, lapel pin, patches, truck decals, and recognition for their employer.

Since launching the Highway Angels program in 1997, TCA has recognized nearly 1,400 professional drivers for acts of kindness, courtesy, and courage while on the job. EpicVue presents the program with support from DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Chris Wetzel Assisted an Injured Deputy Following a Missouri Crash

Chris Wetzel, a driver for Anderson Trucking Service, received the Highway Angel Award after helping rescue a law enforcement officer following a crash on Interstate 49 near Joplin, Missouri.

According to TCA, the incident occurred on April 1, 2026, when a deputy responding to an emergency call collided with the trailer of a semi truck traveling ahead of Wetzel.

After stopping at the scene, Wetzel joined others in helping remove the injured deputy from the vehicle. He also used the deputy’s radio to issue a 10-33 emergency call, notifying dispatch that an officer was down and providing the crash location. Emergency responders transported the deputy to a nearby hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Wetzel remained at the scene to assist until emergency personnel had the situation under control.

Team Drivers Helped Motorists During Heavy Snowfall

Prince Bali and Karamjit Singh Cheema, who drive for Triple Eight Transport, were recognized after helping stranded motorists during severe winter weather near Hope, British Columbia.

While traveling from Calgary to Abbotsford on March 17, 2026, the team encountered heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions. After reaching a traffic backup, they noticed a family whose vehicle had become stuck on an uphill section of the road. Before assisting the family, the drivers also stopped to help another truck driver whose trailer had become stuck in the snow.

Using recovery straps from their truck, Bali and Singh Cheema worked together to pull the family’s vehicle free, restart the electric vehicle, and make sure the occupants could safely continue their trip.

Scott Miller Assisted Passengers After Wisconsin Bus Crash

Scott Miller, a driver for America’s Service Line, was honored for helping passengers following a tour bus crash near Interstate 43 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The crash occurred on March 22, 2026, when the bus lost control while exiting the highway, crossed multiple lanes, struck a curb, became airborne, and came to rest after traveling more than 100 yards down an embankment. More than 50 people were on board, and at least 41 passengers were injured.

After calling 911, Miller approached the damaged bus and helped passengers while first responders were on the way. TCA said he remained at the scene for approximately 90 minutes, assisting emergency personnel and comforting injured passengers, including one woman who was trapped near the bus entrance until rescuers arrived.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, including possible mechanical issues, while law enforcement has filed charges against the bus driver.

Drivers can learn more about the Highway Angels program or nominate a professional driver for recognition by visiting highwayangel.org.

Last Updated: July 20, 2026

Source: TCA, Truckload Authority, The Trucker

Image Source: TCA, The Trucker

The post TCA Honors Four Professional Drivers with Highway Angel Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Presented by PCS Software, TCA’s Premier Education Partner, the Smarter Operations. Better Margins. series will run from September through December and will examine practical ways carriers can improve efficiency while managing operating costs.

Four Sessions Cover Key Operational Topics

Rather than focusing on a single area of fleet management, the series addresses several operational challenges that many carriers continue to face as technology becomes a larger part of day-to-day operations.

Topics include artificial intelligence, back-office efficiency, predictive maintenance, and evaluating technology investments.

Each session will be moderated by TPP Facilitator Steve Phillips.

Artificial Intelligence and Automation

The series begins on September 10 with a session exploring how artificial intelligence and automation can be applied in trucking operations.

According to TCA, the discussion will introduce AI agents, automation strategies, and practical examples of how technology can support dispatching, administrative tasks, and operational decision-making.

While artificial intelligence continues to receive significant attention across the transportation industry, many smaller carriers are still evaluating where it can provide measurable value within existing workflows.

Improving Back-Office Operations

The second session, scheduled for October 8, shifts attention to administrative operations.

The program will examine ways companies can improve back-office efficiency through workflow improvements, automation, and process management. Areas such as staffing, repetitive administrative tasks, and operational consistency are expected to be part of the discussion.

As carriers continue operating with lean office staff, improving administrative efficiency has become an area of focus alongside equipment utilization and driver productivity.

Using Data to Improve Maintenance Planning

On November 12, the series will cover predictive maintenance and the growing use of operational data to support maintenance decisions.

Instead of relying solely on scheduled maintenance intervals or repairing equipment after failures occur, predictive maintenance uses vehicle data to help identify potential issues before they result in unexpected downtime.

Many larger fleets have already incorporated predictive maintenance into their maintenance programs, while smaller carriers continue evaluating the technology and investment required to adopt similar approaches.

Evaluating Technology Investments

The final session takes place on December 10 and focuses on technology management.

According to TCA, participants will learn strategies for reviewing existing software platforms, consolidating technology where appropriate, and evaluating whether current systems are delivering measurable operational value.

As carriers continue adding digital tools across dispatch, maintenance, compliance, accounting, and safety, technology management has become an increasingly important business consideration.

Registration Information

The Smarter Operations. Better Margins. series is open to trucking professionals, with complimentary registration available to TCA members through the association’s partnership with PCS Software.

Additional information and registration details are available here.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 15, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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Nelson was traveling through California on May 21 after making a delivery when he stopped at a rest area along Interstate 40. While there, he noticed a family whose daughter’s vehicle had broken down after overheating in the desert heat during a trip from Los Angeles to New York.

Nelson first checked to see whether he could help determine what was wrong with the vehicle. After returning to his truck for supper, he said he kept thinking about the family.

“Afterwards I went back to my truck and was starting to eat supper, and it was weighing real heavy on me,” Nelson recalled. “The Lord was speaking to me and told me to go back and check on them, see if they needed any food or water or anything.”

When Nelson went back, he learned the family had been waiting for a tow truck and had run out of food and water.

“So I went back to my truck and got some snacks and some water,” he said. “They had called the tow truck, but it hadn’t come yet, and they were out of food and water. They didn’t have anything.”

Nelson shared what he had and stayed with the family until help arrived.

“I just couldn’t feel right about not at least offering to share with them what I had,” he said.

His actions prompted motorist Scott Morrison to nominate him for recognition through TCA’s Highway Angel program.

“Thank you,” Morrison wrote. “I’m not sure if Mike works for you, but if he does, he was very kind to us when our car broke down in California. He made sure we had water and any other necessities while we waited for AAA. His kindness was very appreciated.”

Nelson has been driving professionally since the mid 1990s and said he did not expect to be recognized for helping.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “I was just thankful that, you know, you show a little kindness when somebody’s having some trouble.”

The Highway Angel program recognizes professional truck drivers who show courage, compassion, and service while on the road. More information about the program is available through the Truckload Carriers Association.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 2, 2026

Source: Truckers News

image Source: Mike Nelson

The post Crawford Trucking Driver Named Highway Angel After Helping Stranded Family appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Highway Angel program, launched in 1997, highlights professional drivers who step in during critical moments. Presented by TCA in partnership with EpicVue, the program has recognized nearly 1,500 drivers across North America.

Michael Alpine Responds to Early Morning Rollover

Michael Alpine of ABF Freight was driving near Gustine around 4 a.m. when he saw a truck lose control.

“I saw the brake lights of the truck come on and then immediately swerve… and then it started rolling over,” Alpine said.

He contacted emergency services and worked to secure the area before assisting those involved. The driver remained conscious but reported neck and back pain, while two passengers had visible injuries, including head trauma. Alpine stayed at the scene until help arrived.

“It’s always a good day when people can walk away from a crash,” Alpine said. “You can replace material things — you can’t replace people. I encourage everybody to get first aid and CPR training,” he added. “Sometimes we are the first responders out there.”

Anthony Dunne Stops After Spotting Crash in Louisiana

Anthony Dunne of Maverick Transportation was traveling along Highway 65 near Transylvania at about 2 a.m. when he encountered debris in the road.

After maneuvering around a large branch, he noticed a heavily damaged truck off the roadway nearby.

“Honestly I didn’t think that anybody was going to be okay from that one,” said Dunne. “I really thought that was going to be a DOA scene.”

