The Highway Angel program, launched in 1997, highlights professional drivers who step in during critical moments. Presented by TCA in partnership with EpicVue, the program has recognized nearly 1,500 drivers across North America.

Michael Alpine Responds to Early Morning Rollover

Michael Alpine of ABF Freight was driving near Gustine around 4 a.m. when he saw a truck lose control.

“I saw the brake lights of the truck come on and then immediately swerve… and then it started rolling over,” Alpine said.

He contacted emergency services and worked to secure the area before assisting those involved. The driver remained conscious but reported neck and back pain, while two passengers had visible injuries, including head trauma. Alpine stayed at the scene until help arrived.

“It’s always a good day when people can walk away from a crash,” Alpine said. “You can replace material things — you can’t replace people. I encourage everybody to get first aid and CPR training,” he added. “Sometimes we are the first responders out there.”

Anthony Dunne Stops After Spotting Crash in Louisiana

Anthony Dunne of Maverick Transportation was traveling along Highway 65 near Transylvania at about 2 a.m. when he encountered debris in the road.

After maneuvering around a large branch, he noticed a heavily damaged truck off the roadway nearby.

“Honestly I didn’t think that anybody was going to be okay from that one,” said Dunne. “I really thought that was going to be a DOA scene.”

He found the driver trapped but conscious. With the location being remote, it took roughly 45 minutes for emergency crews to arrive. The driver was eventually removed with minor injuries.

“I couldn’t just drive by if there was something I could do,” Dunne said.

Scott Derrick Acts Quickly at Vehicle Fire in California

Scott Derrick, also with ABF Freight, came across a vehicle fire around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 15 near Oak Hills.

“I feel like God told me ‘It’s time for you to go to work’,” Derrick said.

He stopped and grabbed a fire extinguisher from his truck. A UPS driver involved in the incident was already helping people out of a burning vehicle, but one person remained trapped.

“I got out with the fire extinguisher and thought, ‘I’m old, I’ve lived my life’.”

Derrick was able to reach the vehicle and pull the injured individual to safety.

“I just thought, he’s not going to die while I’m here tonight,” Derrick said.

Recognition Built on Real Moments

Each of these situations unfolded in low visibility conditions during overnight hours, when traffic is lighter but response times can be longer. In those moments, the actions taken by drivers on scene often make the difference before emergency crews arrive.

The Highway Angel program continues to spotlight those decisions and the role professional drivers play beyond moving freight.

The post Three Truck Drivers Recognized for Highway Angel Honors in March appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The tree will make its way to Washington, D.C., where it will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol as the official Capitol Christmas Tree. For drivers and fleets, the haul itself is what makes this tradition stand out.

A Load That Brings the Industry Into the Spotlight

The Capitol Christmas Tree isn’t just about the destination. The cross-country trip has become a yearly highlight for the trucking industry, putting a spotlight on the role drivers play in connecting communities.

Each year, a single carrier is selected to handle the move, with a specially wrapped truck leading the way. The Truckload Carriers Association has long supported the effort, and Kenworth provides the custom truck used to haul the tree across the country.

Along the route, the truck makes multiple stops, giving communities a chance to see the tree up close before it reaches the Capitol.

Idaho Takes Center Stage in 2026

This year marks the first time the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will supply the Capitol Christmas Tree. The forest spans more than 4 million acres, covering rugged terrain that includes mountains, rivers, and deep canyons.

“Idaho couldn’t be prouder to see one of our own trees chosen as the Nation’s Capitol Christmas Tree,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little. “This is a great honor and a reminder of the natural beauty we’re blessed with here at home. We’re excited to share some Idaho spirit with families across the country next Christmas season.”

The selection kicks off a full year of events tied to the tree, highlighting local communities, forestry partners, and the history of the region.

A Nationwide Effort Behind the Scenes

Moving a load like this takes coordination well beyond the driver’s seat. Multiple partners are involved, including the Society of American Foresters, which continues to support the program as a national partner.

“2026 marks the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. SAF is proud to continue our support of The People’s Tree as it makes its way across the country,” said SAF CEO Terry Baker. “This public/private partnership exemplifies what we can accomplish when we come together from varied backgrounds and interests with a common goal.”

The U.S. Forest Service has worked alongside the Architect of the Capitol for more than five decades to make this annual delivery happen. Each year, a tree is selected from one of the country’s national forests and transported to Washington following a multi-stop tour.

