NASTC President David Owen kicked off the Thursday, October 23, program by recognizing the 2025 “America’s Best Drivers” team, which consists of twenty outstanding professional truck drivers nominated by NASTC member companies. Together, these drivers represent an incredible 585 years of combined over-the-road experience and an astonishing 51,442,500 accident-free miles.

Owen also presented this year’s Best Broker award to S-2 (Solutions Source), a long-standing member of NASTC’s Best Brokers group. “No NASTC member has ever lost a dime working with one of our Best Brokers,” Owen said, reflecting on the program’s strong reputation since its creation in 1991.

Honoring the New NASTC Transportation Ambassadors

In a new initiative for 2025, NASTC introduced three Transportation Ambassadors, individuals who’ve gone above and beyond to represent trucking in a positive light. The inaugural honorees included Tony Justice, Ingrid Brown, and Lindsay Lawler, all known for using their platforms to champion professional drivers and tell the real story of life behind the wheel.

“We have a real problem in trucking. We’re politically incorrect,” Owen said during the ceremony. “The only people who appreciate us are the people inside this industry, and one of the challenges we have is trying to create a realistic view of big trucks. The people we’re recognizing tonight are people who’ve really helped do that, giving of themselves 100 different ways to help us show what you guys are all about.”

While longtime advocate and driver Ingrid Brown was unable to attend due to health reasons, Owen paid tribute to her years of leadership and public advocacy for truckers. “I’ve known her for probably 25 years,” he said. “She’s been a voice for truck drivers and a bridge to the public, showing what trucking really means.”

Music, Radio, and Trucking Come Together

Both Lindsay Lawler and Tony Justice attended the Nashville event in person. “This award brings together my professional lives, which are music, radio, and trucking,” Lawler said. “I agree wholeheartedly with you, Dave, that I think we do a really great job telling each other how great trucking is, but we need to get the outside world to see it, too.”

Justice, who spent years on the road before turning to music, echoed that sentiment. “My heroes have always been truck drivers,” he said. “My dad was one. I don’t remember a time in my life when both [music and trucking] weren’t a part of my life.” He thanked the small fleet owners and pro drivers in attendance, adding, “You guys are the ones that don’t wait around for people to pat you on the back. This country can’t survive without you.”

America’s Best Drivers: The 2025 Honorees

Each of the 20 drivers honored this year represents the very best in safety, professionalism, and long-term commitment to trucking. Their accident-free mileage numbers speak volumes about their dedication:

• Travis Lauer, Alpha Drivers Transportation – 16 years, 1.4M miles
• Aaron Hayes, Black Diamond Transport – 24 years, 3.08M miles
• Brian Pregler, Capela Transport – 16 years, 1.7M miles
• Jack Rensing, Circle R Xpress – 49 years, 4M miles
• Roger Zima, Foltz Trucking – 42 years, 5M miles
• Baldo Reyes, Four Star Greenhouse Sales & Trans – 25 years, 2.21M miles
• Richard Johnson, Gold Standard Transportation – 54 years, 1.6M miles
• Mike Adcock, Hahn & Phillips Grease Company – 47 years, 4.8M miles
• Violet Holmes, Kisatchie Midnight Express – 38 years, 400K miles
• Jerry Ballo, Long Haul Trucking – 18 years, 2.2M miles
• William Edgin, Millwood Trucking – 25 years, 3M miles
• Christopher Lanning, Naeve Inc. – 20 years, 2M miles
• Charles Yahnke, Ohio Eastern Express – 25 years, 3.5M miles
• Justin Baldwin, Pleasant Valley Transport – 17 years, 1.5M miles
• Ken Schulz, QLF Transportation – 30 years, 3.2M miles
• Billy Ross, Southern Illinois Motor Xpress – 22 years, 2M miles
• Doug Hartman, Spoerl Trucking – 41 years, 2M miles
• Calvin Dean, TAC Transport – 25 years, 3.75M miles
• Jonathan Rejman, Venice Enterprise – 26 years, 1M miles
• Dan Stilp, Waletich Transportation – 29 years, 3.1M miles

Each of these drivers represents what’s best about small trucking — independence, resilience, and a shared commitment to keeping America’s freight moving safely and efficiently.

