Crawford Trucking and Fortigo Freight Services Names Best Fleets to Drive For 2026

Key Takeaways

• Crawford wins small carrier Best Overall Fleet
• Fortigo earns Best Overall Fleet in large carrier category
• Both fleets praised for safety, retention, driver programs
• FTC Transportation receives Stratosphere Award, Hall of Fame
• Best Fleets survey evaluates compensation, benefits, development, work-life

Summary

Crawford Trucking of Des Moines earned the Best Overall Fleet award in the small‑carrier category, marking its first overall win and third consecutive Top 20 placement. Fortigo Freight Services of Etobicoke, Ontario captured the Best Overall Fleet title for large carriers, its seventh Top 20 appearance and inaugural overall award. The awards were presented at the Best Fleets to Drive For conference in Charlotte, alongside FTC Transportation’s Stratosphere Award for Hall of Fame status. The recognitions stem from driver‑focused programs, safety metrics, and high retention scores.

Pulse Analysis

The Best Fleets to Drive For program, now in its 18th year, has become a barometer for carrier excellence across North America. By aggregating driver surveys, safety data, and HR practices, CarriersEdge isolates companies that excel in compensation, benefits, and professional growth. Crawford Trucking’s breakthrough overall award underscores how a midsize carrier can leverage these metrics to climb the industry hierarchy, while Fortigo’s large‑carrier win demonstrates that cross‑border operators can meet the same rigorous standards.

Driver scarcity remains a chronic challenge for the trucking sector, with turnover rates hovering above 90 percent in some segments. Fleets that invest in transparent communication, accessible maintenance, and clear career pathways—attributes highlighted by the award‑winning companies—see measurable improvements in retention and safety scores. The driver comments cited in the announcement illustrate a culture where frontline staff feel valued, translating into fewer accidents and higher on‑time delivery rates, which are critical for supply‑chain reliability.

For shippers, investors, and policymakers, the awards serve as a proxy for operational resilience. Companies recognized by Best Fleets often experience lower insurance premiums and stronger negotiating positions with freight brokers. As the industry pivots toward electrification and autonomous technologies, carriers that have already mastered driver engagement will be better positioned to integrate new tech while maintaining a motivated workforce. The continued prominence of the Best Fleets Hall of Fame further cements long‑term excellence as a competitive differentiator in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.