The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has announced its new driver satisfaction awards program. Called TCA Drivers’ Choice Awards – The Elite Fleets -- this program will celebrate and recognize the best carrier workplaces in the North American trucking industry. Judging will be based on professional driver feedback and satisfaction.

TCA's Highway Angels is one of the most high-profile driver recognition programs in North American trucking today.

The new program will be produced by TCA and in partnership with University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute.

TCA Drivers' Choice Awards will highlight those carriers who provide exceptional workplace experiences for their company drivers and independent contractors, the organization said.

 Promoting a Culture of Excellence

Only TCA carrier members can participate in the Elite Fleets program.

Nominations will open later this year.

The top scoring carriers will be celebrated at TCA’s 2025 convention, taking place March 15-18 in Phoenix, Arizona.

After being nominated, carriers and their drivers will be asked to complete surveys which will be administered, overseen, and scored by the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute.

In preparing for this new initiative and announcement, TCA surveyed its membership for their feedback and formed four working groups who helped provide input on the program's structure, the attributes associated with satisfied drivers, and many other aspects of the program.

TCA also announced that it has secured three presenting co-sponsors for this program who are EpicVue, TruckRight and Samsara.

“Recognizing and celebrating the best carrier workplaces in the North American trucking industry not only acknowledges the efforts of these companies but also promotes a culture of excellence and driver satisfaction within the industry,” said Jim Ward, president of TCA. “By partnering with a reputable institution like the University of Denver, the program ensures that the surveys and scoring are conducted impartially and with a high level of professionalism.”

 “The Transportation & Supply Chain Institute is thrilled to be able to support this program for the TCA and this industry,” added David Fisher, executive director, University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute. “Trucking is the nation circulatory system. Anything the Institute can do to support the betterment of the industry is part of our charter. Our process will reveal statistically important information that will help the TCA members drive excellence through their organizations. We are honored to have been selected as the partner for this significant initiative.”