“The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list honors women for their career accomplishments, their influence on company success, and their contributions to the broader industry,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT President and CEO. “These professionals exemplify the mission and values of Women In Trucking and are impressive leaders to watch in our industry.”

Katy Payne’s Impact on Truck Drivers USA

Katy has built her career from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience in trucking and the challenges drivers face every day. She began focusing on driver retention and then expanded into creating communities where drivers can learn, gain recognition, and thrive. Today, her work guides Truck Drivers USA’s community growth and development strategy.

As Operations Manager, Katy serves as the consistent voice for drivers at Truck Drivers USA. She works to improve the professional image of truck drivers while ensuring they are connected with companies that value and support their careers. Her approach combines operational discipline with empathy, making her a trusted leader in the company’s ongoing evolution.

Key Achievements Over the Past 12–18 Months

• Haul of Fame Launch – Katy developed the Haul of Fame section of the Truck Drivers USA website, giving drivers recognition and visibility to elevate their professional standing.
• Enhanced Driver-to-Company Matching – She led the development of a matching algorithm that connects drivers with companies aligned with their skills, goals, and values.
• Driver Career Coaching Program – Katy is actively developing a career coaching solution to help drivers maximize earning potential and career growth with driver-focused carriers.

Supporting Women in Trucking

Katy also coaches women within Truck Drivers USA, helping them expand their transportation knowledge and understand how economic factors impact drivers and carriers. By amplifying driver stories, she highlights professionalism and diversity in the industry and helps broaden public perception of trucking careers.

About the Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch Program

The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list, now in its ninth year, recognizes women across a variety of roles, including operations, corporate management, sales, HR, technology, and professional driving. Selection is based on character and measurable accomplishments over the past 12 to 18 months. This year’s list includes 75 women from a range of companies, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and industry impact.

Looking Ahead

Katy Payne’s recognition reflects her leadership in building communities for drivers, supporting professional development, and advancing the trucking industry. Her work at Truck Drivers USA continues to strengthen the connection between drivers and the companies that value them, setting a standard for operational excellence and advocacy in transportation.

Congratulations, Katy!

The post Katy Payne of Truck Drivers USA Recognized on the 2026 Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch List appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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.

The post Maverick Transportation’s John Culp Recognized with 2026 TCA Chairman’s Choice Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Nominations are open through February 6, 2026. The Image Team is made up of CDL-holding drivers who are actively working in trucking and willing to share their real-world experiences with audiences inside and outside the industry.

What the Image Team represents

The Image Team was established in 2015 to highlight the role women play behind the wheel and to give drivers a platform to speak directly about their careers. Members of the team come from different segments of trucking and bring a wide range of experience to the role.

Drivers selected for the Image Team take part in activities that may include:

• Media interviews and public speaking
•  Community and industry events
•  Educational outreach
• Ride-alongs that introduce others to trucking careers

The goal is to provide a visible and authentic driver perspective while encouraging more women to consider careers in trucking.

Why WIT says the Image Team matters

WIT leadership says the program is designed to elevate drivers who are passionate about the profession and willing to help move the industry forward.

“Drivers are the heartbeat of our industry, and WIT’s Image Team highlights how rewarding a career behind the wheel can be,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO. “We are excited to showcase women who are passionate about their careers, confident in sharing their stories, and committed to supporting and elevating others across the trucking profession.”

Who is eligible to be nominated

Nominations must be submitted by a current employer or supervisor who supports the driver’s participation and time commitment. Owner-operators are allowed to self-nominate.

To be eligible, nominees must:

• Hold a current CDL and be actively working in trucking
•  Maintain a clean safety record
•  Demonstrate professionalism and a strong safety focus
• Be comfortable with public speaking and media engagement
• Show passion for WIT’s mission
•  Have a presence or willingness to engage on social media

Finalists will participate in interviews during February.

When the 2026 Image Team will be announced

The 2026 Image Team will be revealed during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville on March 27, 2026.

For drivers interested in representing the industry and sharing their story, the Image Team offers a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role while continuing to do the job that keeps freight moving.

Source: AJOT

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Utley is the vice president of government services for Bennett Family of Companies and vice chairman of ATA’s Government Freight Conference. Before trucking, he dedicated nearly 30 years to the U.S. Army, where he learned the kind of discipline and teamwork that later carried over into his work at Bennett.

