At the 2025 Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Safety & Security Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, Jeremy Stickling of Nussbaum Transportation received one of the industry’s highest honors: TCA’s Safety Professional of the Year. As Chief Administrative Officer, Stickling has spent years reshaping how safety is approached—not only at Nussbaum but across the trucking world.
This award, presented annually by TCA, recognizes a leader who has made significant, measurable contributions to improving truck driver safety, reducing highway incidents, and promoting a culture of accountability. Stickling’s recognition is the result of nearly two decades of forward-thinking leadership, deep care for people, and a hands-on approach to workplace safety in trucking.
Recognized for a People-First, Innovation-Driven Approach
Brent Nussbaum, CEO of Nussbaum Transportation, described Stickling as a rare kind of leader: “What distinguishes Jeremy as a top safety professional is that he cares about people and is passionate about what he does. He’s an inventor who has a unique ability to view problems, quickly see solutions, and follow them through implementation. Jeremy has built many of the safety programs in existence at Nussbaum today and advocated for the technology and ongoing training that assists in the success of our programs. He’s worked tirelessly to build a culture of safety that protects and builds on the heritage of an eighty-year-old employee-owned business. We’re very proud of Jeremy. He is very worthy of this award.”
Stickling’s commitment to creating a safer work environment has touched every corner of Nussbaum’s operations. His leadership helped the company earn the 2024 TCA Grand Prize for Fleet Safety, a testament to the real-world impact of his safety programs and continuous driver education efforts.
A Road Paved with Experience and Purpose
Jeremy Stickling joined Nussbaum in 2007, beginning in the accounting department before stepping into a larger role that would eventually shape the company’s safety and HR practices. By 2013, he had become HR & Safety Manager—a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter in how Nussbaum approached compliance and fleet safety.
Now serving as Chief Administrative Officer, Stickling oversees HR, safety, and accounting. With nearly 15 years dedicated to transportation safety, his leadership has led to lower CSA scores, stronger driver performance, and a company-wide focus on continuous improvement.
TCA commended Stickling’s far-reaching impact, stating: “His leadership builds a culture of accountability and growth, empowering employees through innovative systems and comprehensive training programs. His broad expertise across safety, HR, and accounting makes him uniquely qualified to lead and enhance all aspects of Nussbaum’s operations.”
Setting the Standard in Fleet Safety
Stickling’s influence goes beyond programs and policies—his work represents a deep-rooted commitment to people. Whether he’s implementing new technology, leading training sessions, or mentoring others, he brings the same energy and dedication every day. His career serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when fleet safety is seen not just as a requirement, but as a core value.
With this recognition from TCA, Jeremy Stickling’s legacy as a safety trailblazer in trucking continues to grow—and so does the standard for what it means to lead with both heart and vision.
Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker
