The Truckload Carriers Association has appointed Jim Mullen as its new president, effective April 6, succeeding retiring president Jim Ward.

Mullen currently serves as executive director of the Clean Freight Coalition, where he works with transportation and supply chain stakeholders on regulatory and policy issues affecting freight movement. He has extensive regulatory, legislative and legal experience in the trucking sector.

From 2018 to 2020, Mullen served as acting administrator and chief counsel of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, providing legal and policy guidance to the agency’s headquarters and field offices. His background also includes serving as chief administrative and legal officer for TuSimple, a publicly traded autonomous truck technology company, as well as general counsel for a large publicly traded truckload carrier.

Mullen will be formally introduced to members at the TCA annual convention, scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 3, in Orlando, Fla.

“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 Karen Smerchek, chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association, in the news release. “His appointment reflects our commitment to continuity, momentum, and delivering meaningful value to our members.”

Smerchek also thanked outgoing president Jim Ward. “Jim Ward has provided exceptional stability, vision, and service to TCA and the truckload industry,” Smerchek said. “Under his leadership, the association strengthened its influence, expanded member engagement, and positioned itself for continued growth.”

“I am honored to join TCA and grateful to the association’s leadership for their confidence in me,” Mullen added in the release. “I look forward to working closely with TCA’s officers, staff, and members to support a strong, safe, and competitive truckload industry.”