Alexandria, Virginia — The Truckload Carriers Association and PCS Software have named Tory McQueen, human resources and compliance manager for Parish Transport, as the inaugural recipient of the TCA Individual On-Demand Education Award. Announced on September 8, 2026, the newly established prize recognizes transportation professionals who demonstrate an exceptional dedication to continuous professional growth and operational safety behind the scenes.

While the honor focuses on individual achievement, its practical effects reach straight to the cab. Behind every safe OTR truck driver is a back-office team managing hours-of-service rules, onboarding, and dispatch protocols. Strong HR management directly influences how trucking companies hiring fresh talent handle day-to-day compliance, driver retention, and roadside safety.

Throughout 2025, McQueen logged 130 hours of intensive coursework through TCA on-demand platforms. That volume of study mirrors the discipline required for a CDL-A driver to master complex routes and shifting federal regulations. Her curriculum culminated in earning the complete trifecta of TCA credentials: the Recruitment Certificate, the Retention Certificate, and the Human Resources Certificate.

What This Means for Drivers

Administrative competence in the home office translates to fewer payroll errors, smoother dispatch routines, and faster problem resolution for drivers out on the highway. When compliance managers invest time in advanced training, carriers build better safety cultures that protect an owner-operator's bottom line and respect a driver's time. Professional credentialing across the full driver lifecycle reduces the friction that causes high turnover rates across the freight sector.

Industry Reaction

Industry leaders emphasize that ongoing education remains a primary driver of operational efficiency in commercial transport. As compliance demands grow more complex, back-office staff must stay ahead of regulatory shifts just as much as drivers do on the road. Mark Hill, CEO of PCS Software, noted that education serves as one of the most powerful advantages a career can invest in, particularly within compliance and HR where minor details dictate safe operations.

Key Points

• Tory McQueen of Parish Transport is the first recipient of the TCA Individual On-Demand Education Award.
• The award is sponsored in partnership with PCS Software to honor back-office commitment to continuing education.
• McQueen completed 130 hours of targeted coursework across the 2025 calendar year.
• Her studies secured the full TCA certificate trifecta covering recruitment, retention, and human resources.

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