Driver Satisfaction Top of Mind with New TCA Award – Some Carriers May Have to Step Up

semi truck driver smiling and giving thumbs up from the driver's seat

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has launched a new initiative, the TCA Drivers’ Choice Awards—The Elite Fleets, to recognize carriers who are accomplishing outstanding driver satisfaction levels.

A news release stated, “[The program] will celebrate and recognize the best carrier workplaces in the North American trucking industry based on professional driver feedback and satisfaction.”

In collaboration with the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute, the TCA Drivers’ Choice Awards will spotlight carriers that excel in providing exceptional workplace environments for both company drivers and independent contractors.

Participation in this awards program is exclusive to TCA carrier members. Nominations will start later in the year, with the highest-ranking carriers being honored at TCA’s 2025 convention March 15-18 in Phoenix.

Once nominated, carriers and their drivers will be invited to complete surveys, which will be managed and assessed by the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute.

To ensure the success of this initiative, TCA sought feedback from its membership and established four working groups. These groups contributed to shaping the program’s framework, defining the characteristics associated with satisfied drivers, and other critical aspects.

“This has truly been a membership-led effort in creating TCA Drivers’ Choice Awards,” according to the news release. “TCA is also happy to announce that it has secured three presenting co-sponsors for this program who are EpicVue, TruckRight, and Samsara.”

Jim Ward, President of TCA, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the leading carrier workplaces in the industry. He noted that such recognition not only acknowledges the efforts of these companies but also fosters a culture of excellence and driver contentment.

“By partnering with a reputable institution like the University of Denver, the program ensures that the surveys and scoring are conducted impartially and with a high level of professionalism,” he said.

David Fisher, Executive Director at the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute, expressed equal enthusiasm for the new program.

“The Transportation & Supply Chain Institute is thrilled to be able to support this program for the TCA and this industry,” he said. “Trucking is the nation’s circulatory system. Anything the Institute can do to support the betterment of the industry is part of our charter. Our process will reveal statistically important information that will help the TCA members drive excellence through their organizations. We are honored to have been selected as the partner for this significant initiative.”

 

 

Source: The Trucker