NASTC also confirmed that its 2026 Annual Conference will return to Nashville next year, running October 29–31.

Source: Overdrive

Image: Overdrive

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A Well-Organized Event

Lori pointed out that MATS 2025 stood out for its thoughtful layout, which made it easy for attendees to navigate various sectors of the industry. “They grouped recruiting, technology, etc., together so that you could truly contrast and compare similar solutions,” Lori noted. This organization helped everyone make the most of their time at the event by focusing on the most relevant solutions.

Big Innovations in a Smaller Show

“While the event was smaller compared to previous years, it was packed with fresh ideas and new solutions, and non-traditional approaches to trucking,” Lori continued. Despite its reduced size, the event remained a significant platform for showcasing the latest advancements in the trucking industry.

Game-Changing Technologies

There were a couple of noteworthy innovations that stood out to Lori.  “There was a portable tire changing solution that allowed drivers to change tires without depending on outside vendors to get them moving again,” she explained. This product enables drivers to minimize downtime and keep their trucks running smoothly and efficiently.

Another noteworthy innovation was an AI-powered app designed to streamline business operations for owner-operators. “This new app assists owner-operators in finding a load, negotiating the rates, dispatching the truck, and providing back-office assistance through the entire process,” Lori noted. This app is part of a broader trend towards automation, helping drivers manage their businesses more effectively.

Driver-Focused Tech in Recruitment

MATS 2025 also highlighted the rise of driver-focused apps that streamline the recruitment process. “I talked with two vendors who were capturing the driver profile and sharing it directly with trucking companies,” Lori said. These apps aim to redefine the way driver data is collected and shared, making it easier for drivers to connect with potential employers.

Building Industry Connections

Networking remains a key component of MATS, and this year, Lori took full advantage of the opportunity to expand her professional connections. “I attended a few events with recruiting leaders and walked away with a broader network,” she shared. Events like MATS are a great way to build valuable relationships that can lead to new business opportunities and insights.

Tackling the Truck Parking Crisis

Parking remains a significant challenge for truckers, and this year’s MATS addressed this issue with several new ideas. “There were several parking solutions that allow drivers to use an app to find and book parking. We are seeing an upgrade in safe parking options. Drivers deserve a place to rest in a secure environment,” Lori explained. These innovations are crucial in enhancing safety and ensuring drivers have reliable places to rest during long hauls.

Looking Ahead

MATS 2025 reaffirmed the trucking industry’s commitment to innovation, with new technologies set to improve both efficiency and the overall driver experience. From AI-driven business tools to improved parking solutions, the event showcased how the industry is evolving rapidly.

Image Source: TomTom

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“This year, the Best Fleets continued to invest in new and creative programs to enhance the workplace experience for drivers,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO. “Despite what’s been a tough economy the past couple of years for fleets, the Best Fleets Top 20 and Hall of Fame members have continued to show that the well-being of their drivers remains a top priority.”

Recognizing Excellence in Trucking

The Best Fleets to Drive For program celebrates companies that prioritize exceptional workplace environments for their drivers and independent contractors. To qualify for the program, for-hire carriers operating at least 10 tractor-trailers must be nominated by a current driver or owner-operator.

Companies are then evaluated on various criteria, such as driver pay, benefits, human resources strategies, operational practices, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance initiatives. To ensure a comprehensive assessment, surveys are also conducted with drivers and independent contractors to gauge their satisfaction with the fleet’s work environment.

The companies with the highest scores are named to the prestigious Best Fleets to Drive For list. Those that have earned the recognition for 10 consecutive years—or for seven consecutive years with an overall winner distinction—are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

2025 Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For

• America’s Service Line – Green Bay, Wis.

• American Central Transport – Kansas City, Mo.

• Brenny Specialized Inc. – St. Joseph, Minn.

• C.A.T. Inc. – Coteau-du-Lac, QC

• Challenger Motor Freight Inc. – Cambridge, ON

• Chief Carriers Inc. – Grand Island, NE

• Continental Express Inc. – Sidney, Ohio

• Crawford Trucking – Des Moines, Iowa

• Decker Truck Line Inc. – Fort Dodge, Iowa

• Fortigo Freight Services Inc. – Etobicoke, ON

• Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc. – Fremont, NE

• Ippolito Transportation – Burlington, ON

• K & J Trucking Inc. – Sioux Falls, SD

• Kriska Holdings Limited – Prescott, ON

• Leonard’s Express Inc. – Farmington, N.Y.

