Eden Prairie, Minnesota — C.H. Robinson has named its 2025 Carrier of the Year Award winners, recognizing 20 motor carriers across North America for exceptional service, operational dependability, and strong partnerships with the logistics broker. This year marks a shift in timing, as the company intentionally aligned the announcement with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week to shine a direct spotlight on the professional drivers moving the freight.

The recognized fleets represent a broad spectrum of the American transportation sector, proving that top-tier execution comes from operations of all sizes. The honorees range from independent owner-operators running a single truck to massive motor carriers managing fleets with thousands of power units. Selection for the award is based on rigorous performance metrics that track on-time delivery, capacity commitment, and communication across challenging shipping lanes.

During the 2024 calendar year alone, these 20 winning fleets successfully managed nearly 2 million freight loads for C.H. Robinson. Michael Castagnetto, president of North American Surface Transportation at C.H. Robinson, pointed out that these top performers represent only a fraction of the broader network. The company evaluated 360 total nominees culled from a carrier network exceeding 450,000 providers.

What This Means for Drivers

For independent owner-operators and company drivers alike, recognition at this scale highlights the direct link between consistent service and long-term freight partnerships. Fleets that maintain high safety scores and reliable on-time delivery metrics secure preferred access to steady freight volumes and competitive spot and contract rates. CDL-A drivers hauled through these top-tier networks often experience more predictable scheduling, better equipment utilization, and stronger earning potential.

Industry Reaction

Large-scale brokerage awards underscore the vital role that independent trucking companies and small fleets play in maintaining supply chain stability across the United States. As capacity fluctuates and operating costs climb, shippers increasingly rely on brokers to curate networks of dependable haulers who can handle high-volume surges without sacrificing service quality.

Key Points

• Twenty North American carriers received the 2025 Carrier of the Year Award from C.H. Robinson.
• Winners handled nearly 2 million loads for the logistics provider throughout 2024.
• The honorees span the full industry spectrum, from single-truck owner-operators to massive fleets.
• The announcement coincided with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week to honor OTR truck drivers.

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