The recognition was presented by outgoing TCA Chairman Karen Smerchek during the association’s annual convention, held in Orlando from February 28 through March 3.

A Recognition Built on Industry Impact

The Chairman’s Choice Award is one of TCA’s more personal honors. Selected directly by the outgoing chairman, it recognizes individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the truckload sector through leadership, service, and ongoing support of industry initiatives.

For fleets, drivers, and stakeholders alike, awards like this highlight the people helping shape the direction of trucking behind the scenes. In Culp’s case, that influence spans both company leadership and industry-wide involvement.

Leadership That Extends Beyond the Office

Culp, who previously served as TCA chairman from 2024 to 2025, has played a consistent role in supporting the association’s programs and priorities. His involvement has helped strengthen participation and keep key initiatives moving forward, particularly through active communication and engagement at the company level.

His contributions haven’t stopped at internal efforts. Culp has also been involved in broader advocacy work, including support for TCA’s Elite Fleet program and ongoing discussions around a gallon-based user fee. That work has included multiple trips to Washington to meet directly with policymakers, reinforcing the industry’s voice on critical issues.

At the same time, he balanced additional leadership responsibilities, including a two-year term as chairman of the Arkansas Trucking Association.

Recognition Rooted in Character

For Smerchek, the decision to recognize Culp came down to more than a résumé of accomplishments.

“Narrowing this down to one person was not easy, but this year’s recipient truly embodies the spirit of TCA,” said outgoing chair Karen Smerchek.

“I met him in 2018, and I immediately saw his passion for the industry,” she continued. “What impressed me even more was his humility; someone with his knowledge and experience who never seeks the spotlight, never boasts, and is always willing to step in and help.”

She also pointed to his willingness to take on additional responsibility when needed, including stepping up during a leadership transition period.

“He also stepped up in a big way when I delayed my chairmanship for a year … and doing all of this, while serving a two-year term as the chairman of the Arkansas Trucking Association,” she concluded.

Why This Matters for the Industry

For drivers and fleets watching from the ground level, recognition like this reinforces what strong leadership looks like in trucking. It’s not just about running a successful operation. It’s about supporting the broader industry, advocating for practical policy, and contributing to programs that improve conditions across the board.

As the trucking landscape continues to evolve, leaders who stay engaged, accessible, and committed to progress play a critical role in keeping the industry moving forward.

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Truckload 2026 will take place from February 28 through March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. The new pricing applies to all carriers, regardless of TCA membership status.

Why TCA is changing the pricing model

TCA said the decision reflects the current operating environment and the need for carriers to have stronger access to education, peer discussion, and industry collaboration.

“Our industry continues to be plagued by uncertainty,” TCA said. “At moments like this, access to education, peer insight, and meaningful connections is more essential than ever. The philosophy is simple. The more carriers in the room, the stronger the conversations, the better the solutions, and the greater the value for everyone. That’s why TCA’s Officers have unanimously approved a reduced registration rate for all carriers, regardless of TCA member status, to attend TCA’s 2026 Annual Convention, taking place from Feb. 28 – March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando.”

The association emphasized that expanding participation strengthens discussions and leads to more practical outcomes for the truckload sector as a whole.

Flat rate registration for carriers

Under the updated structure, carriers can register for Truckload 2026 at a flat rate of $500. According to TCA, the reduced rate is designed to remove financial barriers that may have kept some fleets from attending in the past.

“We hope this $399 discount encourages new carriers to check out the meeting and that it allows our longtime attendees to bring new team members and strengthen their involvement in TCA,” TCA said.

For carriers considering professional development opportunities for operations leaders, safety managers, or executives, the reduced cost may allow broader internal participation.

Focus on collaboration across the truckload sector

TCA leadership framed the pricing change as part of a broader effort to strengthen industry collaboration during a challenging period.

“TCA has always believed that a stronger industry is built through collaboration,” said Jim Ward, TCA president. “By offering a $500 carrier rate for Truckload 2026, we’re removing barriers and reinforcing a simple truth: when carriers come together to learn, compare notes, and support one another, it lifts the entire truckload community.”

The association noted that creating space for carriers to share experiences and strategies is especially important as fleets navigate cost pressures, regulatory requirements, and shifting freight demand.

What carriers can expect at Truckload 2026?

Truckload 2026 will feature roundtable discussions focused on current industry challenges, educational sessions, and opportunities to connect with peers. The event also includes a keynote appearance by Jimmy Johnson and a live performance by Sugar Ray.

Carriers that have already registered will receive communication from TCA’s events team regarding the updated pricing.

For fleets evaluating where to invest time and resources in 2026, the discounted registration offers an opportunity to engage with industry peers and gain insight without the usual cost barrier.

Source: The Trucker

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Always Striving to Be the Best

Being the best isn’t about chasing titles or boasting numbers. For Crete, Shaffer, and Hunt, it means setting a higher standard for what it means to be a professional in trucking. Every detail matters, from safe equipment and reliable service to transparent communication and consistent performance.