More Than Just a Delivery

For those in trucking, this run represents something different from the usual day-to-day freight. It’s a chance to be part of a tradition that reaches beyond the industry and into communities nationwide.

Jon Word, forest supervisor for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, emphasized the significance of the moment.

“It is a great honor to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, the ‘People’s Tree’, from the Nez Perce-Clearwater. We look forward to working closely with the Nez Perce Tribe, the Society of American Foresters, and all our partners and communities.”

As the year moves forward, more details will come out about the tree selection and the route it will take. For drivers and fleets, it’s one of those rare hauls that reminds everyone just how visible and important trucking can be.

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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.

The grand prize went to Mill Creek Motor Freight of Ayr, Ontario, in the small carrier division, which includes fleets running less than 25 million miles annually. In the large carrier division, the top honor was awarded to Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba, for fleets logging 25 million miles or more each year.

According to the association, both companies stood out because of their well-structured safety programs and low accident frequency ratios throughout the year.

Safety Performance Recognized Across the Industry

The Fleet Safety Awards program highlights fleets that consistently place safety at the center of their operations. The competition is supported by industry partners, including Great West Casualty Company and Gallagher, both long-time supporters of safety initiatives within trucking.

“Great West Casualty Company is proud to support the TCA Fleet Safety Awards and recognize carriers that set the standard for safety excellence across our industry,” said Steve Ponder, Senior Vice President, Great West Casualty Company. “Mill Creek Motor Freight and Bison Transport exemplify the commitment, accountability, and leadership it takes to keep our roads safer for everyone.”

Safety Culture Remains a Competitive Advantage

For fleets across North America, awards like this highlight the role that training, leadership, and driver accountability play in preventing crashes and protecting both drivers and the public.

“Gallagher is honored to partner with TCA in celebrating fleets that prioritize safety at every level of their operations,” said Andy Engardio, Transportation Vertical Leader, Gallagher. “These Grand Prize winners demonstrate that strong safety cultures not only protect drivers and the public, but also strengthen the entire trucking industry.”

Recognition Continues at Summer Safety Meeting

The two grand prize winners will be recognized again later this year during the TCA Safety & Security Meeting scheduled for June 7 through June 9 in Oklahoma City. Carriers that finished in the top three within each mileage division will also be acknowledged during the event.

Industry leaders view the awards as a way to spotlight fleets that demonstrate how consistent safety practices can deliver results both on the road and within company operations.

Source: Truckers News

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The collaboration is designed to give trucking companies and industry professionals broader access to training programs focused on safety, operations, leadership, recruiting, and long-term business growth. By combining resources from both organizations, the initiative aims to make advanced training more widely available across Nebraska’s freight community.

Expanding Education Opportunities

The partnership introduces a larger catalog of learning programs that were previously available primarily through national channels. Through this arrangement, participants in Nebraska can now access the training library offered by the Truckload Carriers Association along with discounted pricing on many courses.

According to the Nebraska Trucking Association, the collaboration represents a new model for state-level partnerships focused on workforce development.

“The NTA is the first state trucking association to enter an educational partnership with TCA, one that provides even more essential professional development to Nebraska’s trucking community,” NTA said. “NTA members already have access to the Association’s robust training opportunities. Now, through this collaboration, NTA members and non-members alike will gain access to TCA’s professional development program catalog and receive exclusive discount pricing. This initiative ensures that Nebraska’s trucking professionals have the tools they need to lead with safety, efficiency, and innovation.”

Training Designed for Multiple Roles

The educational programs included in the partnership cover several key areas of trucking operations, ranging from small fleet management to executive leadership development.

For companies operating smaller fleets, Small Carrier University (SCU) offers coursework centered on operational efficiency, maintenance practices, and safety performance. The courses are delivered online, allowing participants to complete training from their office or home base.

Safety leadership is another focus of the program lineup. The Fundamentals of Safety Management course series includes seven on-demand classes designed to help both new and experienced safety professionals strengthen their understanding of compliance, risk management, and operational safety strategies.

Leadership development also plays a major role in the expanded training catalog. The Online Leadership Series, scheduled to run from April through September 2026, will include six live virtual sessions along with ten on-demand modules focused on everyday leadership decisions, communication strategies, and team management.

Recruitment and retention challenges are also addressed through the Online Recruitment & Retention Series, which explores hiring strategies and workforce retention practices in an increasingly competitive labor market.

