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.

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The Elite Fleet designation focuses on for-hire truckload operations across North America that demonstrate measurable commitment to driver satisfaction, safety, compensation, and overall quality of life on the road. The 2026 class reflects a broad mix of fleets that met the program’s detailed evaluation standards.

What the TCA Elite Fleet Program Recognizes

The Elite Fleet program was created to move beyond surface-level claims and instead evaluate how carriers actually operate day to day. According to TCA, the certification highlights carriers that build driver-focused environments through competitive pay, consistent safety practices, and operational systems designed to support long term careers behind the wheel.

The program was developed in partnership with the University of Denver’s Transportation and Supply Chain Institute. That collaboration helps ensure the criteria and scoring process are grounded in research and industry data rather than marketing claims.

How Carriers Are Evaluated

Carriers seeking Elite Fleet certification go through a comprehensive review process. The evaluation examines multiple performance areas that directly affect driver experience, including safety outcomes, compensation and benefits, turnover, equipment quality, operational efficiency, and overall job satisfaction.

To validate carrier submissions, surveys of both company drivers and independent contractors are used as part of the process. This added layer is intended to provide transparency and ensure the results reflect real-world experiences rather than internal reporting alone.

Why the Program Matters to Drivers and the Industry

Programs like Elite Fleet give drivers and industry stakeholders another data point when evaluating fleets. Instead of relying solely on pay ads or recruiting claims, the certification highlights carriers that meet defined standards tied to retention, safety culture, and driver engagement.

TCA President Jim Ward said the program is becoming a meaningful benchmark within the industry.

“Following a successful first year, the TCA Elite Fleet program has quickly become a meaningful benchmark for excellence in our industry,” Ward said. The carriers recognized in 2026 have demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in their drivers and fostering environments where professionals can thrive. We commend these fleets for raising the bar and helping move our industry forward, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at our upcoming event.”

Recognition at TCA’s Annual Convention

The 2026 Elite Fleet carriers will be formally recognized during TCA’s Annual Convention in Orlando. A dedicated awards program is scheduled for Monday, March 2, where participating carriers will be acknowledged for meeting the certification standards.

As the program enters its second year, TCA has positioned Elite Fleet as an ongoing effort to define and promote best practices across the truckload sector, with an emphasis on transparency, driver input, and measurable performance.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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