The Truckload Carriers Association announced that President Jim Ward will retire in the coming months. A search has been launched to find a successor.
Truckload Carriers Association President Jim Ward to Retire
The Truckload Carriers Association is on the hunt for a new president with the announcement that TCA President Jim Ward will retire in the coming months.

Before taking the reins at TCA in 2022, Jim Ward was with truckload carrier D.M. Bowman for more than 20 years.
Photo: TCA
Since becoming TCA president in 2022, according to the announcement, Ward has played a role in strengthening the association’s influence, expanding its programs, and deepening its engagement with members.
Ward succeeded TCA President John Lyboldt, who retired in 2022. At the time, Ward was the president and chairman of TCA member D.M. Bowman.
“This decision has been in the works for some time, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” said Ward. “TCA is strong, its future is bright, and I look forward to watching the association continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.”
Searching for a Successor to Lead TCA
TCA has established a search committee tasked with identifying Ward’s successor. The committee is committed to selecting a leader who will carry forward TCA’s mission and values, while advancing growth, strengthening relationships in Washington, and embracing innovation and technology.
“Jim’s leadership has had a lasting impact on TCA and the entire truckload industry,” said Karen Smerchek, TCA chairman and president of Veriha Trucking.
“This transition reflects the next step in a carefully considered succession plan, and we are deeply grateful for the stability and strength Jim has brought to the association.”
Interested candidates: Job description and additional information.
Watch Jim Ward talk about solving the truck parking problem on the HDT Talks Trucking podcast.
More Fleet Management

HDT Honors the Best New Products of 2025 at TMC [Photos]
Heavy Duty Trucking's Top 20 Products awards recognize the best new products and technologies. Check out the award presentations at the 2026 Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting.
Read More →
Detroit Engines: Trusted Performance, Built for What's Next
The Detroit® Gen 6 engine platform proves that real progress doesn’t require a complete redesign. Built on 20 years of trusted technology, these engines are designed for efficiency, stronger performance, and greater reliability than before. And they do it all while complying with 2027 EPA standards on every mile.
Read More →
Q&A: What's Real in Advanced Truck Tech? ACT Expo's Erik Neandross Weighs In
The 2026 ACT Expo is focusing heavily on what organizer Erik Neandross calls trucking's digital frontier. This interview excerpt dives into artificial intelligence, zero-emission vehicles, and tips to make sense of it all.
Read More →
Trucking's Digital Frontier: AI, Connected Vehicles, Alternative Fuels and More
There's an amazing amount of new technology for trucking out there. For fleets, the challenge is figuring out what’s real, what’s hype, and what’s worth investing in.
Read More →
What's Real in Advanced Truck Technology? ACT Expo's Erik Neandross Weighs In
Artificial intelligence, the software-defined vehicle, telematics, autonomous trucks, electric trucks and alternative fuels, and more in this HDT Talks Trucking interview
Read More →
ACT: Trucking Volumes Rise, Capacity Tightens as Fuel Prices Cloud Outlook
ACT Research data shows volumes hitting a four-year high and supply-demand balance strengthening, but higher oil prices are undercutting tariff relief and tempering optimism.
Read More →
Wabash Teams Physical Security With Digital Tech For Better Cargo Visibility
The patent-pending cargo solution integrates a digitally connected cargo door and an intelligent locking system with the TrailerHawk.AI technology platform.
Read More →
From Diesel Prices to Cyberattacks: How the Iran War Is Affecting Trucking
The impact of the Iran conflict extends beyond fuel costs, bringing more fraud and cybersecurity risks to the trucking industry.
Read More →
ATA’s Spear Warns Fuel Prices, Trade Policy, and Global Conflict Could Stall Trucking Recovery
Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.
Read More →
New Entrants, Chameleon Carriers, and Safety: Is It Too Easy to Start a Trucking Company?
More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.
Read More →
