The Truckload Carriers Association announced a formal partnership with the National Association of Independent Truckers, effective immediately.


The new affinity program - the first TCA has embraced in several years - is part of TCA's ongoing effort to help its members attract and retain professional drivers. Beginning with its annual convention, TCA will now promote NAIT membership to its member independent contractors and companies who use owner-operators. It will also encourage participation in NAIT's programs, which include affordable driver insurance, health and wellness programs, business tools, and entertainment.

The new partnership will be particularly beneficial to TCA members because of the excellent driver insurance solutions offered by NAIT through its insurance provider, Transguard. Currently, TCA does not offer occupational accident, contract liability, non-trucking liability, physical damage, or workers' compensation coverage to its members or their independent contractors.

Chris Burruss, TCA's president, said, "Our mission at TCA is to create success for the truckload industry and the communities it serves. Independent contractors play a big part in that success, so helping these entrepreneurs secure quality, affordable insurance is not just the right thing to do, it is an opportunity we simply could not pass up."

John Kaburick, incoming TCA chairman and president of Earl L. Henderson Trucking Company, Salem, Ill., agreed. "The margins are tight in our industry; success is often measured in pennies. Those carriers that make it have a firm understanding of their costs, and are always on the lookout for ways to cut them. They want innovative, competitive options, which is what this partnership with NAIT is designed to provide," he said.

As part of the agreement, TCA will make its name and logo available to NAIT and will help to develop informational materials for promotion of the joint venture.

Speaking on behalf of NAIT, David King, vice president of association programs, said, "The NAIT and TCA partnership will be beneficial to all parties involved. NAIT is where independent trucking entrepreneurs turn for answers."