A Testament to Driver Excellence

Darrel Wilson, founder and CEO of Wilson Logistics, expressed his pride in achieving this honor, saying, “(I am) especially proud of this award because it recognizes positive results obtained by our drivers, supported by our non-driving staff, with the ultimate goal of safely picking up and delivering all freight on time and damage-free. It’s encouraging to see the TCA gaining credibility with new programs like the Elite Fleet that utilize actual data without subjectivity to certify carriers as being the best. Thank you to all of our drivers for all of your hard work and dedication.”

This achievement underscores the company’s dedication to safety and performance, reflecting the hard work of both its drivers and support teams.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Innovation

Wilson Logistics, a family-owned and operated business, began its journey in 1980 with a single truck. Since then, the company has expanded into a forward-thinking leader in the trucking industry, known for its unwavering focus on driver development and safety. Wilson Logistics fosters an environment where drivers choose career paths tailored to their individual preferences and needs.

Additionally, the company offers comprehensive resources, including a CDL training program, leasing options, and a broad range of carrier services, ensuring drivers are equipped for success.

About the TCA Elite Fleet Program

The TCA Elite Fleet Program identifies carriers based on measurable criteria, including safety, operational performance, driver compensation, benefits, technology, and quality of life. The certification is rooted in data and feedback, incorporating surveys from drivers and independent contractors for true validation.

“We are incredibly proud to announce this first class of TCA Elite Fleets,” said Jim Ward, president, TCA. “These carriers went through a comprehensive and detailed application process, had their drivers surveyed for validation, and received top scores for their combination of driver compensation, benefits, engagement, satisfaction, training, support, company equipment, safety and facilities. These forty-seven carriers are truly Elite Fleets, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them.”

Commitment to Drivers’ Success

Being named a TCA Elite Fleet Certified Carrier cements Wilson Logistics’ standing as a top-tier carrier for professional drivers. This recognition serves as a testament to the company’s longstanding commitment to providing drivers with the tools, support, and opportunities needed to thrive, all while maintaining a steadfast emphasis on safety and innovation.

For more on the TCA Elite Fleet Program or Wilson Logistics, visit their website or social media platforms.

Source: The Trucker

Source: Wilson Logistics

The post Wilson Logistics Earns Prestigious TCA Elite Fleet Certification appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

From Art to the Open Road

Jo Lynn “JJ” Kelley’s career path was anything but conventional. Starting out in art and accounting, Kelley decided to take a leap into the trucking world to combine her entrepreneurial spirit with her love for travel. Her ultimate goal? To spread kindness and joy wherever she goes. Reflecting on her spiritual outlook, Kelley shares, “I absolutely loved driving that big rig all over the United States. Throughout the miles, trials, and tribulations since entering this industry, my spirituality has deepened to a complete and unwavering reliance upon God and all His promises in the Bible. With God, all things are possible.”

400,000 Miles and Counting

Now in her sixth year as a professional driver, Kelley has logged over 400,000 safe miles—a milestone she attributes to her faith and dedication. “I may drive an 18-wheeler, but in my cab, God is truly in charge of that 19th wheel,” she expresses.

Finding Her Path in Trucking

Kelley kickstarted her trucking career with Schneider National, driving long-haul routes that spanned 47 states in the U.S. Her decision to join Schneider was based on the company’s federal safety rating, diverse freight options, and acceptance of new drivers fresh out of trucking school. Over time, she mastered skills in dry van hauling, tanker transport, flatbed operations, and even teaming.

Transforming Challenges Into Compassion

The early days of Kelley’s career weren’t without their difficulties. At one point, she felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. Yet, through prayer and reflection, she realized the power of stepping outside her own struggles to help others. Kelley began creating wallet-sized cards with uplifting messages, leaving them at truck stops and rest areas for anyone who might need a reminder of their worth. This act of kindness sparked a larger initiative, complete with $5 coffee gift cards and trivia games that encouraged recipients to “pay it forward.” Her employer was so impressed that they supported her efforts by contributing more gift cards to expand the campaign.

Blending Art and Trucking

With a knack for creativity that she honed during her artistic career, Kelley penned two interactive trucking books, Trucking with JJ: Volume 1 and Volume 2. These photo-based books include short stories and QR codes linking to video content, offering readers an inspiring glimpse into life on the road. Both volumes are available to download for free.

A New Chapter with Walmart

After years of long-haul driving, Kelley transitioned to Walmart’s private fleet, drawn to their emphasis on safety and work-life balance. Now a regional driver, she appreciates the home time and the supportive community of experienced professionals. “The walls in all of our distribution centers are packed with plaques of 500,000-mile, 1 million-mile, 3 million-mile, and higher driver careers,” Kelley noted. “I feel humbled and honored to be among such a stable and safety-driven family of truckers.”

Through her role at Walmart, Kelley also became an integral part of WIT’s outreach efforts. She drives the WITney Educational Trailer to various events, operating the truck-driving simulator inside and inspiring visitors to explore opportunities in the industry.

