In an industry defined by demand for carrying capacity, FTC Transportation stands apart with a purpose that extends beyond freight. Based in Oklahoma City, the carrier operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Feed the Children. Across every mile it travels, the company’s mission is to help address child hunger across the U.S.

FTC Transportation balances charitable freight with commercial operations

Founded in 1986, FTC Transportation is a full-service truckload operation that hauls donated goods and products purchased through charitable contributions to three Feed the Children warehouses. There, goods are sorted and distributed throughout communities nationwide.

FTC Transportation has a balanced freight strategy in addition to its role as Feed the Children’s core carrier, explained Emory Mills, SVP of FTC Transportation. 

“Our No. 1 priority is to position capacity to meet Feed the Children’s needs,” Mills explained. “To minimize empty miles and help keep costs in check, we also leverage backhaul opportunities on the spot market by hauling dedicated freight and brokered loads for customers nationwide.”

FTC Transportation operates a fleet of approximately 25 company-owned tractors, primarily driven by solo operators, and is supported by a trailer pool of around 60 dry vans. Trailers are strategically staged at donor locations to improve efficiency and reduce delays in pickup and delivery.

Equipment purchasing at FTC Transportation typically involves soliciting bids for new tractors and trailers, often through long-standing partnerships with manufacturers such as Freightliner and, more recently, Kenworth. Over the past few years, the fleet’s appearance has evolved, with tractors now sporting a fresh green color scheme that reflects a more vibrant brand identity.

Supporting equipment operations at FTC Transportation is a centralized maintenance program. The company operates a full-service shop staffed by three full-time technicians who handle its internal fleet needs and provide light repair services for outside carriers. Mills noted that the in-house capability not only improves reliability but also reinforces the company’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Safety technology and driver programs strengthen fleet performance

Safety, a cornerstone of FTC Transportation’s culture, is also reflected in the technology that has transformed how the company manages driver performance.

“Two years ago, we implemented Motive forward-facing dash cameras and electronic logging devices,” Julia Williams, safety and driver manager, said. “The cameras changed the game with in-cab coaching, helping to reduce and eliminate unsafe driving events like following too closely, stop sign violations, hard braking, and speeding.”

The Motive system captures video clips of safety-related events, giving FTC Transportation a clear view of real-world situations. These insights not only allow for more effective coaching, Williams noted, but also provide context when incidents are incorrectly flagged.

“Sometimes we can dismiss the issue if the driver is not at fault,” she added. “Overall, it gives us an opportunity to make improvements.”

According to Williams, “the technology has also increased driver awareness and uncovered behaviors that previously went unnoticed. It shows us some things we didn’t know were happening and makes our drivers more aware of the driving practices.”

The benefits extend beyond operations. Improved safety performance at FTC Transportation, for example, has strengthened relationships with insurance underwriters, potentially resulting in reduced premiums at renewal.

FTC Transportation’s commitment to its drivers has earned the company significant industry recognition. This year, the carrier was named a Best Fleets to Drive For honoree for the 14th consecutive year and celebrated its fifth year in the program’s Hall of Fame.

A new milestone was also receiving the Best Fleets to Drive For Hall of Fame Stratosphere Award, an achievement typically associated with much larger carriers. The recognition reflects consistent excellence in driver satisfaction, workplace culture, and operational performance.

FTC Transportation was also designated a TCA Elite Fleet, a newer program developed in collaboration with the University of Denver. Based on driver surveys and comprehensive evaluation criteria, Williams said the program provides valuable feedback while boosting morale across the organization.

“FTC Transportation exists to provide safe and reliable transportation resources with a dedication to operational service excellence while helping those in need,” Mills said. “That dual mission of commercial viability and social responsibility shapes our business approach. We’re not just moving freight. We’re ensuring that essential goods reach families and children who depend on them.”

As a trucking company that is more than a carrier, FTC Transportation is proving that success is measured not solely by miles or revenue, but by the difference those miles make.