These companies invest in their people and their tools. Drivers receive ongoing training and support, and the fleets are kept up to date with modern, well-maintained equipment. Dispatchers and operations teams work with the same level of accountability and pride. Together, that mindset builds long-term trust with customers and strengthens every part of the business.

Drivers know that excellence is expected, but it’s also recognized. Milestone awards, career growth opportunities, and clear communication make it easier to stay motivated and proud of the work being done. For these companies, being the best means being dependable, honest, and committed to continuous improvement.

Working Hard and Having Fun Along the Way

Trucking is a demanding career, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. Crete, Shaffer, and Hunt believe that when people enjoy what they do, they perform better and stay longer. That’s why the principle of having fun is more than a motto; it’s part of everyday life on and off the road.

Drivers are celebrated for their achievements, whether it’s safe miles, years of service, or a job well done. Team gatherings, appreciation events, and family-friendly celebrations create a strong sense of community. Even on tough days, that camaraderie makes a difference.

Fun also shows up in small, meaningful ways: supportive dispatchers, management that listens, and an environment where drivers feel respected and valued. It’s about creating a culture that recognizes hard work but doesn’t forget the importance of enjoying the ride.

Why These Values Matter

In an industry where demands are high and time is tight, the combination of excellence and enjoyment helps keep everything in balance. By focusing on doing things right and keeping morale strong, Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking, and Hunt Transportation continue to set an example for what a driver-focused company should look like.

They’ve built a place where safety, performance, and appreciation go hand in hand, and where success is measured not just in miles driven but in the satisfaction of the people who drive them.

If you’re looking for a company that values excellence, respect, and genuine teamwork, explore driving opportunities with the Crete Carrier family of companies here.

The post How Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking, and Hunt Transportation Pursue Excellence and Keep Trucking Fun appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The award, created in 2010 and sponsored this year by TrueBlue’s Centerline Drivers, honors women who are changing trucking through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.

WIT put it this way: “This year’s finalists represent a range of leadership roles across the industry who have made a measurable impact on their organizations and communities.”

The 2025 Finalists

Here are the four leaders being recognized:

• Cindy Ellers, chief customer officer at Fleetworthy
  • Dee Dee Cox, vice president of human resources at Old Dominion Freight Line
  • Katerina Jones, chief marketing officer at Fleet Advantage
  • Leah Shaver, president and CEO of The National Transportation Institute

Cindy Ellers – Supporting Fleets and Standing Up for Women

Ellers oversees customer strategy and growth at Fleetworthy, a company focused on fleet safety, compliance, and toll management. Since joining in 2021, she has helped the company grow fast and manage several acquisitions without losing focus on service.

She has spent more than 15 years leading customer-facing teams and previously worked with compliance tech at RDC, which later became part of Moody’s Corp.

Ellers does not stop at operations. She also created Fleetworthy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee and launched internal Women in Leadership panels to help women climb in an industry that is still mostly male. She is known for mentoring others and helping them build careers in transportation and logistics.

Dee Dee Cox – Building Careers from the Ground Up

With three decades in HR and leadership, Cox now leads human resources at Old Dominion. She manages everything from hiring and employee support to training and company culture.

She helped create and expand key programs that help people move up in the industry, including the Management Trainee Program, Supervisor Development Program, internships, and apprenticeships. Those efforts boosted retention and brought more women and underrepresented groups into trucking careers.

When she started, her HR team was one person. Now it is nearly 40 across the country. Cox also built a leadership curriculum that ties in Old Dominion’s core values, long-term vision, and family culture. Her work focuses on helping more people, especially women, see trucking as a place to grow.

Katerina Jones – Driving Growth and Safety Awareness

Jones brings over 20 years of experience in marketing and client relations. At Fleet Advantage, she helped turn the company into a billion-dollar brand and plays a direct role when new private and for-hire fleets come on board.

As part of the senior leadership team, she is involved in shaping operations, strategy, human resources, and company culture. She also acts as a safety liaison and leads demonstrations that show fleets how advanced safety tech can protect drivers.

Her work across the industry has earned her several awards, including “Top Woman to Watch in Transportation” from WIT and “Top Female Professional” from Supply Chain & Demand Chain Executive. Beyond her day job, she is active in charitable work and industry councils.

Leah Shaver – Championing Driver Pay and Retention

Shaver leads The National Transportation Institute, best known for tracking driver pay and helping carriers improve compensation and retention. Her work centers on turning data into real strategies that keep drivers in the industry.

With nearly 25 years in trucking, she has helped fleets address pay structure, driver career paths, and workforce planning. She is also active in efforts to bring more women and younger people into trucking.

Shaver served three terms on WIT’s Board of Directors, sits on the Next Generation in Trucking Association board, and contributes to several capacity and fleet advisory groups.

Drivers may also recognize her from SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio, where she speaks directly with drivers about pay, policy, and industry changes. She is widely seen as a leading voice for driver engagement and career stability.

What’s Next

All four finalists will speak during a panel at the WIT Accelerate Conference and Expo in Dallas, Texas, taking place November 9 through 12. The winner will be announced after the discussion.

If you want to look back at who took home the award in 2024, WIT has that story available online.

Sources: WIT and The Trucker

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