The Next Generation in Trucking Association has announced the Grand Champions of its 2026 NEXT Top Talent Awards, recognizing two young professionals for their achievements in trucking and diesel maintenance.
Christopher Mauricio of Crawford Trucking in Des Moines, Iowa, received the Professional Driver Grand Champion award, while Greydon Souza of Advantage Truck Group in Raynham, Massachusetts, was named the Diesel Technician Grand Champion. Both honorees are under 30 years old.
Sponsored by Fullbay and Advanced Training Systems (ATS), the annual awards recognize young professionals who demonstrate strong performance, leadership, and a commitment to their companies and communities.
Christopher Mauricio Recognized for Safe Driving and Mentorship
Mauricio joined Crawford Trucking in January 2024 through the company’s driver training program. Since then, he has accumulated approximately 275,000 safe driving miles and represented the company at the 2026 Iowa Truck Driving Championships.
His contributions extend beyond his driving record. Mauricio has become involved in Crawford’s safety program and now helps train new employees, despite having completed the company’s driver training program himself less than three years ago.
He assists with orientation, answers questions, and maintains contact with new drivers after their initial training is complete. His willingness to support coworkers and take on additional responsibilities helped distinguish him during the nomination process.
Crawford Trucking praised Mauricio’s initiative and commitment to professional growth, describing him as someone who consistently looks for opportunities to learn and contribute.
Greydon Souza Earns Recognition for Technical Skills and Leadership
At 20 years old, Souza has already established himself as a skilled diesel technician at Advantage Truck Group’s Raynham dealership.
His career with the company began while he was still in high school. Souza approached Advantage Truck Group about joining its cooperative education program, but all available positions had been filled. Impressed by his initiative and professionalism, the company made room for him.
In less than two years as a full-time technician, Souza has earned an extensive collection of professional certifications and become a trusted resource for complex engine repairs and electrical diagnostics.
He has also taken on responsibilities outside his regular repair work. During the past year, Souza mentored five cooperative education students and volunteered through Advantage Truck Group’s Haulin 4 Hunger program.
In its nomination, the company highlighted his diagnostic abilities, mechanical knowledge, work ethic, and leadership, noting the accountability he brings to his work.
Awards Highlight the Next Generation of Trucking Professionals
The NEXT Top Talent Awards recognize young professionals who are already making meaningful contributions to the trucking industry early in their careers.
Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, said the nominations offer an opportunity to see how young drivers and technicians are supporting coworkers, developing their skills and stepping into leadership roles.
Trent emphasized that Mauricio and Souza demonstrate the talent already working in the industry, rather than simply representing its future workforce.
Both recipients have progressed quickly in their respective careers while taking on responsibilities that support other employees. Mauricio’s involvement in driver mentorship and Souza’s work with cooperative education students also reflect the role experienced professionals can play in developing new talent.
The awards were announced October 27, 2026, by the Next Generation in Trucking Association.
The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.
Last Updated: October 30, 2026
Source: Truckers News
Source: Truckers News, Next Generation in Trucking
