TCA Chairman Karen Smerchek Announces Jim Mullen as New President; Introduction Set for TCA Annual Convention
Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Chairman Karen Smerchek today announced the appointment of Jim Mullen as the Association’s new President, effective April 6, 2026.
Mullen currently serves as Executive Director of the Clean Freight Coalition, where he has built strong relationships with key stakeholders across the transportation and supply chain sectors. Widely regarded as a trusted leader and subject-matter expert, Mullen brings extensive regulatory, legislative, and legal experience within the trucking industry.
He previously served as Acting Administrator and Chief Counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from 2018 to 2020, providing legal and policy guidance and strategic direction to FMCSA headquarters and field offices nationwide. Mullen has also served as Chief Administrative and Legal Officer of a publicly traded autonomous truck technology company and as General Counsel for a large publicly traded truckload carrier, further strengthening his perspective across both innovation and carrier operations.
Mullen will guide TCA as it continues to expand its impact, strengthen member value, and advance strategic priorities on behalf of the truckload sector.
“Jim’s depth of experience, steady leadership, and strong understanding of the issues facing our industry make him the right person to lead TCA into its next chapter,” said Smerchek. “His appointment reflects our commitment to continuity, momentum, and delivering meaningful value to our members.”
Smerchek also expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of outgoing President Jim Ward, who will retire after a successful tenure leading the Association.
“Jim Ward has provided exceptional stability, vision, and service to TCA and the truckload industry,” said Smerchek. “Under his leadership, the Association strengthened its influence, expanded member engagement, and positioned itself for continued growth. We are deeply grateful for Jim’s contributions and the strong foundation he leaves for the future.”
Mullen will be formally introduced to TCA members at the TCA Annual Convention, taking place February 28 – March 3, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
“I am honored to join TCA and grateful to the Association’s leadership for their confidence in me,” said Mullen. “I look forward to working closely with TCA’s officers, staff, and members to advance the association’s mission and support a strong, safe, and competitive truckload industry.”
“Trucking is the backbone of our economy and critical to the nation’s supply chain,” Mullen added. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead TCA and support the industry in a responsible, practical, and forward-looking way.”
About the Truckload Carriers Association
For more than 85 years, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has been the voice of the truckload industry. TCA represents the interests of truckload carriers and industry professionals, advocating for safe, efficient, and profitable freight transportation across North America.