In addition to these structured programs, participants will be able to access a library of more than 175 on-demand webinars covering a wide range of industry topics, including emerging technologies, regulatory issues, and human resources compliance.

Industry Leaders Highlight Workforce Investment

Leaders involved in the partnership say the initiative reflects a growing focus on strengthening the workforce behind trucking operations.

“This is such an exciting time to be part of the NTA,” said Kent Grisham, NTA association president and CEO. “With the construction of our new training center well underway, and now the addition of TCA and NATMI training opportunities, the trucking industry in Nebraska will truly be the safest and most productive in the country.”

The collaboration also reflects a broader effort to make professional development more accessible across the industry.

“Our goal is to make truckload-specific education accessible to every carrier, regardless of size,” said Elizabeth Nicholson, director of education & training, TCA. “By partnering with the NTA, we are strengthening the backbone of the industry by investing directly in its people.”

Registration Now Open

Registration for the professional development programs offered through the Truckload Carriers Association is now open here. The new partnership is expected to expand access to training opportunities while supporting long-term workforce development across the trucking industry.

The post Nebraska Trucking Association Expands Training Access Through New Partnership with Truckload Carriers Association appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual recognition program is sponsored by Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops.

“We’re incredibly proud to see these drivers receive such an esteemed honor,” said Todd Wilson, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. Their consistent commitment, integrity, and work ethic set a powerful example each day. They represent the values we stand for at Love’s, and we’re honored to champion their continued influence within the trucking industry.”

José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., also expressed pride in the event: “It’s a privilege to help recognize these outstanding professionals who play a vital role in keeping our industry moving forward. Their dedication to high standards on the road and meaningful contributions to their communities make a significant and enduring difference.”

The five honorees represent a range of fleets and backgrounds, but each shares a track record of safety, leadership, and long-term commitment to the profession.

A Career Built on Service and Mentorship – Marcia Luchenbill

Marcia Luchenbill, a company driver with Knight Transportation’s El Paso terminal for six years, has accumulated nearly 650,000 career miles, including more than 193,000 accident-free miles in the past two years. A military veteran and mother of three, she has also mentored 22 female drivers in two and a half years as a trainer.

“Trucking is really a good fit for me,” says the married mother of three teens.

Her record reflects consistent safety performance and a steady presence on demanding routes. Luchenbill’s professionalism earned her selection as a Knight Fleet of Heroes driver, one of the company’s highest honors. She also continues her lifelong commitment to service through veteran-focused initiatives, including three Wreaths Across America Arlington convoys.

Millions of Miles Without a Preventable Accident – Nick Barboza

Nick Barboza has spent 27 years with Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., logging more than 3.5 million miles and earning membership in the company’s 120 Club, equivalent to circling the globe 120 times without a preventable accident. In addition to maintaining that record, he has trained new drivers throughout his career.

“Through the years I’ve learned that not everybody learns the same way,” Barboza said. “I look for the easiest way for the new drivers to learn — when they start to get it, and you can see it on their face, I love that.”

Off the road, he and his wife have fostered more than 30 children and adopted four, quietly serving their community through acts of generosity and faith.

Four Decades in Specialized Hauling – Tommy Cash

Tommy Cash, a driver with CAST Specialty Transportation, has spent 22 years supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s WIPP program, hauling legacy nuclear waste as part of a small group of drivers nationwide entrusted with this critical assignment. His career spans more than four decades and an estimated 3.675 million miles.

“One of the highlights of my career has been training new drivers. It makes me feel good helping somebody start a new career and do it the right way.”

Beyond his driving record, Cash plays a key role in training and evaluating new hires, shaping CAST Specialty’s hiring and training practices, and mentoring other drivers across the fleet.

A Veteran’s Approach to the Highway – Richard Fertig

Richard Fertig, a 23-year Army veteran with Smith Transport, has driven over three million safe miles. Known for reliability, preparation, and quiet leadership, Fertig approaches every trip as a learning opportunity.

“My life is the highway,” Fertig said. “In my 28 years driving, it’s just been a joy to get out there and meet a lot of people.”

“I’ve had people call me at all hours of the day and night,” he said. “Every day out here, I learn something different.”

