Unlike traditional panels or presentations, the roundtables emphasize participation over observation.

“These quick 45-minute discussions take place on Monday (March 2, 2026) from 11:00–11:45 a.m., giving attendees the chance to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders facing the same headwinds, questions, and opportunities,” TCA said. “Attendees are free to participate in whichever topic-focused discussion is relevant to them.”

Each session targets a core area shaping the truckload sector today, from regulatory pressure to cost control and visibility in a competitive market.

Compliance and Safety in a Shifting Regulatory Environment

One roundtable focuses on compliance and safety at a time when regulatory expectations and enforcement activity continue to evolve. Rather than addressing policy in the abstract, the discussion centers on how organizations are managing risk in real operating environments.

“As regulations shift and enforcement tightens, compliance and safety have become mission-critical pillars of every fleet,” TCA said. “This session explores real-world approaches to mitigating risk, engaging employees, anticipating regulatory changes, and building a culture of accountability across your organization. Whether you manage ten trucks or ten thousand, this conversation will ground your safety strategy in what’s working right now.”

The session, moderated by Dave Heller, Senior Vice President of Safety and Government Affairs at TCA, is designed to surface practical approaches rather than theoretical models.

Equipment and Maintenance Decisions Under Cost Pressure

Equipment strategy continues to be reshaped by longer trade cycles, higher maintenance costs, and shifting investment priorities. Another roundtable is dedicated to open discussion around how carriers are responding to these pressures in real time.

“Longer trade cycles, higher maintenance costs, tariff pressures, changing investment strategies — this open-sharing roundtable goes beyond theory and gets into the real decisions carriers are making to keep their fleets safe, reliable, and cost-effective,” TCA said. “Step away from the abstract and learn directly from peers navigating the same economic conditions shaping your own equipment and maintenance strategy.”

Moderated by Jack Porter, TCA truckload profitability program facilitator, this conversation is designed to examine tradeoffs, not just best practices, and to reflect the realities of today’s market conditions.

Operational Execution and Profitability Levers

Operational performance remains central to financial outcomes, particularly in a market where margins are under constant pressure. One roundtable focuses on how operational decisions translate directly into profitability.

“Operations has always been the engine of the truckload business—and in today’s market, every decision counts,” TCA said. “In this session, participants will explore KPI management, network optimization, TMS utilization, driver engagement, incentive structures, and the operational levers that most directly impact profitability. If you want to learn from carriers who are outperforming in a challenging freight environment, this is the room you want to be in.”

Moderated by Steve Phillips, this discussion emphasizes execution discipline, performance measurement, and the systems that support consistent results.

Marketing, Visibility, and Organizational Alignment

Marketing and brand strategy now extend well beyond advertising. One roundtable addresses how organizations are connecting digital presence, recruiting efforts, and internal alignment between departments.

“This interactive discussion digs into digital strategies, recruiting alignment, paid advertising, social media management, audience targeting, workforce development, and the growing relationship between sales, operations, and brand identity,” TCA said. “Whether you have a marketing department or simply wear the hat yourself, you’ll leave with practical, scalable tactics for elevating your fleet’s presence.”

Moderated by Shepard Dunn, this session focuses on integration rather than isolated tactics, reflecting how visibility and messaging increasingly affect both growth and retention.

Why the Roundtable Format Matters

The structure of these sessions is intentional. Short, moderated, and discussion-driven, the roundtables are designed to encourage candid exchange rather than scripted responses. Participants are able to compare notes with peers facing similar challenges and gain clarity on how others are adapting.

For those attending Truckload 2026, these discussions offer concentrated insight into the decisions shaping the truckload industry right now.

Additional details on Truckload 2026 programming and registration are available here.

Source: The Trucker

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“Join us Feb. 28 – March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Fla., for the truckload industry’s premier event,” TCA said. “From high-impact sessions like this to unmatched networking and celebration of our members, there’s no better place to prepare for the year ahead.” 

Costello is widely regarded as one of the most reliable voices on trucking economics. His session will cover key topics like freight demand, rate trends, consumer spending, inflation pressures, and how global markets can impact U.S. trucking. Drivers and carriers attending will walk away with insights to help plan routes, negotiate rates, and make smarter decisions for 2026. 

“Bob will unpack the trends shaping truckload in the year ahead,” TCA said. “From freight demand and rates to consumer spending, inflation pressures, and the broader global economy. His insights will help you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align your strategy with the realities of today’s market.” 

Truckload 2026 also promises entertainment and networking beyond the economic sessions. NFL legend Jimmy Johnson will give the keynote, while Sugar Ray will close out the event with a live performance. Attendees can combine industry learning with a chance to relax and connect with peers from across the country. 

For truck drivers, small fleet operators, and dispatchers, sessions like Costello’s aren’t just numbers on a chart. They provide practical information that can affect pay, freight planning, and business decisions for the year ahead. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: American Trucking Associations

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Congratulations to the 2025 Winners:

• Perry Carter, Cargo Transporters

• Scott Lindsey, Cheema Freightlines

• Toby Wallis, Freymiller

• Walter Jackson, Landstar

• Gerald Rhoden, Stevens Transport

These elite professionals stood out among a competitive pool of nominees. Their commitment to safety, exceptional leadership, and significant contributions both on and off the road earned them this prestigious accolade and a $20,000 prize each.

Curious to learn more about their inspiring stories? Visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com/Stories to explore their journeys.

Industry Sponsors Applaud the Winners

This award is made possible through the sponsorship of Love’s Travel Stops and Cummins, Inc. Representatives from both organizations expressed their admiration for the winners:

• Jon Archard, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops, stated, “Receiving this prestigious recognition is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and hard work these drivers show every day. These drivers embody the core values that we at Love’s hold dear, and we’re proud to support them as they continue to motivate and inspire others in the trucking community.”

