Lindsey, a driver with Cheema Freightlines, was named one of the Truckload Carriers Association Professional Drivers of the Year for 2025 and was recognized during the association’s annual convention earlier this year.

The recognition gave Lindsey more than an award. It gave him access to industry discussions that most drivers never see.

Seeing the industry beyond the cab

As part of the honor, Lindsey participated in multiple TCA events, including the Safety and Security Meeting held June 8–10 in Louisville, Kentucky. During that meeting, he participated in the “View from the Driver’s Seat” panel, which brought together drivers and industry leaders to discuss safety, operations, and decision-making.

“It gave me a whole new perspective and outlook on the industry,” he said of the Safety and Security Meeting as a whole. “I’ve been on the driver’s side of it for all these years, and then to see what goes on behind the scenes was really an eye-opener.”

That exposure, Lindsey says, helps him better prepare new drivers for the realities of the job, especially at Cheema Freightlines, where he now plays a role in mentoring and training.

Before joining Cheema, Lindsey spent 26 years in a similar role at Gordon Trucking before the company was sold.

Experience that benefits both drivers and carriers

Cheema’s leadership points to Lindsey’s background as a key reason he has been effective both on the road and as a mentor.

“Scott (Lindsey) brought decades of safe driving experience to Cheema,” said Rob Newell, Cheema’s vice president of driver services. “Along with that came a broad understanding of basic priorities necessary to be successful as a driver and a trucking company.”

Lindsey’s trucking career began well before modern training programs existed. After serving in the Air Force, he discovered that military driving experience was not recognized for commercial trucking at the time. He attended an eight-week truck driving school, completed 300 hours behind the wheel, and earned a Washington state chauffeur’s license that was later converted into a CDL.

Looking back, Lindsey believes that depth of training is missing from many programs today.

“The school was informative, and we had to have 300 hours behind the wheel,” he said of his driver training. “I wish schools today were like that one, because the drivers that are coming out of these schools today — they’re not ready. They’re trained to pass the CDL test, but not to be truck drivers.”

Trusted voice in equipment and technology decisions

Beyond training, Cheema has relied on Lindsey’s experience when evaluating new equipment and systems. His real-world feedback has helped the carrier make decisions that affect drivers across the fleet.

“Most recently, he was selected among 10 drivers who were early adopters of our new Platform Science telematics system,” Newell said. “He and that group attended a full day of training. He was instrumental in assisting us with the development and integration of the system as we customized it for our specific requirements from the road up.”

That trust goes both ways. Lindsey describes Cheema as a company that backs its drivers with actions, not just words.

“When you come to work for Cheema, you don’t come to work for a company. You become part of the family,” he said. “If they tell you something, you can take it to the bank.”

Support when it mattered most

During an interview with Truckload Authority, Lindsey shared how that support became especially meaningful during the illness and loss of his wife two years ago.

“I took her to the doctor, and they said the medications weren’t working anymore,” he said, explaining that he spoke with Harman Cheema, the company’s president and CEO, about the situation and the time he needed away.

“I told Harman, ‘I got your truck here in my yard. What do you want me to do with it (while I take care of my wife?” Lindsey recalled. “He asked me if the location was safe and told me to hang on to it. That truck sat there for three months — no phone calls, no pressure. That was more valuable to me than any amount of pay raise or anything.”

Giving back to drivers on and off the road

Lindsey’s commitment to other drivers extends beyond training and advice. Living near Cheema’s terminal in Albany, Oregon, he makes a point of opening his home during the holidays.

“Guys that are stuck out on the road, they can at least come to the house and have a nice meal,” he said.

When it comes to advice for new drivers, Lindsey keeps it practical.

“Practice patience; don’t get in a hurry,” he said. “Also, trip plan, trip plan, trip plan. Regardless of GPS or routing messages, you still have to plan out your trip.”

He also encourages drivers to use available tools to reduce surprises at delivery points.

“You can see your way in — where the docks are and everything — so when you get there, you’re not going in blind,” he explained. “Use the technology and tools that are given to you to make your job easier.”

Life on the road and the value of companionship

Lindsey is also an advocate for carrier pet programs and travels with his dog, Tripod.

“(Having a pet along) makes a big difference for drivers’ physical and mental well-being,” he said. “Tripod is my rock. He keeps me grounded. He keeps me sane.”

Newell says Lindsey’s professionalism and willingness to help others set the standard at Cheema.

“Scott has also been a great team player — or ‘Cheemate’ as we like to say — and he’s always willing to assist other drivers as needed.”

With no immediate plans to retire, Lindsey expects to continue sharing his experience and helping drivers succeed well into the future.

This story originally appeared in the January-February 2026 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Source: The Trucker

The post How TCA Driver of the Year Scott Lindsey Uses Experience to Strengthen Drivers and Carriers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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

The post Nomination Deadline for TCA’s Driver of the Year Award Coming Up Fast appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Selected from a pool of elite candidates, Carter’s recognition underscores his lifelong commitment to safe driving, community service, and advocacy for his fellow veterans. The Driver of the Year award, accompanied by an exclusive prize package, will be officially presented at a special event this summer at Cargo Transporters’ terminal in Claremont, North Carolina.

Honoring a Legacy of Excellence

“Perry exemplifies what it means to be a professional driver, a servant leader and an industry ambassador,” stated Matthew Sheffield, marketing and public relations coordinator at Cargo Transporters. “He has the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community service, and is a powerful voice for veteran causes and a dedicated advocate within the trucking community.”

Carter, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is celebrated for his remarkable leadership and selflessness. His efforts to support organizations aiding veterans stand as key pillars of his inspiring story. These organizations include Ride of Pride-DTNA Cleveland, American Legion Posts, Purple Heart Homes, and American Warriors of Liberty, NC.