“Jim served in the Army for nearly three decades, and following his extraordinary service to our nation, he brought his skill, dedication, and fortitude to trucking,” said Ed Gilroy, ATA chief advocacy and public affairs officer. “Jim leads by example, encouraging his colleagues and inspiring the next generation of truckers. His contributions to our advocacy efforts have been indispensable to achieving results that benefit our entire industry.”

At Bennett, Utley’s work centers on improving how carriers interact with the Department of Defense, especially around base access for drivers. He’s also focused on policies that treat drivers with respect and make the movement of sensitive freight safer for everyone on the road.

The ATA noted that Utley played a key role in helping move forward the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act, which aims to fix the outdated credentialing system that has frustrated truckers for years.

Beyond policy, Utley has been a strong voice for the independent contractor model, and he supports programs that bring new people into the industry through ATA’s Women In Motion and LEAD ATA initiatives.

The Cathy Evans Highway to Victory Award is named after longtime ATA lobbyist Cathy Evans and is presented annually to a member who’s made a lasting mark on the Federation’s advocacy work at both state and federal levels.

Previous honorees include well-known industry leaders such as Stormie Janzen of Total Transportation of Mississippi, John Chipman Jr. of Chipman Relocation & Logistics, Mike Card of Combined Transport Inc., Robert Low of Prime Inc., Randy Guillot of Triple G Express, Robert Haag of Perfect Transportation, Greer Woodruff of JB Hunt, Derek Leathers of Werner Enterprises, and Brian Parke of Maine Motor Transport Association.

For Utley, the award reflects not just personal achievement but a reminder of what keeps the industry strong: people who care enough to push for better roads, smarter policies, and more respect for professional drivers.

Image Source: ATA

Other Source: The Trucker

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That’s the idea behind a new initiative from TCA. For a limited time, newly established motor carriers and private fleets can receive 75% off their first year of membership dues.

Why now

TCA explains that this opportunity is possible because the association is in a strong financial position, supported by sound leadership and the continued investment of long-term members. That stability has made it possible to launch a strategic program designed to expand membership, strengthen advocacy, and build a stronger future for the entire industry.

The association notes that this discount comes at a time when trucking is facing some of its toughest challenges — including lawsuit abuse, cargo theft, predatory regulation, and workforce shortages. Problems of this scale, TCA emphasizes, cannot be solved in isolation.

A collective lift

TCA believes that bringing more quality carriers into the fold benefits everyone. With additional members engaged, advocacy efforts grow stronger, benchmarking becomes sharper, and overall industry standards rise.

Importantly, the organization stresses that this initiative isn’t about chasing numbers. It’s about connecting with the carriers who are committed to doing things the right way but may not have had the opportunity to fully engage before.

What members gain

Carriers who take advantage of this initiative will have full access to TCA’s benefits right from the start, including:

• Industry-leading education and professional development
• Profitability benchmarking and peer groups through TPP
• Advocacy on Capitol Hill and with federal regulators
• Networking opportunities that build lasting business relationships
• Recognition programs that highlight safety, innovation, and driver excellence

This is not a limited or trial membership. It’s a full introduction to the TCA experience, built to bring more engaged carriers into the community and strengthen the truckload sector as a whole.

A call to action for current members

TCA stresses that this effort will only be as impactful as the momentum behind it. Members who have already benefited from TCA’s programs, training, and advocacy are encouraged to help spread the word. That could mean referring a carrier, mentoring a new member, or sharing the opportunity within their networks.

The association sees this as a rare opportunity to grow not only in size but in strength and substance. By welcoming more of the right carriers, the trucking community can continue raising standards and building a more unified industry voice.

Those interested in learning more can reach out to Erica Bledsoe, TCA’s Membership Engagement Manager, at 571-444-0314 or ebledsoe@truckload.org, or visit truckload.org.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post TCA launches initiative to give new carriers access to vital resources appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The current surface transportation authorization bill, more commonly referred to as the highway bill, is set to expire on September 30, 2026. Although that deadline is still more than a year away, the legislative groundwork is already underway. In July, the DOT invited the public to weigh in, and on August 29, OOIDA submitted a detailed 14-page response.

