The honors were announced during TMC’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, where technicians, fleet leaders, and industry partners were recognized for their service to both the council and the trucking industry.

“TMC strives to advance the professional standards for commercial vehicle maintenance in our industry and has done so for 70 years,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “We have leaders across our organization, but the technicians and executives we honor here set and raise the bar for excellence in this industry every day.”

Recognized Associates

Several professionals were named Recognized Associates for their contributions to the council and the industry.

• Bailey Stephenson, Alcoa Wheels
• Bob Cornwell, ASE
• Kristy Coffman, Mitchell 1
• Greg Matheson, The Lubrizol Corporation

Leonard Wheatley of FleetPro, Inc., received the Distinguished Service Provider Award.

Additional award recipients

TMC also recognized individuals and organizations across several categories tied closely to real shop and fleet operations.

• Excellence in Maintenance Supervision Award: Paul Snyder, Truck Fleet Management Services
• Gerri Murphy Membership Leadership Award: Peter Savage, Clarke Power Services, Inc.
• Uncle Darrell Hicks TMC Mentor Award: Kenneth Calhoun, Altec Industries
• Corporate Engagement Achievement Award: PITT OHIO
• Peggy Fisher Study Group Leadership Award: Randy Obermeyer, Online Transport, Inc.

Leadership program graduates

The council also announced the graduation of its seventh group from the TMC of Tomorrow Leadership Development Program, which focuses on building the next generation of leaders in trucking.

• Valedictorian: Steve Smith, Hill International Trucks
• Kyle Kinslow, Bluegrass Dedicated LLC
• Erin Acker, Messer North America, Inc.
• Matthew Kelly, Greenbush Logistics

What it means for the industry

Recognition like this highlights the people who keep equipment reliable and operations running day to day.

For drivers, it shows up in equipment that is ready to go. For fleets, it comes down to consistency, fewer disruptions, and stronger maintenance practices across the board.

At the end of the day, the people recognized here are part of what keeps trucks moving.

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A total of 18 professionals from carrier and associate member companies were chosen for the upcoming class. The program is designed to help participants deepen their understanding of the trucking industry while building leadership skills and professional networks that extend beyond their current roles.

The class will be formally introduced during TCA’s Annual Convention, scheduled for February 28 through March 3 in Orlando, Florida.

Purpose of the Elevate Program

TCA launched Elevate to prepare emerging leaders for long-term careers in trucking by exposing them to industry operations, policy discussions, and peer collaboration. Participants take part in a structured mix of in-person meetings, assigned projects, educational sessions, and virtual programming throughout the year.

“Elevate has quickly become an important platform for developing and connecting the next generation of trucking leaders,” said Zander Gambill, TCA’s vice president. “The program continues to grow in both reach and impact, offering participants valuable access to industry insights, leadership development, and peer-to-peer connections that support long-term career success.”

2026 Elevate Young Leadership Class

The Class of 2026 represents a range of roles across operations, safety, recruiting, insurance, legal services, and fleet management. Selected participants include:

• Tyler Atkinson, vice president of customer relations, Northern Logistics
• Riley Braegger, vice president of operations, Tramcor Corp.
• Liam Conroy, transportation specialist, TrueNorth Companies LC
• Megan Eddy, human resource generalist, America’s Service Line
• Andrew Hummer, vice president of operations, Don Hummer Trucking Corp.
• Jerrit Judie, recruiting supervisor, National Carriers Inc.
• Toni Jones, senior vice president and chief brokering officer, Alliant Insurance Services
• Marc Leggio, vice president of operations, Greater Omaha Express
• Tim Livingstone, manager of fleet, facility, and fuel, Kriska Transportation Group
• Lee Meier, marketing manager, CAT Scale Co.
• Kurt Plummer, president and owner, Logisticize
• Michael Reed, partner, Scopelitis Law Firm
• Ben Rima, sales executive, Cottingham and Butler
• Kaedon Steinert, operations manager, Hurricane Express
• Julie Strokos, sales team lead, Tenstreet
• Ty Walker, chief operating officer and director of finance, Stokes Trucking LLC
• Mark Wnuk, director of trailer maintenance, Landstar Transportation Logistics Inc.
• Cristina Ungureanu, safety manager, KPO Logistics Inc.

What Participants Can Expect

Throughout 2026, Elevate participants will engage in leadership development activities alongside peers from across the industry. The program blends education with practical collaboration, giving participants exposure to perspectives from carriers, service providers, and industry organizations.

TCA positions the Elevate program as part of its broader effort to support continuity and leadership development within trucking as the industry faces workforce transitions and long-term operational challenges.

Program Information

Those seeking additional information about the TCA Elevate Young Leadership Program can contact Erica Bledsoe at 571-444-0314 or via email at ebledsoe@truckload.org.

Source: The Trucker

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Fleet Advantage (FA) proudly announced its “Driving Success” podcast as the recipient of the prestigious Trailblazer Award from the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA).

“We are incredibly pleased to receive this recognition from TMSA,” shared Katerina Jones, CMO at FA. “Driving Success was developed as a way to bring relevant, timely, and insightful conversations to transportation professionals across all levels of experience. This award is a reflection of our team’s creativity, commitment, and deep understanding of the industry’s evolving needs. It also validates our broader strategy of meeting audiences where they are—through accessible and impactful digital content.”

The TMSA Trailblazer Awards

The Trailblazer Awards honor innovation, creativity, and measurable results in marketing and sales within the transportation sector. Each year, TMSA recognizes organizations that craft forward-thinking, data-driven campaigns that contribute meaningfully to their industries. Fleet Advantage garnered this accolade for its ability to elevate brand presence, deliver purpose-driven content, and achieve business outcomes.