Building Community Through Training – Jesus Acevedo-Soto

Jesus Acevedo-Soto, affectionately known as “Avocado,” is a driver for Swift Transportation. Known for vigilance, skill, and respect on the road, he has also trained multiple generations of drivers who stay connected as a peer support network called the “Guac Squad.”

“The Guac Squad just kind of happened naturally,” said Soto, a married father of three. “It became a community of drivers that helped and supported each other. We use this to get camaraderie back in the business.”

He later added, “There are no two days alike in this industry. I love it — it’s truly a passion.”

Soto became the company’s youngest Million Mile Driver at age 28 and has earned multiple Diamond Driver distinctions for maintaining elite safety, fuel efficiency, and mileage standards for 36 consecutive months. Beyond driving, he participates in Children’s Miracle Network fundraising, blood donations, and youth coaching.

Nominations for the 2027 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For more information, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

The post Truckload Carriers Association Names 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

That focus is shaping the Truckload Carriers Association’s approach in 2026. Through expanded programs, flexible learning formats, and targeted subject matter, the organization continues building resources designed to help operations navigate an increasingly complex environment.

While membership offers advocacy, benchmarking, and peer connections, education remains one of the most valuable tools available. This year marks a significant expansion of that effort.

A Pivotal Year for Learning and Development

According to the association’s education and training leadership, 2026 represents a major step forward in how learning is delivered.

“This is going to be a milestone year for TCA’s educational mission,” Nicholson said. “Our members will find resources across various formats, from interactive virtual webinars and discussion groups to on-demand, self-paced courses.”

The approach reflects how trucking actually operates. Fast-moving, widely distributed, and time-constrained. Education is no longer limited to conference rooms or rigid schedules. Instead, programs are designed to meet participants where they are, both operationally and geographically.

“We are committed to staying ahead of the curve by providing education that is as dynamic as the industry itself,” Nicholson said. “Our goal is to ensure every member has the tools to thrive in an increasingly complex market.”

Small Carrier University Expands for 2026

One of the most notable updates is the expansion of Small Carrier University, a program built specifically to strengthen operations, safety performance, and profitability for smaller fleets.

For 2026, the program has been redesigned to increase flexibility while lowering the investment required to participate. Class sizes remain intentionally small, with only 15 carriers accepted per cohort to ensure meaningful discussion and personalized guidance.

Virtual Live Discussions

Participants take part in six virtual meetings led by a truckload profitability facilitator. Each session focuses on a core operational area.

Operations

This session helps identify the KPIs that improve operating ratios while examining efficient staffing structures, team development, and best practices for driver management and customer service.

Maintenance (Two Sessions)

These discussions focus on KPIs that support efficient maintenance departments, methods to improve work order efficiency, and current challenges tied to attracting and retaining technicians.

Safety Performance

This session explores how to build a companywide safety culture, identify essential safety functions, and improve key safety metrics that influence compliance and insurance outcomes.

Culture and Recruitment

This discussion examines the difference between stated culture and lived culture, sharing strategies that support growth rather than limiting it. Recruiting approaches aligned with long-term goals are also covered.

Small Carrier University also includes

• A two-hour consultation with a TCA Profitability Program Facilitator
• More than 40 hours of on-demand education through the Learning Center, including exclusive SCU-only content
• A graduation ceremony during TCA’s Annual Convention
• Automatic enrollment in the Online Leadership Series

A New Focus on Recruitment and Retention

Workforce challenges remain one of the industry’s biggest pressure points. In response, TCA has introduced a new Online Recruitment and Retention Series for 2026.

This six-part virtual master class provides a tactical framework for strengthening hiring pipelines and improving long-term retention. Sponsored by HireTruckers, each one-hour session is free for members.

2026 Recruitment and Retention Course Schedule

• April 23
  Building Your Team: Modern HR, Recruitment, and Retention Strategies
• May 12
  Using Marketing to Revolutionize Recruitment and Retention
• July 16
  Strategic Onboarding Drives Retention and Performance
• August 18
  Healthy Fleet Stronger Bottom Line: What Leaders Need to Know About Driver Well-Being
• September 15
  Mastering Recruitment and Retention Technology for Business Success

Each session addresses real operational challenges, from aligning HR and marketing efforts to managing a dispersed workforce through technology and wellness initiatives.

Leadership Development Returns for a Third Year

The Online Leadership Series returns for its third year, continuing its focus on practical decision-making in a high-cost, high-risk environment. Topics this year range from cargo theft and insurance strategies to data-driven decision making, artificial intelligence adoption, and long-term succession planning.

