Paul Allen of Transportation Specialists, LTD has been named the Nebraska Trucking Association’s 2026 Driver of the Year. Allen received the recognition at the association’s annual awards banquet, which also honored employees, industry leaders, and trucking companies across the state.
The awards covered several areas of the industry, from professional driving and dispatch to vehicle maintenance and fleet safety. The event recognized ten individuals and organizations.
Nebraska Trucking Association Announces 2026 Award Winners
Alongside Allen’s Driver of the Year award, Stacy Trively of H & M Trucking, Inc. was named Dispatcher of the Year. The association also recognized Jesse Gentry of Crete Carrier Corporation as Technician of the Year and Harlan Reckling of TSL Company Holdings, Ltd. as Maintenance Supervisor of the Year.
Other recipients included:
- Safety Director of the Year: Lori Hansson, Crete Carrier Corporation
- Fleet Safety Grand Champion: Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc.
- Professional Service Award: Adam Powell, Grand Island Express, Inc.
- Man of the Year / James E. Ryan Golden Deeds Award: Jack Peetz, Peetz & Schrader
- Woman of Distinction: Senator Carolyn Bosn, Nebraska Legislature
- NTA Spirit Award: Marsh Agency
Crete Carrier Corporation was represented in two individual award categories, with Gentry recognized for technical work and Hansson honored for safety leadership. Fremont Contract Carriers received the Fleet Safety Grand Champion distinction.
The association’s awards also extended beyond trucking company employees. Nebraska State Senator Carolyn Bosn received the Woman of Distinction award, while Jack Peetz was recognized with the James E. Ryan Golden Deeds Award.
The banquet brought together recognition for the people working behind the wheel and those supporting Nebraska’s trucking operations through dispatch, maintenance, safety, and industry service.
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: November 9, 2026
Source: Truckers News
Image Source: NTA, Truckers News