The Impact of “Driving Success”

Launched in 2024, Fleet Advantage’s “Driving Success” podcast was designed to attract a younger, tech-savvy audience, blending education and thought leadership with the goal of increasing brand awareness. The podcast’s episodes explore key transportation topics, including fleet asset management, financing strategies, safety initiatives, and regulatory updates, all tailored to the evolving needs of industry professionals.

Fleet Advantage celebrated several milestones in the podcast’s first year:

• 600% growth in views and listens
• Enhanced engagement with clients and prospects
• Strengthened relationships with existing customers

The podcast became an integral tool in Fleet Advantage’s digital content strategy, bolstered by partnerships, syndication across LinkedIn and YouTube, social media campaigns, and email promotions. Episodes such as Navigating the CARB Prebuy, Fleet Management: State of the Industry, and the Summer of Safety micro-series have resonated strongly with listeners, serving as valuable resources for education and community building.

Judges and Industry Praise

The podcast’s innovation and execution drew high praise from TMSA competition judges.

“I love a podcast and know how challenging it can be to keep it going. Kudos for captions—so important. This effort lays the foundation for a full content marketing strategy,” noted one judge.

Another commented, “An interesting and very well-thought-out project. The execution is impressive.”

More Than a Podcast

Episodes addressing important topics, like the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week and National Tire Safety Week, showcased the brand’s dedication to industry well-being and road safety. These campaigns also highlighted Fleet Advantage’s ability to connect with its audience on current events, further cementing its role as a thought leader.

Fleet Advantage’s marketing team, including Jones and marketing and digital coordinator Tracy Derival, accepted the award during the 2025 TMSA ELEVATE Conference’s Blazer’s Bash.

The podcast is available for streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms.

Explore Fleet Advantage’s award-winning podcast today and stay ahead in the transportation industry.

(Image Source: Fleet Advantage) Fleet Advantage’s CMO Katerina Jones and marketing and digital coordinator Tracy Derival accept the MSA Trailblazer Award for FA’s “Driving Success” podcast. Source: The Trucker

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A Gathering for the Industry’s Movers and Shapers

“Get ready to be inspired by the best in the business at trucking’s foremost event for policy and strategy,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.

As new leadership takes shape in Washington, D.C., MCE offers a timely forum to reflect on the industry’s accomplishments and to strategize how to keep advancing. The conference draws top minds and decision-makers from across the sector, making it the ideal venue to align on priorities and set the tone for what’s ahead.

“At MCE, our members will chart the course to a bright future,” Spear added.

This Year’s Theme: Unity in a Time of Change

With the theme “A United Front Driving Policy in a New Era,” this year’s MCE emphasizes the power of collaboration. As the trucking industry navigates legislative shifts and rapid technological advancement, the event will spotlight the strategies that unite stakeholders in pursuit of progress.

From the moment you arrive in San Diego, you’ll find yourself immersed in a dynamic environment where big ideas take center stage—and where the conversations help drive real change.

What You’ll Gain from Attending MCE 2025

Build Powerful Connections
Network with fellow professionals, industry veterans, and business leaders in one of the most engaged trucking communities in the country.

Tackle Industry Challenges Together
Participate in interactive workshops and sessions that promote real-time collaboration and forward-thinking problem-solving.

Hear from Leading Voices
Keynote presentations and expert panels will deliver critical updates, policy insights, and strategic takeaways you can apply right away.

Discover the Latest Innovations
Explore the expansive MCE Exhibit Hall, where cutting-edge equipment, tools, and tech are showcased to help businesses operate smarter and more efficiently.

Celebrate the Industry
End your conference experience on a high note with exciting entertainment and social events designed to foster connection and community.

Hear Why Leaders Keep Coming Back

“MCE is a can’t-miss event for every professional engaged in the trucking industry,” said ATA Chairman Dennis Dellinger.

He continued, “The insightful updates from experts, the illuminating networking conversations, and the innovations showcased on the exhibit floor provide unparalleled opportunities to advance careers and businesses. I encourage my peers to take advantage of all that MCE has to offer, and I look forward to reconnecting in San Diego.”

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

If you’re serious about staying ahead in trucking, this is the event that belongs on your calendar. From navigating new policy landscapes to exploring emerging technologies, the 2025 ATA Management Conference and Exhibition is where industry progress begins.

Register now at mce.trucking.org and be part of the movement shaping the future of trucking.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: ATA

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PennDOT received the prestigious Grand Prize for its swift actions on the I-95/Cottman Avenue Emergency Response project. WVDOT’s innovative Wellsburg Bridge project won the People’s Choice Award, recognized for bridging the gap between communities that had long been disconnected.

“We are incredibly proud of the two winning projects, which demonstrate how both states respond to their residents’ needs, whether through emergency repairs or reconnecting communities,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

PennDOT was tested in June 2023, when a devastating fire, sparked by a fuel tanker accident, shut down a crucial stretch of I-95 in Philadelphia—a major north-south corridor. In just 12 days, PennDOT’s $4.5 million project team created a temporary wall and roadway to restore this essential route, providing a swift solution to an unexpected challenge.

The $168 million Wellsburg Bridge project by WVDOT restored a long-needed link between Brilliant, Ohio, and Wellsburg, West Virginia. Before the bridge, the communities were connected only by a ferry service, which had since ceased. This project shortened travel times by eliminating a 30-minute detour and maintained barge traffic flow on the river throughout construction.

Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America’s Transportation Awards honor state transportation projects that make a positive impact on local communities nationwide. This year’s program saw 106 nominations from 39 states.

Both winning projects were awarded $10,000, which recipients can donate to a charity or a scholarship related to transportation.

Source: Truckers News

Image: ASHTO

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