In its comments, signed by OOIDA President Todd Spencer, the Association praised recent steps by the DOT but stressed the importance of Congress following through.

“OOIDA applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation’s recent actions improving working conditions for professional truckers and enhancing highway safety in a commonsense, cost-effective manner,” Spencer wrote. “Truckers now need lawmakers to embrace the new approach taken by the White House with as much energy and resolve. We believe this can be done in a bipartisan manner that promotes highway safety, improves driver recruitment and retention, and increases supply chain efficiency. Congress can make the next highway bill the most pro-trucker in history, but only if lawmakers commit to prioritizing their needs.”

What Truckers Want in the Highway Bill

Solving the Truck Parking Shortage

The shortage of safe truck parking has been a pressing issue for decades. OOIDA made clear that it will not support any highway bill that ignores this crisis. The Association is pushing for the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, which allocates $755 million to create new parking spaces nationwide.

“If the next surface transportation reauthorization fails to provide dedicated funding for truck parking, but authorizes even a single penny of funding for new initiatives, OOIDA will use every tool it has to ensure the legislation is defeated,” the Association wrote.

Restroom Access for Drivers

OOIDA also wants lawmakers to include the Trucker Bathroom Access Act, ensuring drivers can use restrooms at shipper and receiver facilities.

“Having access to a restroom is one of the most basic needs for truckers,” the Association explained. “Most Americans take this need for granted and never worry about being denied restroom access where they work. Truckers, who make their living on the road, often depend on restrooms at facilities where they pick up or deliver freight. Unbelievably, professional drivers are frequently denied restroom access at these locations. While this problem affects all truckers, it is particularly burdensome for female drivers.”

Additional Measures Supported by OOIDA

Beyond parking and restrooms, OOIDA is backing several other policies, including:

• The DRIVE Act to block FMCSA from requiring speed limiters
• Stronger broker transparency rules
• The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act to fight freight fraud
• Enforcing existing English-proficiency requirements
• Suspending the non-domiciled CDL program
• Raising entry-level driver training standards
• More flexibility in hours-of-service rules
• Ending self-certification for ELD providers
• DataQ reform for fairer enforcement records
• Improvements to the National Consumer Complaint Database
• Cracking down on predatory lease-purchase programs
• Repealing the Unified Carrier Registration system

What Truckers Oppose

OOIDA also detailed several measures that would harm small-business truckers if included in the bill. Chief among them are proposals to increase truck size and weight limits beyond the current 80,000 pounds.

“OOIDA opposes controversial proposals to increase the size and weight of CMVs, which would reduce safety and adversely impact small trucking businesses,” the Association wrote. “In fact, allowing bigger and heavier trucks on our roads would only benefit shippers and a handful of large corporate motor carriers.”

Other policies OOIDA opposes include:

• Lowering the interstate driving age
• Raising minimum liability insurance requirements
• Requiring electronic identifiers or tracking devices on trucks
• Mandating side underride guards
• Truck-only VMT (vehicle miles traveled) fees
• Mandatory hair testing
• Worker classification rules tied to speed limiter mandates
• The AMERICA DRIVES Act

How to Weigh In

The Department of Transportation is still accepting comments through Monday, September 8. Anyone interested can submit feedback through Regulations.gov by entering the Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468. As of September 2, nearly 2,500 comments had already been filed.

Source: Land Line Media

Image Source: Jared Murray (Unsplash)

The post OOIDA Pushes for Trucker Priorities in Next Highway Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In New York City’s iconic Times Square, a Fentanyl Awareness trailer on loan from Ability Tri-Modal, a member company of the American Trucking Associations, served as a poignant backdrop. Family members who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning stood by to share their stories. At the same time, DEA Administrator Terry Cole and other government and law enforcement officials spoke out about ending this crisis.

After the Times Square event, the trailer was driven by America’s Road Team Captains Sammy Brewster and Teddy Butler, representing ABF Freight System, to Grand Central Station. From there, it was transported in procession toward St. Patrick’s Cathedral before returning to its home base in Ladson, South Carolina.

The urgency of this campaign cannot be overstated. Fentanyl-related poisonings tragically claim about 70,000 American lives each year, equating to roughly one death every five minutes.

