Five Good Things: Trucking gives back through awards, education, and relief

Carrier donates to the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis 

Over the holidays, Carrier donated five rooftop units to Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis (BGCI) locations, helping the nonprofit organization reduce facility costs so it can focus more resources on its core mission: building brighter futures for Indianapolis youth. 

Carrier donated the HVAC units to meet BGCI’s immediate needs, with installation supported by DEEM Mechanical and Electric Company, a local commercial and industrial mechanical and electric company that provided time, labor, and materials. This collaboration provides efficient, professional installation, reducing costs and accelerating improved comfort and energy efficiency throughout the clubs.

"Our Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis locations are home to many, thanks to the selfless work of our facilities team and local corporations' charitable efforts," Maggie A. Lewis, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis, stated. "We are grateful to Carrier and DEEM for the heating and cooling equipment, the donated work hours, time, effort, and expertise to ensure our kids have a warm, safe environment to spend time with mentors and friends."

TCA unveils 2026 TCA Elite Fleet certified carriers

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently unveiled the 2026 class of TCA Elite Fleet certified carriers, marking the second year of the program recognizing the best places to drive in the truckload industry.

Developed in partnership with the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute, the TCA Elite Fleet certification honors carriers that prioritize competitive compensation, strong safety cultures, driver engagement, and innovative practices designed to enhance quality of life behind the wheel.

Certified fleets underwent a comprehensive evaluation process that examined performance indicators including safety, driver satisfaction, turnover, compensation and benefits, equipment quality, operational efficiency, and overall driver experience. To ensure credibility and transparency, surveys of company drivers and independent contractors were again used to validate carrier submissions.

"Following a successful first year, the TCA Elite Fleet program has quickly become a meaningful benchmark for excellence in our industry," Jim Ward, TCA president, stated. "The carriers recognized in 2026 have demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in their drivers and fostering environments where professionals can thrive. We commend these fleets for raising the bar and helping move our industry forward, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at our upcoming event."

The 2026 TCA Elite Fleets will be honored at TCA’s Annual Convention in Orlando, with a special awards program scheduled for March 2. You can view the full list of winners here. 

Trucking Cares Foundation donates $15,600 to Garrett High School CDL program

The Trucking Cares Foundation recently donated $15,600 to support a CDL program at Garrett High School in Garrett, Indiana.

“Attracting the best and brightest to build rewarding careers in trucking is essential in order to maintain the strength of our industry far into the future,” Greg Owen, TCF Chairman and head coach of Ability Tri-Modal, stated. “By funding up to three full scholarships, this donation will enable students to receive high-quality instruction, learn important safety skills, and secure a good-paying job immediately after graduation. The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to support this important program and potentially change the trajectory of students’ lives.”

Garrett High School, located in Garrett, Indiana, is a public school serving 550 students. There are 184 students enrolled in the school’s career development program, which allows students to pursue careers in the trades. The school offers training in construction and heavy equipment, welding, engineering, architecture, agriculture, and manufacturing. 

Last year, the school developed a first-of-its-kind high school CDL program through the Center for Transportation Safety, and three students obtained their CDLs. This year, the program has the potential to enroll up to 16 eligible students if sufficient funding is available.

ATA names 20 professional drivers as the newest America’s Road Team captains

The American Trucking Associations recently named its new team of captains to the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team. These 20 individuals will serve as ambassadors for the trucking industry, traveling around the country to promote safe driving and highlight the various career opportunities within trucking.

“This group of professional drivers has earned their place at the top through years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to safety on the road,” Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, stated. “They represent a vital segment of the American workforce, one whose impact is felt by nearly every person in the country. As these captains take to the road with a new mission and an important message, we are incredibly proud of their achievements and confident the nation will gain valuable insights from their leadership and the example they set for our industry.”

Established in 1986, America’s Road Team is comprised of professional truck drivers recognized for safety and professionalism. Supported by their companies, captains volunteer their time to represent the trucking industry by participating in industry events, visiting schools, and engaging with policymakers nationwide.

This group of drivers represents 13 states, including four veterans, one independent contractor, and professionals from both small and large carriers, and collectively brings 51 million miles of safe driving experience.

America’s Road Team is sponsored by Volvo Trucks and is entering its 25th year of partnership this October. The new captains will tour the country in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck—a Volvo VNL 860—towing an American flag-emblazoned trailer that features a truck driving simulator and mobile classroom.

You can view the full list of the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team Captains here.

St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund received record support from TravelCenters of America 

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) recently revealed that TravelCenters of America (TA) raised more than $100,000 through its most recent annual charity golf tournament, marking the largest single-year contribution generated by the event since the partnership began in 2017.

The record-breaking total reflects TA’s commitment to supporting drivers and their families during times of illness or injury. Proceeds from the tournament benefit SCF’s mission to provide financial assistance to drivers facing hardship.

“TravelCenters of America has been an incredible partner to the St. Christopher Fund for nearly a decade,” Courtney Niemann, executive director of SCF, stated. “This milestone contribution demonstrates the power of sustained corporate support and the meaningful impact it can have on drivers and their families when they need it most.”