Presented in partnership with the National Transportation Institute, the award recognizes organizations that are creating opportunities for employee development through training, mentorship, leadership programs, and career advancement initiatives. NGT said recipients are helping develop, support, and advance the next-generation workforce across the industry.

Recognition Reflects Ongoing Workforce Investment

For YMX, the award highlights an area the company says has become a long-term focus rather than a standalone initiative.

Workforce development is built into the company’s Yard Operating System through leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, operational training, and career growth pathways. YMX also places an emphasis on creating advancement opportunities for women and emerging leaders while helping employees understand how technology continues to shape modern supply chain operations.

As transportation operations become increasingly dependent on data, automation, and new technologies, companies across the industry continue looking for ways to prepare employees for changing responsibilities. YMX said its programs are designed to help workers build lasting careers in transportation and yard operations.

Technology May Change, but Execution Still Matters

YMX Chief Operating Officer Erin Mitchell said the transportation industry continues to evolve through electrification, artificial intelligence, and data-driven operations, but pointed to execution as the factor that remains constant.

“Our people show up every day and run some of the most complex yard operations in North America,” Mitchell said. “This industry is changing rapidly through electrification, artificial intelligence, and data-driven operations, but success still comes down to execution. We are proud to develop leaders who can adapt, innovate, and deliver consistent outcomes in that environment.”

The comments reflect a challenge many transportation companies face as new technology becomes more common across logistics operations. While tools continue to evolve, companies still rely on employees who can adapt, lead teams, and maintain operational performance.

Awards Program Highlights Career Pathways

The Career Catalyst Awards were created to recognize workforce development efforts that often receive less attention than other business achievements.

NGT President and Co-Founder Lindsey Trent said the program was designed to spotlight organizations building career pathways, partnering with schools, creating opportunities for young people, and helping position trucking and transportation as a first-choice career field.

According to Trent, many companies are doing important work to invest in people, but those efforts are not always widely recognized. The Career Catalyst Awards were created to bring greater visibility to organizations helping strengthen the industry’s future workforce.

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The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 16, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: YMX

The post YMX Logistics Earns 2026 Career Catalyst Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

After launching the program in 2025 and recognizing 16 fleets for their work in developing future drivers and technicians, this year’s awards expand the scope. The 2026 program now includes both trucking employers and industry partners who are actively helping people get started in careers tied to trucking, diesel technology, logistics, and the broader supply chain.

What the Awards Focus On

The Career Catalyst Awards are centered on one thing: building real opportunities for the next generation.

That includes companies that are putting time and resources into:

• Hiring entry-level talent
• Training and mentorship programs
• Internships and apprenticeships
• Retention efforts that keep people in the industry
• Partnerships with schools and training programs

It also covers hands-on involvement like speaking in classrooms, participating in advisory boards, hosting student visits, and supporting work-based learning opportunities that show what trucking careers actually look like day to day.

“The future of trucking depends on companies willing to engage early and create clear pathways for long-term careers,” said Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association. “The Career Catalyst Awards recognize organizations that are building real solutions — investing in students, developing talent, and strengthening the connection between education and industry.”

Award Categories for 2026

There are two main categories this year, each recognizing a different part of the industry:

• Career Catalyst Award — Industry Employer
  This category focuses on for-hire carriers and private fleets that are creating entry-level roles, building structured training programs, and working with schools to create long-term career paths in trucking.
• Career Catalyst Award — Industry Partner
  This includes dealerships, technology providers, insurance companies, service providers, and other partners supporting the industry through hiring, training, and collaboration with education and workforce programs.

Both categories highlight organizations that are helping close the gap between interest and opportunity by giving people a clear way into the industry.

Who Should Apply

Companies of all sizes are encouraged to apply. A formal program is not required. What matters is a clear and consistent effort to bring new people into trucking and help them build a career.

Key Dates and How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 Career Catalyst Awards are open now, with a deadline of April 22. Companies can submit their applications online through the association.

Industry Support Behind the Program

This year’s awards are backed by support from Engine and the National Transportation Institute, both of which continue to play a role in workforce development across trucking.

Why This Matters

Finding and keeping good people has been a challenge across the trucking industry for years. Programs like this highlight the companies putting real effort into bringing new talent in and giving them a reason to stay. It’s not just about filling seats; it’s about building a workforce that can keep up with where the industry is headed.

The post Applications Open for Next Generation in Trucking Career Catalyst Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The event is designed to ensure that the tools used to prepare students are not only available, but implemented the right way, from day one through program completion.

From a Single Program to a National Framework

The trucking program at Patterson High School became the starting point for a much greater effort. As the program evolved, a key question emerged: how could its structure and success be shared in a way that other schools could realistically follow?

The answer became a comprehensive curriculum guide.

Three years ago, NGT secured grant funding, supported in part by the Knorr-Bremse Group and the PepsiCo Foundation. Working alongside the Education Development Center, the association developed a free, turnkey curriculum designed to support both new and experienced instructors.

The guide laid out an entire program framework from start to finish, offering schools a tangible roadmap instead of isolated lesson ideas.

Why the Guide Alone Was Not Enough

Providing a curriculum without instruction on how to use it created another challenge.