• José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., shared, “We are honored to sponsor this recognition and highlight these exceptional drivers who are the backbone of our industry. Their commitment to excellence on the road and their impact on their local communities are truly lasting.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Do you know a deserving truck driver who goes above and beyond? Nominations for the 2026 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For nomination details and eligibility requirements, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

Source: Truckers News

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This annual award is TCA’s way of recognizing and celebrating the incredible acts of bravery and kindness shown by professional truck drivers.

Out of five exceptional finalists, the top three with the most votes will be honored as the 2025 Highway Angels of the Year. These awards will be presented at the TCA Annual Convention, taking place March 15-18, 2025, in Phoenix.

Meet the 2025 TCA Highway Angels of the Year Finalists

TCA’s Highway Angels website highlights the inspiring stories behind this year’s impressive finalists:

• Andrew Inlow (Booneville, Miss., Maverick Transportation): Known for his generosity, Andrew spent $1,000 of his own money to feed hundreds of people in Asheville, N.C., who were affected by Hurricane Helene. He even went door-to-door at a Days Inn, offering food to guests in need.

• Jason Corino (Deltona, Fla., Melton Truck Lines): Jason made headlines for stopping his truck during a roadside traffic stop in Cortez, Colo., to shield motorists from an active shooter, putting his own life at risk to protect others.

• Michael Dorsey (Porter, Texas, Mercer Transportation Co.): Michael’s quick-thinking actions saved flood victims in Tennessee during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. He used his trailer to shield and protect those stranded by historic rainfall.

• Joseph Carroll (London, Ontario, Canada, Elgin Motor Freight): Joseph demonstrated remarkable strength and compassion by rescuing a trucker trapped after a major crash. He lifted a heavy roof off the driver, who was buried under the truck’s contents. Since the incident, Joseph has stayed in touch with the driver he saved.

• Daljit Sohi (Triple Eight Transport Inc.): Daljit didn’t just stop at a good deed — when he noticed a woman had dropped her purse at a rest stop, he drove three hours to return it. The purse contained $1,100 in cash, a gold chain, credit cards, and identification. Despite being offered $500 as a reward, Daljit refused any payment.

Cast Your Vote Today!

Help select the 2025 Highway Angels of the Year by casting your vote today! click here to vote.

About the Highway Angels Program

With the support of sponsors like EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, TCA recognizes over 75 Highway Angels each year. Since the program’s inception in 1997, more than 1,300 professional drivers have been honored for their acts of kindness and heroism.

About TCA

The Truckload Carriers Association, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., represents operators of nearly 210,000 trucks and generates more than $38 billion in annual truckload revenue.

Celebrate the heroes of the road—vote now and show your support for these extraordinary professional drivers!

Source: Land Line

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The 2024 TCA Annual Convention featured a lineup of engaging panel discussions facilitated by industry leaders, esteemed awards ceremonies recognizing exceptional individuals, and the introduction of the new association chairman for the upcoming year. Notable keynote speeches were delivered by demographer Ken Gronbach and investor Kevin O’Leary, adding insightful perspectives to the event.

“We had a phenomenal meeting. Even with the challenges that are currently confronting the motor carrier industry, there was a lot of really good energy,” said Jim Ward, TCA president. “We had a great lineup of panels with motor carriers, all different sizes, speaking about current challenges and opportunities in the industry.”

The convention commenced with a panel led by Joey Hogan of Covenant Logistics Group, comprising industry giants such as Schneider National CEO Mark Rourke, Mullen Group Chairman Murray Mullen, and KLLM Transport Services CEO Jim Richards.

“They certainly were very open with the group, and Joey did a great job facilitating a conversation with them,” Ward said. “The next day we had, what I would call a midsize or small carrier panel, that I also thought went equally as well. Jon Coca, who’s on our leadership line as well, from Diamond Transport, he facilitated that group.”

One of the significant takeaways from the event, according to reports, was the collective struggle against the industry’s downturn, which has led to rate suppression affecting all stakeholders.

“They’re all confronted with the same challenges currently in the marketplace,” Ward said. “Most like to think that maybe we’re bouncing along the bottom right now. But market conditions, with a lot of capacity still available based upon the demand, have been a real challenge for a lot of carriers.”

Discussions also delved into the integration of battery-electric vehicles into fleets, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Additional topics addressed included maintaining high driver satisfaction, overcoming equipment functionality issues, enhancing safety measures, and combating lawsuit abuse within the industry.

“[In regard to workforce issues] some people were in a pretty good position and others, based upon geographical location or what have you, were still fighting the battle to bring on more supply of professional drivers,” Ward said.

During the awards ceremony, outgoing TCA Chairman Dave Williams, also serving as the senior vice president of equipment and government relations at Knight-Swift Transportation, was lauded for his exemplary leadership over the past year. John Culp, President of Maverick Transportation, was then introduced as the incoming chairman of the association. The ceremony also featured recognition for outstanding achievements in various categories, including chairman’s choice, fleet safety, and the Highway Angels awards.

“Chairman Dave Williams was a great leader this year,” Ward said. “He just has a special way about him to be able to connect with people and see the industry through a little different lens and come up with ideas and solutions and things that we should be working on that can create value for the industry and the TCA members, and I am very confident that Chairman John Culp is going to step right into those shoes with that same vision and that same energy.”

Since its inception in 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has been honoring professional truck drivers for their remarkable acts of courage and kindness while on the road. This year marked the first time multiple drivers were recognized for their heroic deeds. Among them are Rosalinda Tejada of Knight Transportation, Howard Robinson of NFI Industries, Tim Chelette of Big G Express, James White of P&S Transportation, and Clark Reed of Nussbaum Transportation.

Source: Transport Topics

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