John Culp, president of Arkansas-Based Maverick Transportation, is the recipient of the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) 2026 Chairman’s Choice Award. Outgoing TCA Chair Karen Smerchek made the presentation during the association’s 2026 convention, held in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 28-March 3.
The Chairman’s Choice Award, as the name suggests, is presented by the outgoing TCA chairman to an individual who has made significant contributions to the truckload industry and demonstrated strong leadership. It highlights industry role models who have advanced the association’s goals and supported the trucking community.
“Narrowing this down to one person was not easy, but this year’s recipient truly embodies the spirit of TCA,” said outgoing chair Karen Smerchek.
“I met him in 2018, and I immediately saw his passion for the industry,” she continued. “What impressed me even more was his humility; someone with his knowledge and experience who never seeks the spotlight, never boasts and is always willing to step in and help.”
Smerchek said Culp, who served as TCA chairman for 2024-25, has helped ensure TCA programs and key initiatives receive strong backing through his company’s involvement and consistent communication. She also noted his personal commitment to advancing major efforts such as the association’s Elite Fleet program and its advocacy surrounding the gallon-based user fee, including multiple trips to Washington to meet with policymakers.
“He also stepped up in a big way when I delayed my chairmanship for a year … and doing all of this, while serving a two-year term as the chairman of the Arkansas Trucking Association,” she concluded.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
