Just curious, did anyone give you a ‘Thank You!’ during Driver Appreciation Week? Let us know!

ATA President Bill Graves Thanks Drivers During NTDAW 2015

Not Even the Pope Can Stop TCA from Throwing Its Third Annual Gala
Benefiting Wreaths Across America

Despite intense gridlock in Washington, D.C. on the day of the Pope’s arrival, a “who’s who” of dignitaries braved transportation nightmares to participate in the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) third annual Gala benefiting Wreaths Across America (WAA). The upbeat and inspirational event, held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, raised about $320,000 for the nonprofit organization that honors the fallen by placing fresh wreaths on gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery and at more than 1,000 veterans cemeteries nationwide.

The Gala, hosted by Pilot Flying J, Freightliner, and Randall-Reilly, attracted representatives from many genres, including government, the military/veterans, media, entertainment, and, of course, the trucking industry, which is well known for its patriotism. TCA has been an avid supporter of and partner with WAA for years, and has come to play a vital role in coordinating logistics and truck driver/equipment support for WAA’s annual wreath-laying efforts each December. - Read More

TCA and Randall-Reilly Open Nominations for 2015 Driver of the Year Competition
Winning owner operator and company driver to receive $25,000 grand prizes!

Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and partner Randall-Reilly have opened nominations for the 2015 Driver of the Year competition. To nominate an owner operator or company driver with a safe driving record, strong work ethic, and desire to improve his/her community and the image of the trucking industry, please visit https://truckload.org/Driver-of-the-Year. Nominations will be accepted until November 6th.

The 2015 competition, which is sponsored by Cummins, Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops, is divided into two categories: the Company Driver of the Year contest (now in its 25th year) and the Owner Operator of the Year contest (now in its 27th year). The two overall winners will receive will receive $25,000 each, while the two runners-up in each division will win $2,500.

“We have partnered with TCA to produce this competition for many years, and we’re always amazed at the qualifications of the candidates,” said Brad Holthaus, executive associate producer for Randall-Reilly of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. “These are very hard-working men and women who put aside their own needs to get out on the road and move North America’s freight. It will be our privilege to recognize the top winners who make it possible for all of us to have the goods we need, when we need them.”

To qualify for the contests, all nominees must have driven a minimum of one million consecutive, accident-free miles. Company drivers must be nominated by the motor carrier that employs them. Owner operators may be nominated by a carrier they have been leased to for a period of three or more years, or they can nominate themselves or be nominated by a spouse. Previous grand prizewinners are not eligible to enter either contest again, and other requirements can be found in the official contest rules, available on TCA’s website.

In addition to the basics listed above, nominees must provide proof of operating information, work history, and safety record. They are also asked to write a 300-word essay explaining why they are good “trucking citizens” and should be a candidate for the grand prize. For the owner operators, additional documentation is required, such as equipment specifications, business plans, and financial statements.

The competition judges will examine these materials and select the top three finalists for each contest, to be announced in December. Each of the six finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to attend TCA’s Annual Convention, scheduled for March 6-9, 2016, at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. There, one grand prizewinner will be selected for each contest.