Created in partnership with the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute, the certification evaluates participating carriers across areas including safety, compensation, benefits, quality of life, equipment, operations and technology.

Driver Feedback Is Part of the Certification

Participating carriers submit company information that is evaluated alongside confidential surveys completed by drivers and independent contractors.

Those surveys examine satisfaction, working conditions, and overall experience with the carrier. The program also considers company policies and metrics covering pay and bonus programs, health and retirement benefits, home time, career opportunities, driver engagement, facilities and equipment.

Carriers that complete the process receive feedback on their application and survey results along with comparisons to industry benchmarks.

TCA For-Hire Carrier Members Can Apply

The program is open to TCA for-hire carrier members, and enrollment must be completed by an employee of the participating carrier.

Enrollment for the 2027 program is open through November 13, 2026. TCA’s current program timeline lists December 4 as the deadline for completed company applications and driver surveys, both of which must be submitted in full for a carrier to be considered for certification.

Carriers interested in participating can learn more and complete enrollment through the TCA Elite Fleet Program website.

Certified Fleets Will Be Announced in January

TCA plans to announce the 2027 certified fleets on January 13, 2027.

The program was introduced in 2025, when 48 carriers earned the inaugural Elite Fleet certification. The designation is intended to recognize North American for-hire carriers that meet the program’s benchmarks for the driver workplace and overall experience.

Recognition Set for TCA’s 2027 Annual Convention

Carriers earning 2027 Elite Fleet certification will be recognized during the TCA Annual Convention, February 28 through March 3, 2027, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The program is sponsored by TruckRight and Acrisure.

Eligible carriers can find the full program requirements, timeline, and enrollment information at TCAEliteFleet.com.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 14, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: TCA

The post Enrollment Opens for TCA’s 2027 Elite Fleet Program appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Elite Fleet designation focuses on for-hire truckload operations across North America that demonstrate measurable commitment to driver satisfaction, safety, compensation, and overall quality of life on the road. The 2026 class reflects a broad mix of fleets that met the program’s detailed evaluation standards.

What the TCA Elite Fleet Program Recognizes

The Elite Fleet program was created to move beyond surface-level claims and instead evaluate how carriers actually operate day to day. According to TCA, the certification highlights carriers that build driver-focused environments through competitive pay, consistent safety practices, and operational systems designed to support long term careers behind the wheel.

The program was developed in partnership with the University of Denver’s Transportation and Supply Chain Institute. That collaboration helps ensure the criteria and scoring process are grounded in research and industry data rather than marketing claims.

How Carriers Are Evaluated

Carriers seeking Elite Fleet certification go through a comprehensive review process. The evaluation examines multiple performance areas that directly affect driver experience, including safety outcomes, compensation and benefits, turnover, equipment quality, operational efficiency, and overall job satisfaction.

To validate carrier submissions, surveys of both company drivers and independent contractors are used as part of the process. This added layer is intended to provide transparency and ensure the results reflect real-world experiences rather than internal reporting alone.

Why the Program Matters to Drivers and the Industry

Programs like Elite Fleet give drivers and industry stakeholders another data point when evaluating fleets. Instead of relying solely on pay ads or recruiting claims, the certification highlights carriers that meet defined standards tied to retention, safety culture, and driver engagement.

TCA President Jim Ward said the program is becoming a meaningful benchmark within the industry.

“Following a successful first year, the TCA Elite Fleet program has quickly become a meaningful benchmark for excellence in our industry,” Ward said. 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.”

Recognition at TCA’s Annual Convention

The 2026 Elite Fleet carriers will be formally recognized during TCA’s Annual Convention in Orlando. A dedicated awards program is scheduled for Monday, March 2, where participating carriers will be acknowledged for meeting the certification standards.

As the program enters its second year, TCA has positioned Elite Fleet as an ongoing effort to define and promote best practices across the truckload sector, with an emphasis on transparency, driver input, and measurable performance.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post 57 Carriers Earn Spot in TCA’s 2026 Elite Fleet Program appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Testament to Driver Excellence

Darrel Wilson, founder and CEO of Wilson Logistics, expressed his pride in achieving this honor, saying, “(I am) especially proud of this award because it recognizes positive results obtained by our drivers, supported by our non-driving staff, with the ultimate goal of safely picking up and delivering all freight on time and damage-free. It’s encouraging to see the TCA gaining credibility with new programs like the Elite Fleet that utilize actual data without subjectivity to certify carriers as being the best. Thank you to all of our drivers for all of your hard work and dedication.”

This achievement underscores the company’s dedication to safety and performance, reflecting the hard work of both its drivers and support teams.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Innovation

Wilson Logistics, a family-owned and operated business, began its journey in 1980 with a single truck. Since then, the company has expanded into a forward-thinking leader in the trucking industry, known for its unwavering focus on driver development and safety. Wilson Logistics fosters an environment where drivers choose career paths tailored to their individual preferences and needs.

Additionally, the company offers comprehensive resources, including a CDL training program, leasing options, and a broad range of carrier services, ensuring drivers are equipped for success.

