That focus is shaping the Truckload Carriers Association’s approach in 2026. Through expanded programs, flexible learning formats, and targeted subject matter, the organization continues building resources designed to help operations navigate an increasingly complex environment.

While membership offers advocacy, benchmarking, and peer connections, education remains one of the most valuable tools available. This year marks a significant expansion of that effort.

A Pivotal Year for Learning and Development

According to the association’s education and training leadership, 2026 represents a major step forward in how learning is delivered.

“This is going to be a milestone year for TCA’s educational mission,” Nicholson said. “Our members will find resources across various formats, from interactive virtual webinars and discussion groups to on-demand, self-paced courses.”

The approach reflects how trucking actually operates. Fast-moving, widely distributed, and time-constrained. Education is no longer limited to conference rooms or rigid schedules. Instead, programs are designed to meet participants where they are, both operationally and geographically.

“We are committed to staying ahead of the curve by providing education that is as dynamic as the industry itself,” Nicholson said. “Our goal is to ensure every member has the tools to thrive in an increasingly complex market.”

Small Carrier University Expands for 2026

One of the most notable updates is the expansion of Small Carrier University, a program built specifically to strengthen operations, safety performance, and profitability for smaller fleets.

For 2026, the program has been redesigned to increase flexibility while lowering the investment required to participate. Class sizes remain intentionally small, with only 15 carriers accepted per cohort to ensure meaningful discussion and personalized guidance.

Virtual Live Discussions

Participants take part in six virtual meetings led by a truckload profitability facilitator. Each session focuses on a core operational area.

Operations

This session helps identify the KPIs that improve operating ratios while examining efficient staffing structures, team development, and best practices for driver management and customer service.

Maintenance (Two Sessions)

These discussions focus on KPIs that support efficient maintenance departments, methods to improve work order efficiency, and current challenges tied to attracting and retaining technicians.

Safety Performance

This session explores how to build a companywide safety culture, identify essential safety functions, and improve key safety metrics that influence compliance and insurance outcomes.

Culture and Recruitment

This discussion examines the difference between stated culture and lived culture, sharing strategies that support growth rather than limiting it. Recruiting approaches aligned with long-term goals are also covered.

Small Carrier University also includes

• A two-hour consultation with a TCA Profitability Program Facilitator
• More than 40 hours of on-demand education through the Learning Center, including exclusive SCU-only content
• A graduation ceremony during TCA’s Annual Convention
• Automatic enrollment in the Online Leadership Series

A New Focus on Recruitment and Retention

Workforce challenges remain one of the industry’s biggest pressure points. In response, TCA has introduced a new Online Recruitment and Retention Series for 2026.

This six-part virtual master class provides a tactical framework for strengthening hiring pipelines and improving long-term retention. Sponsored by HireTruckers, each one-hour session is free for members.

2026 Recruitment and Retention Course Schedule

• April 23
  Building Your Team: Modern HR, Recruitment, and Retention Strategies
• May 12
  Using Marketing to Revolutionize Recruitment and Retention
• July 16
  Strategic Onboarding Drives Retention and Performance
• August 18
  Healthy Fleet Stronger Bottom Line: What Leaders Need to Know About Driver Well-Being
• September 15
  Mastering Recruitment and Retention Technology for Business Success

Each session addresses real operational challenges, from aligning HR and marketing efforts to managing a dispersed workforce through technology and wellness initiatives.

Leadership Development Returns for a Third Year

The Online Leadership Series returns for its third year, continuing its focus on practical decision-making in a high-cost, high-risk environment. Topics this year range from cargo theft and insurance strategies to data-driven decision making, artificial intelligence adoption, and long-term succession planning.

Sponsored by Tenney Group, the series supports both emerging and experienced leaders navigating increasing responsibility.

2026 Online Leadership Series Course Schedule

• April 16
  Strategies to Combat Cargo Theft
• May 14
  Mastering ROI and KPIs for Business Success
• June 25
  Building a Community Outreach Program
• July 14
  Comparison of Commercial and Captive Insurance
• August 4
  Optimizing Truckload Operations Profitability and Utilization with AI
• September 17
  Navigating Your Succession Planning

Each session emphasizes actionable insights that can be applied directly to daily operations rather than abstract theory.

Education as a Competitive Advantage

As trucking continues to evolve, access to relevant, flexible education has become more than a perk. It is a competitive advantage. The 2026 lineup reflects a clear understanding of the pressures operations face and the skills required to manage them effectively.

From safety and maintenance to leadership and workforce strategy, these programs aim to help fleets remain resilient, profitable, and prepared for what comes next.

For more information about TCA’s Online Leadership Series or to register, visit truckload.org/leadership-series-2026.

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The newly created award recognizes transportation professionals who show an exceptional commitment to ongoing education and professional growth. While the honor is aimed at individual achievement, its impact reaches drivers directly by strengthening compliance, safety practices, and carrier operations that affect day-to-day life on the road.

Why This Award Matters to Drivers

Strong HR and compliance leadership plays a direct role in how drivers are recruited, supported, and retained. Policies around onboarding, hours of service, safety programs, and driver communication all begin with educated professionals behind the scenes. TCA created this award to highlight how continued learning improves real-world trucking jobs.

“Education is one of the biggest advantages a career can invest in, especially in HR and compliance, where the details matter,” said Mark Hill, CEO, PCS Software. “Congratulations to Tory McQueen of Parish Transport on earning the TCA Education Award and leading with a real commitment to safer, smarter operations.”

A Year of Heavy Lifting in Education

According to TCA, McQueen completed 130 hours of on-demand education throughout 2025. That level of coursework reflects the same discipline drivers apply to mastering new equipment, regulations, and routes.

Her efforts included earning the full “trifecta” of TCA professional certificates.
TCA Recruitment Certificate
TCA Retention Certificate
TCA Human Resources Certificate

Together, these credentials cover the full driver lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to long-term retention and compliance. That combination helps carriers build programs that respect drivers’ time, improve communication, and reduce costly turnover.

Recognition from Industry Leadership

“This is the very first year we’re presenting the TCA Education Award, and I couldn’t be more excited about recognizing such a deserving recipient,” said Tracy Rushing, executive director, safety and HR, RE Garrison, and chairperson, TCA’s Retention, Recruitment and Human Resources Committee. “What makes this special is their real commitment to lifelong learning, not just for themselves, but for the people they support every day. When we invest in education, we directly improve the driving job, and that’s exactly what this award is meant to celebrate.”

TCA also emphasized the broader value of McQueen’s achievement, noting that her approach to education provides a model for how carriers can improve operations, driver satisfaction, and workplace culture through structured learning.

Honored at the TCA Annual Convention

McQueen will be formally recognized during the Recruitment, Retention, and HR Committee Meeting on March 1 at the TCA Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.

For drivers, awards like this signal an industry shift toward better-trained support teams, clearer policies, and stronger carrier leadership. When the people managing compliance and HR invest in education, drivers benefit through safer operations, more consistent standards, and a more professional work environment across the fleet.

Source: The Trucker

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