Source / Image Source: Truckers News

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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.

This annual gathering puts industry knowledge and experience at the center of major discussions about trucking policies and priorities. By participating, you help ensure the truckload segment remains active in shaping the legislative and regulatory landscape.

Mark Your Calendar: September 29–30, 2025

These Fall Business Meetings give TCA members and guests the chance to connect directly with key decision-makers and peers. Attendees learn about industry developments, the latest trends, and policy updates affecting daily operations and the sector’s future.

Whether this is your first TCA event or you’ve attended for years, your involvement helps drive actionable change that supports professional drivers, carriers, and everyone in the truckload industry.

What’s on the Agenda at the Fall Business Meetings

On September 29, the focus will turn to committee meetings and guest presentations that dive deep into the hot topics for truckload carriers. You’ll get updates and insights on:

• Creative solutions for driver recruitment and retention

• New ideas to improve truck parking availability

• Legislative news on zero-emission vehicles

• Progress on drug testing regulations

• Initiatives for young drivers and workforce development

• Funding proposals and highway safety measures

• Programs to build a stronger image for trucking and grow TCA membership

Everyone is invited—committee membership is not required to attend meetings or participate in discussions.

Why the Call on Washington Matters

September 30 is all about advocating for our industry on Capitol Hill. TCA’s Call on Washington allows members to meet one-on-one with lawmakers, staff, and officials who influence the rules and regulations governing trucking.

Participants address current topics such as:

• Size and weight guidelines for trucks

• Evolving classification rules for independent contractors

• Federal Excise Tax (FET) updates and highway funding

• Solutions for ongoing truck parking shortages

This is a valuable moment to have your perspective heard at the highest levels, influence legislative processes, and represent the interests of carriers nationwide.

Please note: The Call on Washington portion is open exclusively to TCA members.

Register and Make a Difference

Secure your spot for these meaningful industry events at tcafallcall.com. Registration gives you access to key meetings, learning opportunities, and a direct path to advocating for the future of trucking.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

The post Get Involved with TCA’s 2025 Fall Business Meetings & Call on Washington appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Shared Struggle for Trucking Companies

“Directly or indirectly, virtually all trucking companies are victims of cargo theft. Either they are victims of crime, or they are spending so much money to defend against being targeted that they are still victims,” said Costello. “ATA looks forward to working with committee members to safeguard the entire supply chain, including trucking, to protect businesses and their employees as well as lower costs for consumers.”

Congress has recurringly focused on cargo theft, with ATA stepping in as an essential voice twice in under two months.

The Staggering Cost of Cargo Theft

According to ATA data, freight-related crimes cost the supply chain up to $35 billion annually, indirectly driving up consumer prices. Since early 2021, “strategic theft” has skyrocketed by 1,500%, with the average value of stolen shipments exceeding $200,000 per incident.

Cargo theft takes various forms, from breaking into parked tractor-trailers and double-brokering fraud to cyberattacks and long-term pilfering. Criminals increasingly use advanced digital tactics to outwit carriers.

During testimony earlier this year, Adam Blanchard, an ATA member, shared a firsthand account of cargo theft. Blanchard’s company fell victim to identity theft and related fraud. Despite reporting the crimes to insurance providers, local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security, little actionable support was provided.

A Complex Crime Demanding Federal Action

“Due to the complex, multi-jurisdictional nature of these crimes, only the federal government has the resources and technical capabilities to take down organized theft groups,” ATA stated in a press release.

Recognizing this challenge, ATA recently endorsed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, designed to establish a unified federal response to these transnational crimes. ATA emphasized that organized cargo theft rings often operate across state and national boundaries, which demands a cohesive, large-scale federal strategy.

As part of its 2024 agenda, ATA has also prioritized security measures, including the fight against cargo theft and cybercrime, as essential pillars supporting the trucking industry and protecting businesses and consumers.

Cargo theft is no longer just a trucking issue; it’s a supply chain-wide crisis with profound national economic implications. Addressing this threat is crucial for businesses and lawmakers alike to ensure a more stable, secure, and cost-efficient flow of goods.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: ATA

The post ATA Advocates Against Rising Cargo Theft appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.