Program Timeline
August 27, 2024
Enrollment Opens
November 1, 2024
Enrollment Closes
November 11, 2024
Applications/Driver Surveys Open
January 8, 2025
Applications/Driver Surveys Close
January 22, 2025
Certified Fleets Announced
March 15 -18, 2025
Fleets Recognized at TCA Annual Convention
Enrollment for the new Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Elite Fleet Program is officially open. This exciting certification program, created in partnership with the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute, aims to spotlight and recognize North American for-hire carriers that offer best-in-class work environments, competitive compensation, and innovative practices for their drivers.
What It Is? A certification program that honors the best workplaces in truckload, focusing on driver satisfaction and company policies
How It Works Evaluation based on company data and driver programs, including metrics on safety, operations, compensation, benefits, quality of life, and technology. Surveys completed by drivers and independent contractors will help validate these factors
Who Can Apply? TCA for-hire carrier members
Enrollment Closes November 1, 2024
Applications/Surveys Close Jan. 8, 2025
Recognition & Celebration Certified carriers will be recognized at TCA’s 2025 convention March 15-18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona
Partner
Sponsors
Program Overview
TCA’s Elite Fleet Program aims to improve the driving profession by recognizing carriers that provide a best-in-class workplace for drivers and independent contractors in the North American truckload industry. The certification will be based on comprehensive evaluations of company data and driver programs, incorporating carrier metrics and feedback from drivers.
Gather quantitative and qualitative data from the carrier’s internal reports and industry benchmarks
Carrier Data Collection
Driver Survey
Administer a survey to drivers and independent contractors which will assess satisfaction levels, working conditions, and overall experiences
Assessment and Scoring
Analyze the collected data and survey results to score each carrier based on the established criteria
Validation Process
Validation performed by:
Benefits of Certification
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Gain recognition as a top-tier employer in the trucking industry
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Attract and retain high-quality drivers and independent contractors
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Receive feedback on application, survey results and industry benchmark comparisons
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Improve operational practices and workplace conditions
For Carriers
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Identify carriers that prioritize their well-being and career satisfaction
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Benefit from enhanced workplace standards and improved quality of life
For Drivers
Certification Criteria
Evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the trucking industry
Carrier Metrics
Compensation & Benefits
Assess the competitiveness of driver pay structures, bonus programs, health benefits, retirement plans, and other financial incentives
Facilities
Gauge the quality and accessibility of company facilities, including maintenance shops, rest areas, and training centers
Driver Satisfaction
Review policies and driver feedback on home time, job variety, career advancement opportunities, and overall work-life balance
Measure the level of driver engagement through feedback mechanisms, recognition programs, and involvement in decision-making processes
Driver Engagement
Equipment
Review the quality and maintenance of tractors and trailers, including the age of equipment, reliability, and safety features
Eligibility & Requirements
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Carrier company must be a TCA for-hire carrier member
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Enrollment must be completed by for-hire carrier employee only
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Company application and driver surveys must be completed in full to be considered for certification
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Certified Elite Fleet carriers are asked to attend TCA’s annual convention awards program March 15 - 18, 2025 in Phoenix
Questions?
Contact TCA's Zander Gambill at zgambill@truckload.org
Evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the trucking industry, including safety records, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulations
Carrier Metrics
Compensation & Benefits
Assess the competitiveness and fairness of driver pay structures, bonus programs, health benefits, retirement plans, and other financial incentives.
Facilities
Assess the quality and accessibility of company facilities, including maintenance shops, rest areas, and training centers.
Quality of Life
Review policies on driver home time, job variety, career advancement opportunities, and overall work-life balance.
Certification Criteria
Validation Process
Gather quantitative and qualitative data from the carrier’s internal reports and industry benchmarks.
Carrier Data Collection
Driver Survey
Administer a survey to drivers and independent contractors, conducted by the University of Denver’s Transportation & Supply Chain Institute. This survey will assess satisfaction levels, working conditions, and overall experiences.
Assessment and Scoring
Analyze the collected data and survey results to score each carrier based on the established criteria.
Award certification to carriers that meet or exceed the program’s benchmarks. Provide a detailed report outlining areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
Certification Awarding
Measure the level of driver engagement through feedback mechanisms, recognition programs, and involvement in decision-making processes.
Driver Engagement
Technology
Equipment
Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of in-cab technology (e.g., navigation systems, telematics) and out-of-cab technology (e.g., company apps, communication tools).
Inspect the quality and maintenance of tractors and trailers, including the age of equipment, reliability, and comfort features.
Benefits of Certification
-
Identify carriers that prioritize their well-being and career satisfaction.
-
Benefit from enhanced workplace standards and improved quality of life.
For Drivers
-
Gain recognition as a top-tier employer in the trucking industry.
-
Attract and retain high-quality drivers and independent contractors.
-
Improve operational practices and workplace conditions.