Marinette, WI
Alexandria VA
– March 19, 2025
Veriha Trucking is proud to announce that Karen Smerchek, President and Owner, has been named the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Chairman for the 2025-2026 term. She makes history as the first woman to hold this prestigious leadership role. With a deep commitment to the trucking industry and a passion for safety, innovation, and advocacy, Smerchek is poised to lead TCA through a year focused on strengthening industry sustainability, driver support, and regulatory advancements. Smerchek was officially appointed Chairman during the closing banquet at TCA’s Annual Convention last night in Phoenix, AZ.
With nearly two decades of experience in the truckload sector, Smerchek has been an advocate for safety, technology, and operational excellence. As Chairman of TCA, she aims to drive initiatives that support roadway safety, driver job improvement, fiscal sustainability, and environmental stewardship—all while ensuring the industry remains financially strong and well-positioned for the future.
“I am truly honored to step into this role as Chairman of TCA,” said Smerchek. “This organization has been instrumental in my growth as a leader in trucking, and I look forward to working with my peers to address critical industry challenges. From predatory towing and truck parking to hair follicle testing and sustainability, TCA remains focused on advocating for policies that support our carriers and professional drivers.”
Smerchek’s journey with TCA began when she attended her first conference as a 21-year-old junior in college, where she was inspired by an educational session on succession planning. Now, as Chairman, she is eager to give back to the organization that helped shape her career, encouraging members to take advantage of TCA’s networking and educational programs, including the Profitability Program, Benchmarking, and various industry conferences.
Veriha Trucking was founded in 1978 as a one-truck operation by Smerchek’s father. Over the years, the company has grown into a respected carrier, emphasizing driver safety, training, and operational efficiency. Since Smerchek purchased a majority stake in the business, her leadership has been integral to this growth, and she is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professionalism in trucking.
“I believe trucking thrives when we invest in our people, our safety, and our industry’s future,” said Smerchek. “Stepping into the role of TCA Chairman, I’m committed to ensuring that carriers and drivers have the tools, policies, and support needed to succeed, from regulatory reform and infrastructure improvements to driver job satisfaction and financial sustainability.”
Smerchek remains dedicated to ensuring TCA continues to provide value to its members. She encourages industry leaders to engage in upcoming educational and advocacy events, including the Safety & Security Conference in June, the Refrigerated Meeting in July, and the Call on Washington in September.
As TCA Chairman, Smerchek’s priorities will include:
- Advocating for policy improvements, including hair follicle testing, truck parking expansion, and predatory towing reform.
- Expanding industry education, encouraging fleets to participate in benchmarking and leadership programs.
- Championing practical sustainability, aligning with TCA’s Clean Freight Coalition to promote achievable environmental goals.
- Enhancing trucking’s public image, ensuring the industry is recognized for its critical role in the economy and workforce development.
With an industry facing technological change, regulatory shifts, and economic challenges, Smerchek’s leadership at TCA will focus on ensuring truckload carriers remain resilient and prepared for the future.
For more information about TCA and its initiatives, visit www.truckload.org. To learn more about Veriha Trucking, visit www.veriha.com.
About Veriha Trucking
Founded in 1978, Veriha Trucking is a Wisconsin-based, family-owned carrier committed to driver safety, operational excellence, and fleet sustainability. With over 46 years of industry experience, the company specializes in training professional drivers, leveraging technology for efficiency, and prioritizing safety in every aspect of its operations.
About Truckload Carriers Association (TCA)
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, TCA is the only trade association whose sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry. The association represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker, and intermodal container carriers operating throughout North America. Founded in 1938, the TCA represents operators of over 220,000 trucks, which collectively produce revenue of more than $40 billion in annual truckload revenue.
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