It’s important for the hardworking men and women who deliver our country’s goods and materials to know that you are not alone. There are compassionate organizations advocating on your behalf and connecting valued truckers with community members.
In an effort to connect you with resources to enhance your professional and personal experience, we have put together information about some of the country's top trucking associations.
We hope this information enhances your experience.
1: American Trucking Associations
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) was born out of a merger between the Highway Freight Association and Federated Trucking Associations of America in 1993 to form a national-level affiliate of state organizations. Its long and storied history includes working with the U.S. Army during World War II when it was tasked with recruiting truckers to comprise the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. All told, 5,700 truck driving patriots enlisted.
Ever since playing a pivotal role in the country’s national security, the ATA has been a leader in interstate commerce initiatives and relentlessly fights for the fair treatment and compensation of American truckers. The ATA focuses on the following three fundamental policy platforms:
- Safety: The ATA is dedicated to improved driver safety and works in conjunction with federal agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to identify and educate drivers about emerging risks.
- Sustainability: The ATA promotes environmental policies that reduce carbon emissions and improved fuel efficiency, among others.
- Trucks are Essential: The organization represents drivers and other industry leaders by promoting the fact that nearly 100 percent of the country’s goods and materials are distributed by trucks.
Along with being a strong advocate for professional truck drivers across that country, the ATA also provides substantial benefits for its members. These include the following:
- Discounted liability insurance
- Discounts on products and services
- Discounts on UPS deliveries
- Subscription to The ATA Chronicle
- Professional services such as translators
- Career opportunities
- Bi-monthly newsletter
The organization enjoys a membership base that exceeds 10,000 and ranks among the most potent voices supporting the industry today. For more information, visit the ATA website.
2: Truckload Carriers Association
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) was established in 1983 through the merger of the Contract Carrier Conference and Common Carrier Conference — Irregular Route. Since being founded, its name has evolved from the Interstate Carriers Conference in 1983 to Interstate Carriers Conference in 1988, and finally, its current title in 1997. Although the name has changed over the years, the organization remains committed to its primary leadership roles of advocacy, education, and outreach. Those who opt to join this organization can anticipate the following benefits:
- A voice in Washington, D.C.
- Educational resources such as webinars
- Access to the weekly Truckload Carrier Report newsletter
The TCA offers memberships types that include For-Hire Carriers, Private Fleets, Associates, and Schools. To join or for more information, visit the TCA website.
3: National Association of Small Trucking Companies
Established by David Owen and Buster Anderson in 1989, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) emphasizes the sometimes underrepresented needs of small trucking businesses. The organization brings companies together to strengthen collective bargaining advocacy and lobbying abilities. Representing upwards of 10,000 trucking outfits, NASTC offers its members benefits that help small trucking companies lower the cost of doing business. For more information or to become a member, visit the NASTC website.
4: Women In Trucking
This non-profit organization was founded by current President and CEO Ellen Voie in 2007 and has given women the voice they deserve. Voie, a CDL-holder, has been advocating for greater female inclusion in the industry since the early 1980s. Women in Trucking (WIT) works tirelessly to promote trucking opportunities for women who are underrepresented. WIT provides a powerful gender diversity voice that is helping to break down perceived barriers in a predominately male occupation. Its member benefits include the following:
- Provide insight into women’s issues in the freight-hauling industry
- Education about improved work environments for women
- Promote driver and management opportunities for women
- Facilitate professional development
- Provide access to entry-level trucker positions
As of 2018, only approximately 6.2 percent of all active CDL holders are women. That number has increased by a modest 1.7 percent over the last 15 years, and WIT seeks to encourage women to secure CDLs and the good-paying job opportunities of the trucking industry. For more information or to become a member, visit the WIT website.
5: National Private Truck Council
Private motor carrier fleets comprise upwards of 80 percent of medium and heavy-duty vehicles on American roadways and are responsible for more than half of all miles logged. Established in 1939, the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) advocates on behalf of truckers and outfits who operate those more than 2 million vehicles. The organization seeks to further the following goals:
- Provide transportation industry leadership
- Provide professional education and certification opportunities
- Lobby government agencies and officials with regard to regulations, compliance, and legislation
- Improve the flow of vital industry information
For more information or to become a member, visit the NPTC website.
6: Trucker Buddy International
This non-profit organization is dedicated to working diligently to introduce and educate school-aged children about robust opportunities in the trucking industry. The Trucker Buddy program mentors youth and allows them to gain first-hand experience about what CDL professionals do and how their work positively impacts our communities. Teachers work in conjunction with truck drivers to oversee K-8 programs after a thorough screening process.
Students and drivers exchange letters and information in an educational setting designed to improve learning. Trucker Buddy was established in 1992 and has worked with more than 1 million students, and the organization is run through volunteers and donations. Trucker Buddy enjoys ties to other prominent trucking industry organizations such as the American Trucking Associations.
7: Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
With upwards of 4,000 members in its ranks, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is a non-profit organization focused on vehicle and driver safety. Since 1980, it has served as a safety standards bridge between Western U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Its safety inspection and enforcement programs include the following:
- International Roadcheck
- Operation Airbrake
- Operation Safe Driver
- North American Standard Inspection Program
- North American Standard Level VI Inspection Program
The CVSA counts hundreds of law enforcement, trucking companies, industry associations, vendors, and others among its member ranks. Its sponsors enjoy benefits that include exposure at conferences, and promotion in the CVSA bi-weekly newsletter. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit the CVSA website.
As a member of the trucking community, we hope this information about other crucial organizations proves useful. For more information about us or to explore a career in the trucking industry, please visit CDLjobs.com today.
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