Nomination Deadline for TCA’s Driver of the Year Award Coming Up Fast

Nominate outstanding drivers for the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year award before the December 5 deadline. Learn why nominations matter, what the award recognizes, and how fleets can highlight drivers who show safety, professionalism, and leadership.

Truck drivers who go the extra mile don’t always get the spotlight, but the Truckload Carriers Association wants to change that. The nomination window for TCA’s Professional Drivers of the Year award is closing soon, and fleets only have until December 5 to put their top drivers forward.

According to TCA, “When most people think about trucking, they picture the men and women behind the wheel. Our drivers represent your brand, your culture, and your values with every mile. If one of your drivers consistently sets that example, take a few minutes to nominate them to represent your brand and the industry as one of TCA’s 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year.”

For drivers, this recognition is more than a pat on the back. TCA notes that “Nominating your drivers sends a powerful message to your entire fleet that their professionalism is noticed, and that your organization stands behind the people who carry your reputation mile after mile. Fleets that celebrate their drivers consistently see stronger engagement, higher morale, and better retention.”

Only five drivers will be selected as 2026 honorees, and they’ll be recognized on stage at TCA’s Annual Convention in Orlando. Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops are sponsoring the awards, helping shine a spotlight on the drivers who stand out for safety, professionalism, and commitment to the job. More than a thousand trucking professionals will be in the room when the winners take the stage.

As TCA explains, “It’s a moment that reflects not only on the driver, but on the culture and leadership of the fleet that nominated them.”

Drivers or fleets who want to nominate someone can find the nomination form here. The deadline is December 5.

Source: The Trucker