The Truckload Carriers Association has opened enrollment for its 2027 Elite Fleet Program, which recognizes for-hire truckload carriers based on workplace practices and feedback from the drivers and independent contractors who work with them.
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