Sponsored by Tenney Group, the series supports both emerging and experienced leaders navigating increasing responsibility.

2026 Online Leadership Series Course Schedule

• April 16
  Strategies to Combat Cargo Theft
• May 14
  Mastering ROI and KPIs for Business Success
• June 25
  Building a Community Outreach Program
• July 14
  Comparison of Commercial and Captive Insurance
• August 4
  Optimizing Truckload Operations Profitability and Utilization with AI
• September 17
  Navigating Your Succession Planning

Each session emphasizes actionable insights that can be applied directly to daily operations rather than abstract theory.

Education as a Competitive Advantage

As trucking continues to evolve, access to relevant, flexible education has become more than a perk. It is a competitive advantage. The 2026 lineup reflects a clear understanding of the pressures operations face and the skills required to manage them effectively.

From safety and maintenance to leadership and workforce strategy, these programs aim to help fleets remain resilient, profitable, and prepared for what comes next.

For more information about TCA’s Online Leadership Series or to register, visit truckload.org/leadership-series-2026.

The post Education That Keeps Trucking Competitive: Inside TCA’s 2026 Learning Lineup appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 20.

Supporting Trucking Families Through Education

The TCA Scholarship Fund has been in place for more than 50 years and continues to focus on students whose families work within the truckload sector. The program is supported largely by carriers, associate members, and individuals across the TCA network.

“TCA’s scholarship program is a powerful example of our members investing in the future of the truckload industry,” said Joey Hogan, TCA Scholarship Fund Committee chair and Covenant Logistics board member. “With the continued support of our donors and the inclusion of junior colleges, this program delivers real value to TCA members. I encourage everyone to share this opportunity with their employees and families.”

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The scholarship program is open to full-time students attending accredited two-year or four-year colleges, including junior colleges. Applicants must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and be enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.

Eligibility extends to:

• Employees of TCA member companies
• Independent contractors affiliated with TCA member companies
• Children, grandchildren, or spouses of qualifying employees or contractors

Scholarships awarded during this cycle apply to the 2026–2027 academic year.

Scholarship Award Amounts

Funding amounts vary by program length.

For four-year colleges, awards can reach up to $6,250 per academic year. Students attending two-year programs may receive up to $2,000 per year.

“For over 50 years, the TCA Scholarship Fund has been helping students with connections to the truckload industry,” TCA said. “Much of the program’s support comes from within the truckload TCA family—companies and individuals who are committed to our truckload community’s future. The fund awards up to $6,250 per year, per full-time four-year college student and up to $2,000 per full-time two-year college student. In the current 2025-2026 academic year, the TCA Scholarship Fund’s Board of Trustees awarded a record 62 students scholarships totaling over $175,000.”

Why This Matters to Drivers and Carriers

Education costs continue to rise, and for many trucking families, balancing school expenses with the realities of the job can be difficult. The TCA Scholarship Fund is designed to ease that pressure while keeping families connected to the industry long term.

“The TCA Scholarship Fund is an incredible member benefit and a great way to engage employees and their families,” said Zander Gambill, TCA’s vice president of membership & outreach. “I encourage all carriers and associate members to spread the word and take advantage of this opportunity.”

How to Apply or Get More Information

Complete application details and forms are available through the TCA Scholarship Fund here.

Questions about the application process can be directed to OFIC at scholarships@ofic.org.

Source: The Trucker

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The annual Highway Angels program highlights moments where truck drivers step in during emergencies, often before first responders arrive. This year’s honorees were selected for decisions made in real time, under pressure, in situations where hesitation could have cost lives.

2025 Highway Angels of the Year

• Terry Walde, Searcy Trucking Ltd.
• Deshown Moye, Melton Truck Lines
• Heather Barkey, Nussbaum Transportation

Each driver encountered a different emergency. The common thread was immediate action.

Terry Walde Acts After a Hit and Run in Saskatchewan

Terry Walde, a veteran driver with more than 40 years behind the wheel, was traveling eastbound on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan on May 27, 2025. Debris covered the roadway. Traffic was still moving.

Moments later, Walde found a cyclist who had been struck by a semi truck in a hit-and-run crash.

Walde stopped. He checked the cyclist’s breathing. He stayed calm. He relayed injury details to emergency responders and then took on another role, directing traffic around the scene to prevent further harm.

