The Truckload Carriers Association has officially opened nominations for its 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year program. Five drivers will be selected, and each one will walk away with a 20000 dollar cash prize and industrywide recognition. Nominations stay open through December 5, and the winners will be announced at TCA’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida, running February 28 through March 3.

Nominations are submitted online, but here’s the catch: you can’t nominate yourself. Drivers must be employed by a TCA carrier member and put forward by their company. If you’ve got a spotless safety record, help others on and off the road, and make a difference in your fleet, you’re exactly who this award is built for.

TCA Vice President Zander Gambill shared why the program matters so much.
“This program is a powerful way to shine a spotlight on the men and women who represent the very best of our industry,” said Zander Gambill, TCA Vice President. “These drivers not only keep our supply chain moving, they lead, inspire, and set the standard for excellence. We’re incredibly grateful to Love’s and Cummins for their continued partnership in celebrating their achievements.”

Every year, five pros are picked from fleets nationwide. For 2025, the honorees were Perry Carter of Cargo Transporters, Scott Lindsey of Cheema Freightlines, Toby Wallis of Freymiller, Walter Jackson of Landstar, and Gerald Rhoden of Stevens Transport.

Drivers like these prove that professionalism and pride behind the wheel still get noticed. If you think someone in your fleet deserves a shot, or your company wants to put your name forward, now is the window. Programs like this don’t just hand out plaques; they pay real money and shine a light on the drivers who keep the industry moving.

If you want to be nominated, talk to your safety manager, dispatch, or company leadership and let them know the deadline is coming fast.

Image Source: Toby Wallis, a driver for Freymiller, one of TCA’s Professional Drivers of the Year for 2025 (Source: Truckload Carriers Association)

Other Source: Truckers News

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“For nearly four decades, America’s Road Team has set the gold standard in promoting safety and professionalism on our highways,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA. “As we begin the process of selecting a new class of captains, we’re looking for drivers who not only demonstrate excellence behind the wheel but also have a passion for telling our industry’s story and inspiring the next generation of trucking professionals.”

Representing the Best in Trucking

Established in 1986, America’s Road Team brings together drivers with exceptional safety records and a passion for the industry. These captains aren’t just skilled behind the wheel — they also serve as public ambassadors, helping tell the trucking story across the country.

Backed by their employers, captains spend their term traveling in the ATA’s custom Volvo VNL 860 — also known as the Interstate One Image Truck. It’s more than just a truck. Inside, it’s outfitted with a mobile classroom and a simulator designed to give people a deeper look at what driving a truck is really like.

During their time as captains, drivers attend school visits, community events, policy meetings, and industry gatherings to talk about trucking’s impact on daily life and the economy.

Application Details

ATA will select the 2026–2027 captains following in-person evaluations in Washington, D.C., scheduled for January 18–24, 2026.

A panel of industry leaders will review each applicant based on their safety history, communicati.on skills, and industry insight — all key to representing trucking in public spaces.

Drivers interested in applying should go through their carrier. Application materials and eligibility info are available now on ATA’s website.

Strong Support from the Industry

“Volvo Trucks is proud to continue our support of this extraordinary program,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “America’s Road Team captains are powerful voices for the industry, and we look forward to meeting the next group of leaders who will help us continue advocating for safety, professionalism, and opportunity in trucking.”

The most recent team, chosen in early 2024, includes drivers from 14 carriers and together, they’ve logged over 61 million accident-free miles. That group will keep traveling and sharing their experiences through 2025, as the next round of applications gets underway.

“America’s Road Team captains are the face of our industry,” said Nikki Thomas, ATA’s vice president of industry affairs. “They exemplify the best of what trucking has to offer and play a vital role in shifting public perception and inspiring future drivers.”

Stay updated on the America’s Road Team and their events by following ATA’s Facebook page.

Image Source: ATA
Source: The Trucker

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Celebrating Veteran Drivers

Organized by Kenworth, FASTPORT, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, this program aims to highlight America’s top rookie military veteran driver. For 10 years, Kenworth has supported the program by offering an impressive grand prize. This year, the winner will take home a Kenworth T680, complete with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this prestigious award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be a legal resident of the continental U.S. and a military veteran or current/former member of the National Guard or Reserves.
• Graduated from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS, or CVTA member driver training school with a valid CDL.
• Have been hired as a CDL driver by any for-hire carrier or private fleet committed to hiring veterans after January 1, 2024.

Key Dates

• Semi-Finalists Announcement: August 4
• Finalists’ Experience: Finalists will visit Columbus, Ohio, where they will tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, attend a reception, and visit the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant.
• Public Voting: November 1 to 11
• Winner Announcement: December 12 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

The winner of this nationwide search will drive home in a fully equipped Kenworth T680.

To learn more about the full nomination criteria and access the nomination forms, visit the Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence website. Additional details are also available on the websites of FASTPORT and Hiring Our Heroes. Now is the perfect opportunity to honor a veteran trucker who exemplifies excellence!

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Kenworth

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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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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA). This annual honor celebrates exceptional commercial motor vehicle drivers who demonstrate an unwavering dedication to public safety.

Last year’s winner Daryl Tolle (Source: CVSA)

About the Award

The IDEA is designed to highlight professional drivers who exceed the expectations of their role, showcasing exemplary performance and commitment to safe vehicle operation. Eligible candidates must have consistently maintained high safety standards and demonstrated distinction in their careers. Candidates are also expected to exhibit impeccable personal character and meet outlined criteria to qualify for this recognition.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following criteria to be considered for the award:

• Accumulated at least 25 years of crash-free driving in a commercial motor vehicle.

• Maintain a clean driving record for the past three years with no safety-related violations or suspensions.

• Have no felony convictions or disqualifying behavior.

• Exclude minor form and manner infractions from their record.

The IDEA is open to the entire commercial motor vehicle industry, and CVSA membership is not a requirement for nomination.

What the Winner Will Receive

The 2025 IDEA award recipient will receive:

• A $5,000 cash prize and a crystal trophy.

• A complimentary round-trip economy flight to Denver International Airport for them and a guest.

• Accommodations including a two-night stay at the Sheraton Denver Downtown.

• Recognition at the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition awards ceremony on September 24, 2025.

Submitting Nominations

Nominations are open until Friday, May 9. Candidates can be submitted through CVSA’s online application form where all supporting documentation must also be uploaded.

The IDEA Program Committee will oversee the evaluation of all nominations, confirm their validity, and present their recommendations to CVSA’s Executive Committee. The selected recipient will be announced via a news release and will also be featured on CVSA’s website, social media platforms, and in Guardian, CVSA’s quarterly publication.

Learn More

• Looking for additional details? Visit CVSA’s FAQs page for answers to common questions about the IDEA award.

• Take a moment to explore what previous winners have achieved by reviewing the past award recipients.

Sponsored By

This year’s award is proudly sponsored by PrePass Safety Alliance, a nonprofit organization that unites state agencies and industry leaders to promote safety and efficiency across North America’s highways.

Source: Truckers News

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