The trucking industry offers high-quality career opportunities for Americans from all backgrounds. It is a place where individuals can build lasting careers, find a sense of belonging, and contribute to keeping America running. A strong workplace culture that values and supports employees has been key to the industry’s success—both historically and today.
The ATA Change Leader Award recognizes ATA members who actively create a workplace culture that fosters belonging and long-term career growth for their employees.
This award encourages innovation that strengthens the industry’s longstanding commitment to providing opportunities for all. It also highlights members who implement best practices that help attract, support, and retain talent—regardless of company size or experience.
All ATA members are eligible to apply for the award or nominate an individual who has demonstrated leadership in cultivating a culture where employees feel valued and engaged.
Award recipients will be recognized during ATA’s MCE and will have the opportunity to use the award logo in their marketing efforts. This recognition not only enhances their industry reputation but also reinforces their commitment to building strong, thriving workplaces. An external panel of judges, led by ATA Industry Affairs, will evaluate applications, with recipients selected at the sole discretion of the judges.
Apply today. Applications close August 4, 2025.
Sponsor this award. Contact Nikki Thomas for questions, or to confirm your sponsorship.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
The 2025 Change Leader Award recognizes ATA members who demonstrate commitment to a culture of acceptance and belonging. ATA membership will be verified prior to judging.
• Please complete all applicable items and provide documentation to support the role of each in your program.
• Please submit an exhibit in a single PDF notebook electronically consisting of not more than 50 pages.
• ATA members are eligible to receive the Change Leader Award each year.
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that this submission accurately represents the culture of the above-named applicant, and that all information and documentation submitted reflect the same. Applicant also agrees to allow ATA to share examples provided by applicant as part of its best practices program and promotion of industry efforts in diversity and inclusion.
REMINDER: Please submit an exhibit in a single PDF notebook electronically consisting of not more than 50 pages.
II. ORGANIZATIONAL DETAILS
Explain how you've implemented improvements to support your workforce environment during the past year.
• Describe any leadership or business imperatives that support your efforts.
• Document how you implemented your purpose, vision, and created objectives.
• Demonstrate how you organize your team, with representation from key stakeholder groups.
• Describe the results your organization achieved in furtherance of your goals. Include, if applicable, specific metrics that were used to measure your performance.
III. PHOTOGRAPHIC SUBMISSIONS
Each image should have a caption describing the subject matter. Submit no more than ten images. Images should be submitted in .jpeg format.
IV. RECOGNITION
Please list any outside awards or recognitions your organization received to recognize your commitment to a culture of acceptance and belonging.
V. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Provide a minimum of two letters of recommendation from the following categories:
• One letter from beginning level support staff position (Any category) or
• One letter from your professional driving fleet (Motor Carrier) or
• One letter from a mid-level support staff position (Any category).
If you're nominating someone in their individual capacity, please submit a letter with the following information:
• Name, company, title, and address of the nominee
• Narrative describing how this individual has shown the commitments described above, and
• Your contact information.
