LOUISVILLE, KY — Jeremy Stickling, the Chief Administrative Officer at Nussbaum Transportation, earned the title of 2025 Safety Professional of the Year during the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Safety & Security Meeting. This prestigious award highlights Stickling’s nearly two-decade career spent refining accident prevention strategies and fostering a high-accountability environment within the freight industry.
Stickling’s recognition stems from a career built on blending technological innovation with a genuine, people-first management style. Rather than relying solely on rigid oversight, he has focused on creating programs that provide drivers with the tools necessary to stay safe while navigating increasingly complex highway conditions. His efforts directly contributed to Nussbaum Transportation securing the 2024 TCA Grand Prize for Fleet Safety, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in operational excellence.
Brent Nussbaum, CEO of the company, pointed to Stickling’s inventive nature as the driving force behind their current safety architecture. By integrating advanced technology with consistent, ongoing training, Stickling has helped preserve the standard of an eighty-year-old employee-owned business. His approach proves that safety is not just about compliance but about protecting the livelihoods of the men and women behind the wheel.
What This Means for Drivers
For the average CDL-A driver, leadership like Stickling’s translates to better equipment and fewer unnecessary stressors on the road. Effective safety programs reduce the likelihood of preventable incidents, which keeps a driver’s CSA score clean and ensures they remain employable with top-tier carriers. When companies invest in the right training and technology, it creates a predictable, professional environment that respects the time and expertise of every OTR truck driver. Drivers looking for stability should prioritize fleets that treat safety as a core cultural pillar rather than a box-checking exercise.
Industry Reaction
The trucking industry continues to prioritize safety as a primary competitive advantage, especially as FMCSA regulations tighten and insurance costs rise. The TCA award serves as a benchmark for how fleet managers should balance technical innovation with human empathy. By honoring individuals who bridge the gap between corporate policy and real-world highway realities, the TCA encourages other trucking companies hiring today to rethink their own internal programs and prioritize long-term driver retention through genuine care.
Key Points
- Jeremy Stickling has spent nearly 20 years driving safety innovation at Nussbaum Transportation.
- The award recognizes measurable contributions to reducing highway incidents and improving driver accountability.
- Nussbaum Transportation earned the 2024 TCA Grand Prize for Fleet Safety under Stickling's leadership.
- The honor reflects a management philosophy that emphasizes both technological integration and a people-first culture.
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