Championing Diversity in Trucking

Kelley is passionate about spreading the word on how trucking can offer a rewarding career path for people from all walks of life. The hiring age is simply 18+, and there are no gender, racial, educational, or spiritual boundaries. “Virtually every tangible item has been on a truck at one point in time, so the world will always need safe professional drivers.”

Faith as a Driving Force

Reflecting on her journey, Kelley acknowledges the challenges she’s faced but credits her faith for grounding her. “My trucking career path has seen me in tears, anger, doubts, and confusion,” she explained. “God always restores me to a peaceful inner joy with new insights on navigating a life of abundance that I never dreamed—or perhaps, never allowed myself to dream of.”

Life Beyond the Road

When she’s not behind the wheel, Kelley resides on an award-winning equestrian horse farm nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Though retired from her artistic endeavors—including painting, photography, and blogging—she continues to seek out new hobbies, experiences, and friendships. With a life brimming with adventure and gratitude, Kelley remains an extraordinary example of the warmth and resilience that Women in Trucking celebrates.

Jo Lynn “JJ” Kelley’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Through her efforts on and off the road, she’s leaving an indelible mark on the trucking industry.

Source: The Trucker

Image: WIT

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A Legacy Built on Hard Work and Trust

“As we honor the last 70 years and look to the future, we’re grateful for the trust of our customers and the hard work of our employees, drivers, and contractors,” shared ATS President Brent Anderson.

Since its incorporation on January 3, 1955, by Army Air Corps veteran and entrepreneur Harold Anderson, ATS has grown into one of the most respected freight transportation and logistics providers in the industry. What began as a small two-truck operation has evolved into a global enterprise under the leadership of Harold Anderson’s son, CEO Rollie Anderson, and grandson, President Brent Anderson.

From Granite Hauling to Global Transportation

ATS got its start amidst a highly regulated era in the trucking industry. Initially, Harold Anderson worked with Cold Spring Granite (now Coldspring), a company that needed help managing its growing transportation demands. At the time, Cold Spring Granite operated a private fleet restricted to hauling materials directly related to granite manufacturing. When their outbound freight exceeded their inbound materials, they turned to Harold Anderson to handle the surplus. From those beginnings, ATS was born and has flourished across seven decades.

Today, headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Anderson Trucking Service serves not only North America but also Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Germany, and beyond, offering trucking, logistics, and multimodal transportation solutions.

Honoring Milestones Through Celebration

To honor its 70-year milestone, ATS has planned a year full of celebrations to recognize the contributions of its employees, customers, drivers, contractors, and the communities they serve. These activities highlight the strong relationships the company has fostered over the decades.

“My grandfather, Harold Anderson, often said that ATS is great because of our people, and that remains true today. In his 50 years of leadership at this company, my father [Rollie Anderson] has ensured that our focus has always remained the success of our people and our customers,” Brent Anderson said. “It’s important to us to thank everyone who has been a part of our journey, past or present, for their support, without which this milestone would not be possible.”

Source: The Trucker

Image: ATS

The post 70 Years of Excellence: Anderson Trucking Service Celebrates a Legacy of Trust and Innovation! appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

At this year’s Landstar BCO Appreciation Days in Durant, Okla., Simmons, from Myrtle Beach, S.C., was handed the keys to a sleek, blue 2025 Kenworth T-680 by Frank Lonegro, Landstar’s president and CEO. The event highlighted Landstar’s gratitude towards its community of BCOs. Lonegro expressed, “Landstar truck giveaways are an important way to illustrate our gratitude to all of the Landstar BCOs who support the Landstar network by operating safely and delivering for our customers every time they get behind the wheel. We are delighted to celebrate this life-changing event with Stacie and look forward to helping her achieve continued success as a Landstar BCO.”

Simmons was among five finalists chosen from nearly 9,000 eligible participants. The annual giveaway, a central feature of the two-day appreciation event, underscores Landstar’s dedication to rewarding excellence in safety and customer service.

Standing by her new truck, Simmons shared her excitement, noting the significance of the win for her and her husband, Markus, who is also her team driver. “We have a 2016 Volvo and she’s in the shop right now, so getting this is pretty spectacular,” Simmons said.

Landstar’s selection process rewards owner-operators who consistently deliver their loads safely. Additional entries into the giveaway were granted for attending safety meetings and joining the monthly Safety Thursday Conference Calls. Once the entry window closed, a computerized random draw determined the finalists, who were required to attend the giveaway event in person.

According to Landstar’s press release, the company has been gifting brand-new trucks since 1994, conducting two giveaways each year. This year’s earlier winner, John Fuller, a Two Million Mile Safe Driver and Roadstar honoree, received his truck during the BCO All-Star Truck Giveaway in July. In both cases, Landstar covers all costs related to the truck’s tag, tax, and title…

Source: The Trucker

The post Stacie Simmons Celebrates a Milestone as Landstar’s 50th Truck Recipient appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.