Carter also drives Cargo Transporters’ Ride of Pride tractor, The Carolina, a military-themed Freightliner honoring veterans.

A Stellar Career Behind the Wheel

“Perry has also maintained a flawless safety record over nearly 3 million miles and 32 years, over two decades of which have been with Cargo Transporters,” said DMC. His long-standing dedication to safe and efficient driving played a major role in earning him this accolade.

Perry’s deep ties to the trucking industry go beyond the driver’s seat. His roles as a 2024 TCA Driver of the Year and a 2025 ATA Road Team Captain further highlight his influence and impact. On top of that, his participation in Truck Driving Championships and involvement in advocacy efforts for both community and industry causes showcase the qualities that set him apart from his peers.

The DMC Insurance Driver of the Year Award

This award is presented annually by DMC Insurance to acknowledge outstanding drivers among its customers. Candidates are nominated by their respective organizations, with each company having the chance to submit up to three names.

For more information about the DMC Insurance Driver of the Year Award, click here.

Image Source: DMC
Source: The Trucker

The post Perry Carter Named DMC Insurance’s 2025 Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

But when unloading the journey of Rose Rojo, one of the five esteemed drivers acknowledged by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) as a 2023 Professional Driver of the Year, you’ll discover a rather unconventional route.

In 2000, Rose Rojo’s former husband enrolled in a trucking school. This was a time when the number of women joining the industry was very small.

“When I first started driving, whenever we arrived for a drop-off or pick-up, my ex-husband went inside and handled the business side of things,” she said. “He protected me from the awkward looks and snide comments. I just drove the truck… Today, I believe women make up about 12% of drivers, so it’s not as bad as it was, but we are still fighting to gain acceptance.”

Rose played a significant role in assisting her ex-husband in earning his CDL, as he was not fluent in English. She attended classes with him and helped him interpret the coursework. She retained and understood the material well, and when the time came for testing, the instructor told Rose, “You’ve already taken the class — why not go ahead and get your CDL?”

The rest, as they say, is history. Rose Rojo has now dedicated more than two decades to the trucking industry.

Rose and her ex-husband started their journey in the industry as an owner-operator driving team, predominantly transporting grain through the Texas Panhandle. After about six years on the road, Rose decided to step away from the trucking world and took up a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Texas. The allure of the open road called her back, and by 2010, she re-entered the world of trucking, driving for C.R. England.

Over the course of her career, she has worked with approximately four different carriers, including an eight-year stint with John Christner Trucking in Sapulpa, Okla. At Christner, she was nominated for TCA Driver of the Year, following similar accolades from the Oklahoma Trucking Association. Now, she drives for R.E. Garrison, an employee-owned carrier based in Alabama.

What captivates Rose the most about truck driving is the opportunity to travel, a passion close to her heart. Though the trucking profession is often perceived as solitary, Rose Rojo is wholeheartedly a people person.

She acts as a mentor for new drivers, enjoying the opportunity to share her experiences and wisdom, particularly with women considering truck driving. Additionally, she embarks on annual mission trips to Honduras, where she provides school supplies to children and aids in distributing essential items.

“I love helping people,” Rojo said. “It’s my goal to help those less fortunate than myself.”

Her ultimate passion, however, lies in supporting abused and neglected children. Having personally experienced child abuse, Rose can empathize with children who face similar struggles.

“I’m super proud of what I’ve overcome,” she said.

Rose is proud not just of what she has overcome in her personal life but also of her professional life and how the two are connected for her.

“From my background, going from foster home to foster home, I was able to become an owner-operator, owning my own business. You can do it. You have to keep that mindset. Nothing is impossible to achieve.”

When questioned about the challenges she confronts on a daily basis as a truck driver, Rose highlights the scarcity of secure truck parking and adequate facilities as a significant concern. While recognizing the importance of monitoring driving hours, she expresses her worries that truck drivers might sometimes be subjected to excessive regulation.

“With ELDs, once you start the clock you can’t stop it,” she said. “You are generally forced to do this or forced to do that. Let the driver choose, and I think it would be easier on drivers, and it would ease the problem of truck parking.”

In regards to her goals going forward, it’s simple to Rose.

“I’m just down to earth. I want to help … and make the world a better place,” she said.

Whether she’s steering a truck, embarking on journeys to Central America, or serving as a mentor to others, Rose has achieved remarkable milestones in her career, and her distinction as a TCA Professional Driver of the Year is well earned.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: The Trucker

The post Rose Rojo Awarded TCA Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

To nominate a deserving driver, visit www.tcaprofessionaldriversoftheyear.com. Winners will be announced at TCA’s Annual Convention in Nashville from March 23 to 26, 2024.

“We are thrilled with the success of the revamped TCA Professional Drivers of the Year awards program,” said TCA President Jim Ward. “We are proud to shine a spotlight on our industry’s incredible truck drivers who not only tirelessly deliver goods and keep our economy moving, but they also make amazing contributions within their communities and at home. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Loves and Cummins for their support, which has been instrumental in making this program possible throughout the years.”

“Every day, the Love’s Travel Stops’ team strives to make life on the road easier for professional truck drivers,” said Jon Archard, Love’s Travel Stops’ vice president of Fleet Sales. “These underappreciated heroes impact each and every one of us as they perform one of our country’s most demanding and important jobs. We are honored, once again, to recognize those drivers who set the highest standard for the industry mile after mile.”

José Samperio, vice president and general manager of the North American On-highway business for Cummins Inc. said, “Many truckers are responsible for more than just safely transporting the goods we rely upon in our daily lives. When they aren’t logging miles, they are also responsible for community involvement, peer leadership, and improving their respective company cultures. Cummins is honored to continue to support the TCA Professional Driver of the Year program that rewards those drivers who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the world around them.”

Source: Truckers News

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