I left Oklahoma City last week, where the Truckload Carriers Association Safety and Security Meeting was held, with a renewed sense of commitment and focus on safety. It has been a pillar and value in my organization for years, and it is clearly the same for the people and companies I had the privilege of spending time with.
The energy in every room and session was unmistakable — genuine, contagious and deeply motivating. After two and a half days immersed in that environment, I am more convinced than ever that responsible trucking’s commitment to safety is not only strong but also accelerating.
What I witnessed wasn’t routine or obligatory. It was passionate, urgent and deeply rooted in the belief that every person in our industry deserves to return home safely. The trucking community has always shouldered the responsibility of moving America forward. But in Oklahoma City, what struck me most was how seriously our members take the responsibility of doing it more safely than ever before.
The conversations weren’t about compliance; they were about culture and commitment beyond just regulations. They were about innovation, accountability and the shared understanding that safety is not a department — it is a value.
One moment from the meeting stands above the rest: watching our own Eugenia Churilov receive the "2026 TCA Safety Professional of the Year Award." I have had the privilege of seeing Churilov’s work up close. Her approach to safety blends rigor with empathy, data with intuition, and leadership with humility. She doesn’t simply uphold standards; she raises them. She doesn’t wait for problems; she anticipates them. And she doesn’t just lead; she inspires.
Seeing her recognized by her peers was more than a proud moment for our organization. It was a reminder of what excellence looks like when it is lived every day. Churilov embodies the spirit I saw throughout the conference: a belief that safety is not a cost but an investment, not an obligation but a calling.
What energized me most in Oklahoma City was the alignment across the industry and how aligned we are with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Derek Barrs is the leader we need now and, most of all, going forward. The issues we face together will take time to correct. It is not a sprint; it is a marathon, one mile marker at a time.
Whether the topic was emerging technologies, cybersecurity, driver training or operational best practices, the message was consistent: We can do more, and we will do more.
The pace of change in trucking is accelerating, and safety must evolve with it — not reactively, but proactively. We are entering a new era where innovation, data and human insight intersect. Predictive analytics, advanced driver assistance systems and real-time monitoring are reshaping what is possible. But technology alone won’t get us there. It is the people — the safety directors, fleet managers, drivers, dispatchers and leaders — who turn possibility into progress.
As chairman of TCA, I left the meeting energized by what I saw and optimistic about where we are headed. The commitment is real. The talent is exceptional. The urgency is shared. With leaders like Churilov setting the pace, I am confident we are building an industry where safety isn’t just a priority; it is a defining value.
The road ahead is long, but it is bright. And after last week, I have never been prouder to be part of this community.
