Washington, D.C. — The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) opened enrollment for Small Carrier University, a year‑long curriculum that equips carriers with fewer than 99 power units with the metrics and processes needed to sharpen operations, maintenance and safety.
Small carriers have long struggled to dedicate time to strategic planning while juggling day‑to‑day firefighting. TCA’s new university tackles that gap by teaching owners and fleet managers how to select the most relevant key performance indicators, set a tracking cadence and translate data into actionable improvements. The program builds on the success of the TCA Profitability Program, which Amanda Pearson says has already helped more than 120 carriers meet growth targets.
Participants will join one of five benchmarking groups—van, reefer, flatbed, bulk or brokerage—and submit monthly financial reports that are compiled into composite group analyses. The association makes hundreds of KPI benchmarks available, and groups convene two to three times a year to discuss trends in operations, maintenance and safety. Virtual classroom sessions are slated for Thursday, July 27, 2023; Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023; and Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, with an annual convention class in March 2024. Completion requires attendance at all virtual classes, submission of assignments and active participation in the benchmarking discussions.
What This Means for Drivers
Owner‑operators will gain a clearer picture of where their costs deviate from industry norms, allowing them to negotiate better rates or adjust routes for higher profitability. CDL‑A drivers employed by small fleets can expect tighter maintenance schedules, which reduces breakdowns and keeps trucks on the road longer. Fleet managers will receive a structured framework for measuring safety performance, potentially lowering FMCSA violations and insurance premiums. The program also promises monthly market insights, giving drivers a pulse on freight demand and helping them position themselves for higher‑paying loads.
Industry Reaction
Industry observers note that TCA’s focus on data‑driven decision making arrives at a time when many small carriers lack in‑house analytics teams. Trade groups have praised the initiative as a practical bridge between high‑level industry standards and the day‑to‑day realities of owner‑operators. Some carriers have already signed up, citing the $299 set‑up fee and $479 monthly enrollment as a worthwhile investment when compared to the cost of lost revenue from inefficient operations.
Key Points
- Small Carrier University targets carriers with fewer than 99 power units.
- The curriculum covers 29 business metrics and includes benchmarking across five freight modes.
- Enrollment costs $299 to start plus $479 per month; a full‑year payment earns a $100 discount.
- Virtual sessions run on July 27, 2023; Oct. 26, 2023; Jan. 25, 2024, with a March 2024 convention class.
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