“We see the curriculum guide in the same way we see giving a new driver information on how to drive a truck: A little information can be deadly if not fully understood and mastered before going out onto the road.”

Leaving implementation open to interpretation would have undermined the goal. That realization led directly to the creation of Train the Trainer.

Inside the Train the Trainer Experience

Launched alongside the curriculum guide, Train the Trainer is a two-day, in-person event held annually at Patterson High School. The focus is not just on what to teach, but how to teach it.

Participants work through the curriculum section by section, gaining hands-on exposure to program components such as simulator instruction, distracted driving demonstrations, and DUI awareness exercises using golf carts. They also have opportunities to speak directly with program graduates, offering real world perspective on how the training translates beyond the classroom.

Equally important is the network that forms during the event. Educators arrive from across the country, creating connections that often continue long after the training ends. Those relationships provide ongoing support, idea sharing, and reassurance for those building or expanding programs.

This year’s Train the Trainer event will be held June 1 to 2, 2026, in Patterson, California. Registration is available online at nextgentrucking.org/train-the-trainer.

Lessons That Reshaped the Program

The first year Train the Trainer was offered revealed an unexpected gap.

“I thought we were going to be teaching truck driving. I didn’t know we also had to teach proper lifting techniques, health and nutrition, leadership development, human trafficking, and so on.”

That moment made it clear that even motivated instructors can feel unprepared when asked to teach outside their prior experience. Confidence does not come automatically with a curriculum. It must be built intentionally.

The solution was individualized support.

The NGT Accelerate Training Program

To meet that need, NGT created the Accelerate Training Program, a multi-day training, coaching, and mentoring experience delivered onsite at participating facilities. The goal is to ensure programs are positioned for success from the first day instruction begins.

The Accelerate program includes, but is not limited to:

• Classroom setup focused on engagement and professionalism
• Instructor evaluations to identify strengths and improvement areas
• Community building strategies for the classroom
• Full implementation guidance for the NGT curriculum
• In-depth instruction across required and supplemental subject areas
• Setup and maintenance support for the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
• Industry partnership development
• Simulator integration strategies
• Guest speaker and field trip planning
• Short-term and long-term lesson planning
• Career fair development
• Demonstration lessons and observational assessments

Nominal fees apply. Additional information and scheduling details are available by contacting info@nextgentrucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

The post NGT’s Train the Trainer Event Builds Stronger Foundations for CDL Education appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Celebrating the Next Generation of Drivers

Lindsey Trent, president and founder of NGTA, praised the nominees and winners for setting a high standard in a demanding field.

“I am in awe of the participation by fleets who took the time to nominate and celebrate such a vital cohort of their workforce — those younger than 30 who are diligently pursuing the fantastic, rewarding careers that trucking offers in professional truck driving jobs and as diesel technicians,” Trent said.

The recognition program focuses on individuals who show safety, dedication, and a drive to make a positive impact within their companies and communities.

Grand Champion CDL Driver: Isaiah Hicks-Dixon

This year’s Grand Champion CDL Driver title went to Isaiah Hicks-Dixon of Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL).

Hicks-Dixon began with ODFL in 2019 as a dock worker and quickly made it known that his goal was to become a driver. His hard work earned him a place in the ODTDT program, where he excelled as both a switcher and combo driver. By January 2022, he had advanced into a linehaul driving role and has been setting an example ever since.

NGTA highlighted his ongoing commitment: taking extra weekend pickups, coaching fellow employees, and always putting customers first. His attitude and performance have made him a role model within ODFL.

“Known for his calm under pressure, impeccable safety record, and outstanding customer service, Hicks-Dixon is frequently praised by customers who specifically request him for their deliveries,” NGTA noted. “He is a professional in every sense—his dress, demeanor, and respect for coworkers make him someone others want to work with. His ‘winning attitude’ is infectious, lifting morale and setting a high bar for everyone around him.”

Honoring a Wide Pool of Talent

Alongside Hicks-Dixon, 56 other young drivers and technicians were named 2025 NEXT Top Talent finalists. Each honoree was recognized for their reliability, growth mindset, and dedication to their teams.

NGTA explained that every finalist would be given a custom banner and commemorative plaque to proudly display at their workplace.

“Each one was selected for their reliability, growth mindset, and contributions to their teams, customers, and communities,” NGTA said.

The CDL driver award winners included professionals from companies such as Gordon Food Service, Cal Valley Trucking, Waste Management, FedEx Freight, Melton Truck Lines, Averitt, Garner Trucking, Koch Trucking, Smith Ready Mix, Ralph Moyle, Inc., Alaska West Express, and more. Old Dominion itself had several honorees in addition to Hicks-Dixon, further showcasing its investment in young talent.

Industry Support Behind the Program

The NEXT Top Talent Award is backed by sponsors Fullbay and Project 61, two organizations focused on advancing careers in trucking and maintenance. Their partnership with NGTA ensures continued support for young professionals entering the field.

The launch of this award underscores the importance of nurturing the next generation in trucking. With drivers like Hicks-Dixon and dozens of other rising stars being recognized, the industry is sending a clear message: the future of trucking is in capable, motivated hands.

Source: Next Generation in Trucking, Truckers News
Source: Truckers News

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