As I begin my term as chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), I’ve spent some time reflecting on my journey in trucking and how it ultimately led me here. Like many people in this industry, my path started in a family business and was shaped by hard work, relationships, and a deep respect for the people who keep freight moving every day.
I’m a proud Canadian and honored to serve as chairman of an association that represents carriers across North America. In fact, I’m only the third Canadian to hold this role. About 10 percent of TCA’s membership comes from Canadian carriers, many of whom are actively engaged in the association’s programs and frequently stand alongside their American peers as award-winning companies and industry leaders.
That reality reflects an important truth about trucking: our industry doesn’t stop at borders. Freight moves constantly across North America, and so do ideas, best practices, and innovation. TCA embodies that spirit of collaboration. The association is built on shared values, continuous improvement, education, celebrating success, and supporting one another. At its core, TCA is about people.
My own trucking story began with my father, who started our company in 1978 with three trucks. He was a mechanic by trade and owned a gas station that eventually grew into a small international dealership. That experience led him into the trucking business almost by accident.
He bought the trucks, worked on them himself, and hired good people to drive them. I spent much of my childhood around those trucks, learning by watching. When I turned 18, I couldn’t wait to earn my commercial driver’s license. After finishing high school, instead of heading to college, I chose to go to work alongside my father.
For the first five years of my career, I drove a truck and I’m still proud to call myself a truck driver today.
In 1994, when I was 30 years old, I took over the family business. I was young and inexperienced, but I knew a few things: how to work hard, how to drive a truck, and how people want to be treated. I’m not an academic or a politician. I’m a trucker who has spent more than four decades in this industry.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned during that time is that success is always a team effort.
At The Kriska Group, I’m fortunate to work alongside a talented team of professionals who make our company stronger every day. The same principle applies within TCA. The association thrives because of the people who contribute their time, experience, and leadership to help move the industry forward.
As chairman, my approach is simple. I believe in letting subject-matter experts do their jobs and supporting them where I can. I want to listen to members the same way I listen to our employees back home. And I don’t believe in fixing things that aren’t broken. Instead, my goal is to build upon the strong foundation created by the leaders who came before me.
My priorities are aligned with the direction TCA has already established. When I first entered the officer leadership line several years ago, we set an agenda that continues to serve the industry well today. Rather than changing course, we will continue strengthening the programs and initiatives that provide meaningful value to our members.
And that value only exists if members engage.
The Kriska Group joined TCA in 1994 after a friend encouraged us to become members. In the early years, our involvement was limited, we paid our dues and occasionally attended events, often feeling like a small Canadian carrier learning from larger companies.
About a decade ago, I decided to become more engaged by attending more meetings, listening closely, and bringing ideas back to our team. That involvement eventually led to an invitation to join the association’s officer leadership group, which inspired me to deepen our company’s participation and encourage other Canadian carriers to join as well.
The impact has been significant. Our business is stronger, our people have grown through TCA’s leadership and training programs, and our safety culture and operations have improved.
The key difference was simple: we didn’t just pay our dues, we participated.
For members, and those considering joining, my message is simple: take advantage of what TCA offers. Attend events, participate in programs, and connect with peers. The more you engage, the more value you gain.
As we look ahead, I’m grateful to Jim Ward for his leadership and everything he has done to strengthen TCA. I’m also pleased to welcome Jim Mullen as the association’s new president, whose experience will help guide TCA’s continued success.
For me personally, this is an exciting moment in my career. I believe there are positive tailwinds ahead for our industry. The challenges we face are real, but so are the opportunities.
And when truckload carriers come together — sharing ideas, learning from one another, and supporting the people who power this industry — we all move forward.
