Trucking associations give fleet owners and their employees a way to stay informed and meet others working in the industry. Many also offer training, business services, and representation on policies that affect trucking companies.
Each organization serves a different purpose, so it helps to understand what your company would actually use before paying membership dues. Keep reading for six trucking associations worth knowing and how their resources may fit your fleet.
1. Women In Trucking Association (WIT)
Women In Trucking supports the employment and advancement of women throughout the industry, including drivers, technicians, and corporate employees. Its resources include an online member community, educational content, recognition programs, and the Accelerate! Conference & Expo.
For employers looking to recruit and retain women, WIT offers opportunities to hear directly from people about their experiences working in trucking. Those conversations can help companies identify concerns they may have overlooked in their recruiting, training, or workplace policies.
Consider involving the employees who would benefit from participating, rather than limiting membership activity to leadership. A recruiter might use educational resources to improve outreach, while a driver could find value in connecting with other women working on the road.
2. American Trucking Associations (ATA)
American Trucking Associations represents trucking businesses through national advocacy, industry information, and professional education. Its federation includes affiliated trucking associations in all 50 states, and its councils address areas such as safety management, maintenance, finance, and transportation security.
ATA may be useful for carriers that want to follow federal policy discussions and give employees access to education in their particular field. A maintenance manager and a safety director, for example, may benefit from different councils and events within the same organization.
Employers should also explore their state trucking association. Local contacts can be especially helpful when a company has questions about state legislation or wants to meet carriers operating in the same area.
3. National Association of Small Trucking Companies
The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) focuses on smaller carriers and owner-operators. Its offerings include the Quality Plus Network fuel program, drug and alcohol testing services, and safety and compliance support.
For a small fleet without separate departments for purchasing, compliance, and driver management, access to outside support may help reduce the time spent arranging those services independently.
Before joining, compare the programs you would use with your current expenses. For a fuel program, that means looking at participating locations along your routes, applicable fees, and the prices your company already pays. Be sure to ask which services require additional enrollment or payment so you can estimate the full cost and potential savings.
4. Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)
The Trucking Industry Defense Association brings together attorneys and trucking and insurance professionals who work on claims and legal defense. Its member resources include educational seminars, webinars, state law summaries, and professional networking opportunities.
TIDA is particularly helpful for employees responsible for claims, risk management, and legal matters. Learning how other professionals handle trucking cases can help those employees ask better questions about their company’s procedures and preparation.
If your fleet is considering membership, involve the person who handles claims and your existing legal or insurance contacts. They can help determine which resources would be useful and how participation would fit the company’s current approach to managing risk.
5. Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance brings commercial vehicle safety officials and industry representatives together to improve safety and inspection consistency across North America. Trucking companies, fleet owners, and owner-operators can participate as associate members.
CVSA is worth following for employers responsible for preparing drivers and equipment for roadside inspections. Its focus on safety education and enforcement makes it relevant to safety managers, maintenance staff, and driver trainers.
When reviewing its resources, consider how the information will reach employees. Safety materials are most useful when someone takes responsibility for reviewing them, discussing relevant points with drivers, and incorporating them into training. Ask about available education and access requirements before deciding whether membership fits your needs.
6. Truckload Carriers Association
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) focuses specifically on the truckload segment of the industry. Its work includes carrier advocacy, educational programs, and opportunities for members to exchange information about running their businesses.
For truckload employers, that focus can make it easier to find discussions relevant to their operations. Speaking with carriers that handle similar freight may help managers think through questions about service, staffing, and operating expenses.
Be sure to review TCA’s current educational offerings and events with a specific business need in mind. If your company wants to improve driver retention, for example, identify who would participate and how they would share useful ideas with recruiting and operations staff.
Choosing an Association Your Team Will Use
Start with the problem your company needs help solving, then compare relevant programs, membership requirements, and total costs. Ask whether dues cover the resources you want or whether conferences, training, and services carry separate charges.
Then, choose someone to manage participation and share useful information with the team. After a year, review which services employees used and whether the membership helped address the needs that prompted you to join.
For more ways to stay ahead of the curve in the transportation industry, be sure to check out the rest of our Employer Blog posts and connect with us on social media.