About the TCA Elite Fleet Program

The TCA Elite Fleet Program identifies carriers based on measurable criteria, including safety, operational performance, driver compensation, benefits, technology, and quality of life. The certification is rooted in data and feedback, incorporating surveys from drivers and independent contractors for true validation.

“We are incredibly proud to announce this first class of TCA Elite Fleets,” said Jim Ward, president, TCA. “These carriers went through a comprehensive and detailed application process, had their drivers surveyed for validation, and received top scores for their combination of driver compensation, benefits, engagement, satisfaction, training, support, company equipment, safety and facilities. These forty-seven carriers are truly Elite Fleets, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them.”

Commitment to Drivers’ Success

Being named a TCA Elite Fleet Certified Carrier cements Wilson Logistics’ standing as a top-tier carrier for professional drivers. This recognition serves as a testament to the company’s longstanding commitment to providing drivers with the tools, support, and opportunities needed to thrive, all while maintaining a steadfast emphasis on safety and innovation.

For more on the TCA Elite Fleet Program or Wilson Logistics, visit their website or social media platforms.

Source: The Trucker

Source: Wilson Logistics

The post Wilson Logistics Earns Prestigious TCA Elite Fleet Certification appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This new certification program, developed in collaboration with the University of Denver’s Transportation and Supply Chain Institute, aims to identify and honor North American for-hire truckload carriers that create outstanding work environments. The program evaluates companies that prioritize driver satisfaction through competitive pay, advanced equipment, safety standards, and innovative practices.

Certification Criteria

To earn the TCA Elite Fleet designation, carriers underwent a rigorous assessment. Criteria included key performance metrics such as driver retention, compensation and benefits, job satisfaction, quality of life on the road, workplace safety, operational efficiency, and the condition of company-owned equipment. Surveys from company drivers and independent contractors further validated the results, ensuring the selections reflect real employee perspectives.

The 47 certified carriers recognized as part of the 2025 TCA Elite Fleet include:

• AAT Carriers – Chattanooga, TN

• American Central Transport – Kansas City, MO

• Bison Transport – Winnipeg, MB, Canada

• Brenny Specialized – St Joseph, MN

• Brown Dog Carriers – Biddeford, ME

• Cargo Transporters – Claremont, NC

• Cheema Freightlines – Pacific, WA

• Chief Carriers – Grand Island, NE

• Christenson Transportation – Strafford, MO

• Crawford Trucking – Des Moines, IA

• Don Hummer Trucking – Cedar Rapids, IA

• Dutch Maid Logistics – Willard, CO

• Erb Transport – New Hamburg, ON, Canada

• Fortigo Freight Services – Etobicoke, ON, Canada

• Fremont Contract Carriers – Fremont, NE

• FTC Transportation – Oklahoma City, OK

• Garner Trucking – Findlay, OH

• Grand Island Express – Grand Island, NE

• Halvor Lines – Superior, WI

• Hill Brothers Transportation – Omaha, NE

• Kriska Holdings Limited – Prescott, ON, Canada

• Landair Transport – Greeneville, TN

• Landstar System – Jacksonville, FL

• Liberty Linehaul – Ayr, ON, Canada

• Lion Force Transport – Mississauga, ON, Canada

• Magnum – Fargo, ND

• Marten Transport – Mondovi, WI

• Maverick Transportation – North Little Rock, AR

• Melton Truck Lines – Tulsa, OK

• Mill Creek Motor Freight – Ayr, ON, Canada

• National Carriers – Irving, TX

• NFI Interactive Logistics – Camden, NJ

• Northern Logistics – Clare, MI

• Nussbaum Transportation – Hudson, IL

• PGT Trucking – Aliquippa, PA

• R.E. Garrison Trucking – Vinemont, AL

• Royal Logistics – Fargo, ND

• Spring Creek Carriers – Beamsville, ON, Canada

• Spur Freight Services – Austin, TX

• Stokes Trucking – Tremonton, UT

• TransLand – Strafford, MO

• Transpro Freight Systems – Milton, ON, Canada

• Truline Corporation – Las Vegas, NV

• Veriha Trucking – Marinette, WI

• Werner Enterprises – Omaha, NE

• Western Dairy Transport – Cabool, MO

• Wilson Logistics – Strafford, MO

Industry Recognition

TCA President Jim Ward expressed his pride in this significant milestone, saying, “We are incredibly proud to announce this first class of TCA Elite Fleets. These carriers went through a comprehensive and detailed application process, had their drivers surveyed for validation, and received top scores for their combination of driver compensation, benefits, engagement, satisfaction, training, support, company equipment, safety, and facilities. These forty-seven carriers are truly Elite Fleets, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them. I look forward to recognizing and celebrating them next month in Phoenix.”

Upcoming Celebration

The award-winning carriers will be celebrated during TCA’s Annual Convention, set to take place in Phoenix, Arizona. The recognition ceremony is scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025, as part of a special awards program honoring the achievements of this year’s Elite Fleet recipients.

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Truckload Carriers Association

The post 47 Carriers Achieve TCA’s Prestigious Elite Fleet Certification appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.