• PGT Trucking Inc. – Aliquippa, Pa.

• Thomas E. Keller Trucking Inc. – Defiance, Ohio

• TLD Logistics Services Inc. – Knoxville, Tenn.

• TransLand – Strafford, Mo.

• Wellington Motor Freight – Aberfoyle, ON

2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

• Bison Transport Inc. – Winnipeg, MB

• Boyle Transportation (an Andlauer Healthcare Group Company) – Billerica, Mass.

• Central Oregon Truck Company (a TFI International Company) – Redmond, Ore.

• FTC Transportation Inc. – Oklahoma City, Okla.

• Garner Trucking, Inc. – Findlay, Ohio

• Grand Island Express – Grand Island, NE

• Halvor Lines, Inc. – Superior, Wis.

• Nussbaum Transportation Services Inc. – Hudson, Ill.

• Prime Inc. – Springfield, Mo.

• Transpro Freight Systems Limited – Milton, ON

Honorable Mentions (Fleets to Watch)

CarriersEdge has also recognized five additional carriers as Fleets to Watch for their noteworthy efforts this year:

• Quality Carriers Inc. – Tampa, Fla.

• S&H Express Inc. – York, Pa.

• Steve’s Livestock Transport – Blumenort, MB

• USXL – Foristell, Mo.

• Williams Dedicated, LLC – Michigan City, Ind.

Awards Event and Future Insights

From the Top 20, CarriersEdge will announce two standout fleets—one in the large fleet category and one in the small fleet category—at the Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference, scheduled for March 3-4 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C.

During the conference, the Stratosphere Award will also be presented to the highest-scoring fleet in the Hall of Fame category. Attendees will gain access to in-depth data and insights, including statistics, trends, and innovative initiatives from this year’s top-performing fleets.

The conference, sponsored by EpicVue, TruckRight, and Netradyne, promises to be a valuable resource for trucking companies looking to enhance their operations and improve workplace experiences for drivers.

Source: The Trucker

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March 23-26, 2024 Nashville, TN

Leadership at Every Level

Truckload 2024: Nashville is the premier event for truckload professionals looking to make new connections and educate themselves on the latest trends in the industry.

Join 1500+ attendees in Nashville from March 23-26 for the 2024 Convention to get educated on the latest truckload issues and best practices, check out the latest products in the 120+ exhibitor hall, and network with the best in the industry.

Keynote Speaker

Kevin O’Leary
Tuesday, March 26th 8:15-9:30am

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January 17 – 20, 2024

OMNI LA COSTA RESORT CARLSBAD, CA.

Registration is now closed. You can still register on site.

Join us and participate in CTA’s policy committee meetings, educational panels, and sessions by day and relax among the extensive resort amenities by evening. Tucked inside a Spanish Mission-style property north of San Diego, 400-acre Omni La Costa Resort & Spa welcomes CTA guests with dedicated meeting space, an award-winning spa, and exquisite meals prepared by an accomplished culinary team.

The discounted group room rate expired on December 26th at 5:00 p.m. Rooms may still be available at the discounted rate but not guaranteed. To reserve your room online use this link OMNI LA COSTA RESORT

When reserving your room by phone you will need to mention (CTA Annual Membership Conference 2024) and the dates of the program (Jan 17th – 20th).

Don’t forget to register for the TUFSOB Golf Tournament being held Saturday, January 20th at Legends Golf Course on site at the hotel.

SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, January 17

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Conference Registration
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CEO Advisory Committee Meeting & Lunch (PRIVATE)
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Officers Council Meeting (PRIVATE)
3:30 p.m. -5:00 p.m. Nominating Committee Meeting (PRIVATE)
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Past Presidents Dinner (INVITATION ONLY)

THURSDAY, January 18

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Conference Registration
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Board Photo
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Allied Conference Meeting
10:05 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. Highway Policy Committee Meeting
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Spouse Brunch – Sponsored by: Mona Payment Solutions, LLC
11:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. Environmental Policy Committee Meeting – Sponsored by: Copart, Inc.
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Grab & Go Lunch
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Safety & Security Policy Meeting
1:40 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. Kingpin Meeting
2:50 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. Board Meeting
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception – Sponsored by: MN8 Energy

FRIDAY, January 19

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Conference Registration
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Education Program – Power Up: Solutions for Zero-Emission Charging and Fueling – Sponsored by: Linde
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Education Program – Legal Landscape of the Trucking Industry: A comprehensive update – Click here for more information- Sponsored by Cox Petroleum Transport
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. General Session Lunch – Keynote Speaker Assembly member David Alvarez – Sponsored by: Southern California Gas Co.
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Education Program – Driving the Future: Navigating the Autonomous Trucking Landscape
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Education Program – Securing the Supply Chain: Crime Prevention in Trucking – Click here for more information

SATURDAY, January 20

7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Conference Registration
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. General Session Breakfast – American Trucking Associations (ATA) President and CEO Chris Spear will be joining us at to share his insights on the trucking industry. Sponsored by : Protective Insurance Company
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m. TUFSOB Golf Tournament (w/box Lunch)
4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Member Appreciation Party – Sponsored by: Downs Energy

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received prior to 30 days before event will receive a refund, otherwise CTA will retain all registration fees. The planners and sponsors of this function claim no liability for the safety of any attendee while in transit to or from this event. The planners and sponsors reserve the right to change speakers and/or cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances without penalty. The total amount of any liability of the planners and sponsors will be limited to a refund of the attendance donation. NO REFUNDS FOR NO SHOWS.

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The IFDA Solutions Conference is where food distributors find actionable solutions and strategic insights. Taking place Sept. 11-13 in Fort Worth, Texas, this reimagined version of IFDA’s premier annual event (formerly known as the Distribution Solutions Conference) builds on that event’s legacy through an expanded focus on interactive learning that helps food distributors meet the challenges of the moment. The reimagined 2023 IFDA Solutions Conference has been designed to give you more!

MORE INNOVATION – With 150+ industry-leading vendors showing off the latest in technology, there’s no better place to see the future of distribution.
MORE SPEAKERS – From respected industry voices, to bold outside thinkers, you’ll leave the Lone Star State with fresh ideas for driving results.
MORE ACCESS – Where you want to be to connect with food distribution leaders from across the country, including emerging young talent.
MORE SOLUTIONS – You have big questions on labor, automation, and staying competitive in a changing market — we have answers.

Solutions Attendees – Click Here to Register

Exhibitors – Click Here to Register

Attendance Policy
The 2023 Solutions Conference is a private event. Only employees or bona-fide representatives of food distribution companies, food manufacturing companies, exhibitors and pre-approved guests are eligible to attend. Management reserves the right to refuse admittance to any registrant. Children under 16 years of age are not permitted in the exhibit hall.

Your registration includes two full days of access to world-class education across six content tracks where each workshop session is jam-packed with the info you need to take your team to the next level.

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July 26-29, 2023
The Breakers, Palm Beach
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Join Florida Trucking Association for our 2023 Annual Conference on July 26-29 at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

Wednesday, July 26: Flip-Flops and Frosé Welcome Reception

Thursday, July 27: Board and Committee Meetings (beginning at 10AM)
Opening Sessions, Chairman’s Reception

Friday, July 28: General Session, FTA Casino Night

Saturday, July 29: FTA Annual Conference Golf Tournament (Click to Register)

Conference Dress: Conference dress is resort casual. Men – golf shirts, button shirts, shorts, sandals, beach and resort attire. Ladies – shorts, capris, tank tops, sundresses, sandals and beach and resort attire. Business casual or island and resort casual for conference programs.

The Breakers is now sold out. Our bonus hotel, The Brazilian Court, is a 5-star luxury oasis, just one mile away.
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Reservations can be made at Brazilian Court via Individual Call-In to 561-655-7740, Group Reservations, and reference the Florida Trucking Association Group Block. The cut off date for the group is June 25th, 2023.

Tentative Schedule

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