He remained there for several hours.

Dashcam footage later provided by Searcy Trucking helped authorities identify and charge the driver responsible. Walde’s actions kept the cyclist alive long enough for help to arrive and ensured accountability followed.

Deshown Moye Responds to Major Crash on I-65

On April 28, 2025, Deshown Moye was driving through Alabama when he came upon the aftermath of a violent multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 65.

A small sedan had been forced underneath a tractor-trailer. The driver inside was trapped and critically injured. Smoke was visible.

Moye pulled over, checked for hazards, and called 911. He moved quickly but carefully.

With the woman’s consent, he relieved pressure from her seatbelt, stabilized her injuries, and stayed with her for nearly 45 minutes. He talked to her. He kept her conscious. He did not leave until emergency crews arrived.

His presence mattered.

Heather Barkey Pulls Driver From Overturned Truck

Late on June 18, 2025, Heather Barkey was nearing her terminal in Mount Vernon, Illinois, when she noticed a truck rolled over along the roadway.

No one else had stopped.

The vehicle was leaking fuel. Smoke was present. The driver was trapped.

Barkey pulled over, activated her hazard lights, and called 911. Using a flashlight she already had in her cab, she broke a window and helped the driver escape before conditions worsened.

She stayed on scene until law enforcement confirmed the driver was safe.

Recognition at TCA Annual Convention

All three drivers will be formally honored during the Awards Luncheon on Monday, March 2, held in conjunction with the TCA Annual Convention in Orlando.

Each honoree will receive:

• A complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package
• A 24-inch television
• DVR
• One year of DIRECTV programming

About the TCA Highway Angel Program

“Since its inception in 1997, TCA’s Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job,” TCA said.

The program is sponsored by EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts.

Drivers can be nominated by fellow motorists, law enforcement, carriers, or members of the public.

To nominate a driver or learn more about the program, visit the TCA Highway Angel page here.

Source: The Trucker

The post TCA Names 2025 Highway Angels of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The newly created award recognizes transportation professionals who show an exceptional commitment to ongoing education and professional growth. While the honor is aimed at individual achievement, its impact reaches drivers directly by strengthening compliance, safety practices, and carrier operations that affect day-to-day life on the road.

Why This Award Matters to Drivers

Strong HR and compliance leadership plays a direct role in how drivers are recruited, supported, and retained. Policies around onboarding, hours of service, safety programs, and driver communication all begin with educated professionals behind the scenes. TCA created this award to highlight how continued learning improves real-world trucking jobs.

“Education is one of the biggest advantages a career can invest in, especially in HR and compliance, where the details matter,” said Mark Hill, CEO, PCS Software. “Congratulations to Tory McQueen of Parish Transport on earning the TCA Education Award and leading with a real commitment to safer, smarter operations.”

A Year of Heavy Lifting in Education

According to TCA, McQueen completed 130 hours of on-demand education throughout 2025. That level of coursework reflects the same discipline drivers apply to mastering new equipment, regulations, and routes.

Her efforts included earning the full “trifecta” of TCA professional certificates.
TCA Recruitment Certificate
TCA Retention Certificate
TCA Human Resources Certificate

Together, these credentials cover the full driver lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to long-term retention and compliance. That combination helps carriers build programs that respect drivers’ time, improve communication, and reduce costly turnover.

Recognition from Industry Leadership

“This is the very first year we’re presenting the TCA Education Award, and I couldn’t be more excited about recognizing such a deserving recipient,” said Tracy Rushing, executive director, safety and HR, RE Garrison, and chairperson, TCA’s Retention, Recruitment and Human Resources Committee. “What makes this special is their real commitment to lifelong learning, not just for themselves, but for the people they support every day. When we invest in education, we directly improve the driving job, and that’s exactly what this award is meant to celebrate.”

TCA also emphasized the broader value of McQueen’s achievement, noting that her approach to education provides a model for how carriers can improve operations, driver satisfaction, and workplace culture through structured learning.

Honored at the TCA Annual Convention

McQueen will be formally recognized during the Recruitment, Retention, and HR Committee Meeting on March 1 at the TCA Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.

For drivers, awards like this signal an industry shift toward better-trained support teams, clearer policies, and stronger carrier leadership. When the people managing compliance and HR invest in education, drivers benefit through safer operations, more consistent standards, and a more professional work environment across the fleet.

Source: The Trucker

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