TCA promotes Heller to SVP

The Truckload Carriers Association promoted David Heller to senior vice president of safety and government affairs, the trade organization announced on June 9. In this capacity, Heller will expand TCA’s reach as it relates to safety and strengthen the association’s advocacy on Capitol Hill.

"This promotion will reemphasize TCA’s commitment to being a leading presence within the trucking and safety community," said John Elliott, TCA chairman and CEO of Load One. "TCA is better poised than ever before to help advance efforts to protect our truck drivers and the motoring public on our roadways. Dave will strengthen TCA’s relationships with industry stakeholders and government partners to safeguard the interests of the truckload segment and bring parties together to work toward our common goals.”

See also: Speed limiters divide truckload meeting safety stakeholders

Heller has worked for TCA since 2005, initially as director of safety, and most recently as the VP of government affairs. Before that, he spent seven years as manager of safety programs for American Trucking Associations. He also writes a monthly column, “Safety 411,” for FleetOwner magazine.

During his time with TCA, Heller has become recognized as a leading expert in his field, sought after for commentary on national news networks such as CNN and Fox News.

The announcement was made following TCA’s Safety & Security Meeting in Nashville June 5-7. More than 300 safety and HR professionals gathered in downtown Nashville to discuss problems and find solutions. Heller oversees TCA's Safety & Security Division Committee, which consists of nearly a dozen truckload safety professionals from the association's for-hire carrier membership base. Heller and the committee members plan the meeting which takes place each June.

Heller will work to enhance North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) and TCA’s Driver Training, Safety Professional, and Maintenance Supervisor Certificate Programs, while working with member fleets on regulatory and compliance endeavors. 

Additionally, Heller also manages TCA’s annual Call on Washington, where he ensures TCA members are given the opportunity to engage with policymakers and share their perspectives.