Trucking associations are trade associations for individuals, organizations, and affiliates of those working in the trucking industry. There are several large, well-known associations that you may have heard of in the past, such as American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Truckload Carriers Association, and Women In Trucking. 

When you join an association, you join a community of professionals just like yourself. You may have access to mentors, grants, and scholarships through these organizations, too, which could help you as you build your career. Trucking associations often work to influence local, state, and federal governmental bodies and work to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness within the industry. They may also represent underrepresented groups in trucking, such as women, and offer networking opportunities such as industry-related conferences.

Joining Trucking Associations

Your ability to join a trucking association will depend on the specific association. Some offer carrier memberships for private or for-hire carriers. Others offer allied memberships for organizations that support the trucking industry or for trucking businesses themselves. 

The majority of trucking associations do ask that you’re a business owner or company to join. If you are not a business owner, you may be more restricted. Reach out to your employer to discuss joining the state or national association they’re a part of. Many trucking associations allow employees to have access when their employers sign up for a membership first. 

National Trucking Associations 

There are many trucking associations to explore if you run a business or qualify to join as an allied member, vendor, for-hire carrier, or private carrier. Here are seven that run nationally.

American Trucking Associations (ATA)

American Trucking Associations (ATA) advocates for those in the trucking industry, brings members and nonmembers industry data and news, has nationally recognized programs and events, and more. The ATA’s programs, America’s Road Team, Share the Road, Workforce Heroes, and Trucking U are well-recognized sources of information on safety, training, recruiting, and other important activities.

The ATA has operated since 1993 and is the largest trucking association in the country. Today, it holds conferences, advocates for the industry in Washington, D.C., provides advice and tools to members, and much more. Employees may join through their company’s membership and gain full access to all knowledge bases. 

For more information on membership, visit this page.

National Association of Independent Truckers (NAIT)

The National Association of Independent Truckers (NAIT) has been operating since 1981 and serves independent owners and operators. Its main focus is on giving members access to buying power via benefits programs, which helps reduce the overall cost of running a trucking company. To learn more or join NAIT, click here.

National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC)

Small trucking companies need to have a voice, and they get one with the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC). Founded in 1989, this association is dedicated to small trucking companies only, advocating for a competitive playing field where they can grow and prosper. Small companies can reach out for membership information. 

North American Transportation Association (NTA)

The North American Transportation Association has a comprehensive range of services for its members that include financial services, insurance, partner programs, and driver management. It also has industry experts create content on a number of subjects, allowing members to see up-to-date and informative content at all times. Join the NTA here.

Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) provides information, education, savings, benefits, and representation for small trucking businesses and professional drivers. Since 1973, this organization has made a concerted effort to represent owner-operators and small business trucking companies regarding legislative and regulatory issues in Washington, D.C. Today, it has over 150,000 members.

To learn more or join OOIDA, visit this link. 

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA)

The Truckload Carriers Association is the only trade association that solely represents the truckload segment of the trucking industry. Since 1938, the TCA has represented over 220,000 operators of trucks such as tankers, intermodal container carriers, refrigerated trucks, and dry vans.

The TCA’s purpose is to help increase the profitability, productivity, and service of members. It also aims to enhance the truckload segment’s ability to deliver services safely and reliably. 

Located in Virginia, the TCA has four types of memberships:

1. School
2. Private fleet
3. For-hire carrier
4. Associate

To learn more, visit this membership page. 

Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)

The Trucking Industry Defense Association, also known as TIDA, is a nonprofit that has built a substantial knowledge base and collection of resources in defense of the trucking industry. Since 1993, TIDA has been home to over 1,600 trucking insurers, motor carriers, defense attorneys, and claims servicing companies. 

Overall, TIDA’s commitment is to reduce the cost of any legal claims brought against the trucking industry. Members of this association work together and on behalf of the industry’s best interests.

Interested in joining TIDA? TIDA offers attorney, industry individual, vendor, legal assistant/paralegal, or corporate memberships. You can also be added to your company’s corporate membership if it has one.

Women In Trucking Association (WIT)

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is a non-profit organization with an eye on diversity. Its goal is to encourage more women to enter the trucking industry and to reduce the obstacles they may face, such as getting fairly compensated, working on a flexible schedule, and obtaining professional development and support. WIT also has several recognition programs and awards including Member of the Month awards, Drivers of the Year awards, and others. Learn more about joining the Women In Trucking Association.

Drive With Pride

At Pride Transport, we believe in the power of our industry coming together to train and support drivers, fight for appropriate regulations, and represent the best interests of everyone we work with. Trucking Associations are at the forefront of taking action, and they have the potential to be an excellent source for you if you want to run a business, network, learn more about the industry, or search for scholarships, grants, or awards. 

Ready to get behind the wheel and explore all this industry has to offer? Visit us at Pride Transport and put in your application today.