He found the driver trapped but conscious. With the location being remote, it took roughly 45 minutes for emergency crews to arrive. The driver was eventually removed with minor injuries.

“I couldn’t just drive by if there was something I could do,” Dunne said.

Scott Derrick Acts Quickly at Vehicle Fire in California

Scott Derrick, also with ABF Freight, came across a vehicle fire around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 15 near Oak Hills.

“I feel like God told me ‘It’s time for you to go to work’,” Derrick said.

He stopped and grabbed a fire extinguisher from his truck. A UPS driver involved in the incident was already helping people out of a burning vehicle, but one person remained trapped.

“I got out with the fire extinguisher and thought, ‘I’m old, I’ve lived my life’.”

Derrick was able to reach the vehicle and pull the injured individual to safety.

“I just thought, he’s not going to die while I’m here tonight,” Derrick said.

Recognition Built on Real Moments

Each of these situations unfolded in low visibility conditions during overnight hours, when traffic is lighter but response times can be longer. In those moments, the actions taken by drivers on scene often make the difference before emergency crews arrive.

The Highway Angel program continues to spotlight those decisions and the role professional drivers play beyond moving freight.

The post Three Truck Drivers Recognized for Highway Angel Honors in March appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The tree will make its way to Washington, D.C., where it will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol as the official Capitol Christmas Tree. For drivers and fleets, the haul itself is what makes this tradition stand out.

A Load That Brings the Industry Into the Spotlight

The Capitol Christmas Tree isn’t just about the destination. The cross-country trip has become a yearly highlight for the trucking industry, putting a spotlight on the role drivers play in connecting communities.

Each year, a single carrier is selected to handle the move, with a specially wrapped truck leading the way. The Truckload Carriers Association has long supported the effort, and Kenworth provides the custom truck used to haul the tree across the country.

Along the route, the truck makes multiple stops, giving communities a chance to see the tree up close before it reaches the Capitol.

Idaho Takes Center Stage in 2026

This year marks the first time the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will supply the Capitol Christmas Tree. The forest spans more than 4 million acres, covering rugged terrain that includes mountains, rivers, and deep canyons.

“Idaho couldn’t be prouder to see one of our own trees chosen as the Nation’s Capitol Christmas Tree,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little. “This is a great honor and a reminder of the natural beauty we’re blessed with here at home. We’re excited to share some Idaho spirit with families across the country next Christmas season.”

The selection kicks off a full year of events tied to the tree, highlighting local communities, forestry partners, and the history of the region.

A Nationwide Effort Behind the Scenes

Moving a load like this takes coordination well beyond the driver’s seat. Multiple partners are involved, including the Society of American Foresters, which continues to support the program as a national partner.

“2026 marks the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. SAF is proud to continue our support of The People’s Tree as it makes its way across the country,” said SAF CEO Terry Baker. “This public/private partnership exemplifies what we can accomplish when we come together from varied backgrounds and interests with a common goal.”

The U.S. Forest Service has worked alongside the Architect of the Capitol for more than five decades to make this annual delivery happen. Each year, a tree is selected from one of the country’s national forests and transported to Washington following a multi-stop tour.

More Than Just a Delivery

For those in trucking, this run represents something different from the usual day-to-day freight. It’s a chance to be part of a tradition that reaches beyond the industry and into communities nationwide.

Jon Word, forest supervisor for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, emphasized the significance of the moment.

“It is a great honor to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, the ‘People’s Tree’, from the Nez Perce-Clearwater. We look forward to working closely with the Nez Perce Tribe, the Society of American Foresters, and all our partners and communities.”

As the year moves forward, more details will come out about the tree selection and the route it will take. For drivers and fleets, it’s one of those rare hauls that reminds everyone just how visible and important trucking can be.

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The recognition was presented by outgoing TCA Chairman Karen Smerchek during the association’s annual convention, held in Orlando from February 28 through March 3.

A Recognition Built on Industry Impact

The Chairman’s Choice Award is one of TCA’s more personal honors. Selected directly by the outgoing chairman, it recognizes individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the truckload sector through leadership, service, and ongoing support of industry initiatives.

For fleets, drivers, and stakeholders alike, awards like this highlight the people helping shape the direction of trucking behind the scenes. In Culp’s case, that influence spans both company leadership and industry-wide involvement.

Leadership That Extends Beyond the Office

Culp, who previously served as TCA chairman from 2024 to 2025, has played a consistent role in supporting the association’s programs and priorities. His involvement has helped strengthen participation and keep key initiatives moving forward, particularly through active communication and engagement at the company level.

His contributions haven’t stopped at internal efforts. Culp has also been involved in broader advocacy work, including support for TCA’s Elite Fleet program and ongoing discussions around a gallon-based user fee. That work has included multiple trips to Washington to meet directly with policymakers, reinforcing the industry’s voice on critical issues.

At the same time, he balanced additional leadership responsibilities, including a two-year term as chairman of the Arkansas Trucking Association.

Recognition Rooted in Character

For Smerchek, the decision to recognize Culp came down to more than a résumé of accomplishments.

“Narrowing this down to one person was not easy, but this year’s recipient truly embodies the spirit of TCA,” said outgoing chair Karen Smerchek.

“I met him in 2018, and I immediately saw his passion for the industry,” she continued. “What impressed me even more was his humility; someone with his knowledge and experience who never seeks the spotlight, never boasts, and is always willing to step in and help.”

She also pointed to his willingness to take on additional responsibility when needed, including stepping up during a leadership transition period.

“He also stepped up in a big way when I delayed my chairmanship for a year … and doing all of this, while serving a two-year term as the chairman of the Arkansas Trucking Association,” she concluded.

Why This Matters for the Industry

For drivers and fleets watching from the ground level, recognition like this reinforces what strong leadership looks like in trucking. It’s not just about running a successful operation. It’s about supporting the broader industry, advocating for practical policy, and contributing to programs that improve conditions across the board.

As the trucking landscape continues to evolve, leaders who stay engaged, accessible, and committed to progress play a critical role in keeping the industry moving forward.

The post Maverick Transportation’s John Culp Recognized with 2026 TCA Chairman’s Choice Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The grand prize went to Mill Creek Motor Freight of Ayr, Ontario, in the small carrier division, which includes fleets running less than 25 million miles annually. In the large carrier division, the top honor was awarded to Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba, for fleets logging 25 million miles or more each year.

According to the association, both companies stood out because of their well-structured safety programs and low accident frequency ratios throughout the year.

Safety Performance Recognized Across the Industry

The Fleet Safety Awards program highlights fleets that consistently place safety at the center of their operations. The competition is supported by industry partners, including Great West Casualty Company and Gallagher, both long-time supporters of safety initiatives within trucking.

“Great West Casualty Company is proud to support the TCA Fleet Safety Awards and recognize carriers that set the standard for safety excellence across our industry,” said Steve Ponder, Senior Vice President, Great West Casualty Company. “Mill Creek Motor Freight and Bison Transport exemplify the commitment, accountability, and leadership it takes to keep our roads safer for everyone.”

Safety Culture Remains a Competitive Advantage

For fleets across North America, awards like this highlight the role that training, leadership, and driver accountability play in preventing crashes and protecting both drivers and the public.

“Gallagher is honored to partner with TCA in celebrating fleets that prioritize safety at every level of their operations,” said Andy Engardio, Transportation Vertical Leader, Gallagher. “These Grand Prize winners demonstrate that strong safety cultures not only protect drivers and the public, but also strengthen the entire trucking industry.”

Recognition Continues at Summer Safety Meeting

The two grand prize winners will be recognized again later this year during the TCA Safety & Security Meeting scheduled for June 7 through June 9 in Oklahoma City. Carriers that finished in the top three within each mileage division will also be acknowledged during the event.

Industry leaders view the awards as a way to spotlight fleets that demonstrate how consistent safety practices can deliver results both on the road and within company operations.

Source: Truckers News

The post Mill Creek Motor Freight and Bison Transport Take Top Honors in 2025 TCA Fleet Safety Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.