Recognizing the Next Wave of Leaders

“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,” said Lindsey Trent, president and founder of NGTA. “Reading through this year’s nominations, there are dozens of amazing stories about young people in our industry, and their work ethic, their commitment, and their promise for what’s ahead for trucking. From those as young as 14 already excelling in their family’s trucking business to those who’ve already worked their way through the ranks into coordinator roles, it was a tall task to narrow this year’s list down to the winners and even harder to select the Grand Champions. Isaiah and Joe were exemplary, and I extend my highest congratulations to them as this year’s NEXT Top Talent Award Grand Champions.”

The NEXT Top Talent Award highlights not only technical skill but also dedication, professionalism, and a drive to keep the industry strong for decades to come.

Grand Champion CDL Driver: Isaiah Hicks-Dixon

Taking the title of 2025 Grand Champion CDL Driver is Isaiah Hicks-Dixon of Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL). His career is a story of persistence and determination, beginning in 2019 as a dock worker before working his way into the ODFL training program. From there, he grew into roles as a switcher, combo driver, and now a respected linehaul driver.

“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 said. “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.”

Grand Champion Diesel Technician: Joe Reed

The 2025 Grand Champion Diesel Technician honor went to Joe Reed of Kenan Advantage Group (KAG). Starting as a technician, Reed steadily climbed the ranks to become Shop Foreman for KAG Energy in North Canton, Ohio. His leadership has been credited with transforming the shop’s performance and atmosphere.

“Reed leads by example and holds himself to high standards while motivating his team to grow alongside him,” NGTA said. “His responsiveness and ability to manage KPIs effectively have strengthened KAG’s terminal operations by keeping trucks on the road and maximizing load revenue. Reed actively collaborates with corporate fleet leaders, and his hunger for learning has positioned him for even greater opportunities in leadership, such as terminal manager or regional maintenance manager roles. His mentorship has raised the performance of other team members, and several technicians have expressed interest in advancing their careers because of Joe’s example. He exemplifies what it means to lead with humility, skill, and a vision for the future.”

Why Programs Like This Matter

Beyond the two grand champions, NGTA also recognized 56 finalists from fleets nationwide. Each one represents the next wave of skilled drivers and technicians who will play a critical role in keeping supply chains moving.

“Also, as you will see in our winners list, several companies have multiple NEXT Top Talent Award winners, showcasing their commitment to being leaders in our industry in creating programs and cultures that create opportunities for young people, as well as work environments where they succeed and thrive,” said Trent.

Sponsors like Fullbay and Project 61 underscored the importance of investing in the next generation.

“Technicians keep our economy moving, and the industry cannot thrive without investing in the next generation,” said Matt Stone, CMO of Fullbay. “At Fullbay, we believe in recognizing rising talent and providing the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. Supporting future technicians and drivers is not just the right thing to do; it is essential to ensuring the long-term strength and sustainability of the heavy-duty repair industry.”

“At Project 61, we’re committed to improving the health and well-being of professional drivers—those who keep our country moving,” added Jeremy Reymer, founder of Project 61. “Sponsoring the NEXT Top Talent Award is our way of helping empower the next generation of professionals who lead with heart, purpose, and pride in their work. This award is about recognizing rising professionals who represent the future of trucking and exemplify what it truly means to be a professional.”

Building the Future of Trucking

Industry leaders agree this recognition is about more than awards—it’s about inspiring a generation.

“It is inspiring and encouraging to see these incredible young people recognized and celebrated for their hard work and dedication to our industry,” said Leah Shaver, president and CEO of The National Transportation Institute. “The NEXT Top Talent program paints an exciting picture about where our industry can go from here. It’s critical that we continue to tell these stories loudly and often. The data is clear: As an industry, we are lagging in our progress in bringing younger people into our industry and keeping them here. In the next 5-10 years, we need to make big strides in recruiting our next generation of truck drivers and diesel technicians. Having so many amazing examples to point to as success stories in our industry and at our companies should be a catalyst for us all to double down on our efforts to reach and grow the number of young people aspiring to careers in trucking.”

With its NEXT Top Talent Awards, NGTA is sending a clear message: the trucking industry’s future is already in motion, powered by dedicated young professionals. From CDL drivers like Hicks-Dixon to shop leaders like Reed, these rising stars are proof that the next generation is ready to lead with passion, professionalism, and purpose.

For a complete list of winners and finalists or to learn more about future nominations, click here.

Source: The Trucker

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These aren’t just workers doing their jobs. They’re young professionals who are stepping up, demonstrating exceptional skill, professionalism, and a deep commitment to safety, quality, and growth. The award is a nod to those who are proving that trucking and diesel careers can offer purpose, pride, and long-term opportunity.

“These young professionals are setting the standard for what it means to build a meaningful, purpose-driven career in the industry — and we want to recognize them for it,” said Lindsey Trent, president of the Next Generation in Trucking Association.

Who’s Eligible for the NEXT Top Talent Award?

To qualify, nominees must:

• Be employed in the U.S. as a truck driver or technician
• Be under 30 years old
• Demonstrate excellence in skill and professionalism
• Prioritize safety and quality in their work
• Contribute positively to their team or company
• Show motivation to grow within the industry
• Inspire others with their passion for trucking

Winners will be named in September 2025, aligning with both National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and National Technician Appreciation Week. Those selected will receive national recognition and will be featured in the association’s communications and at key industry events.

Rebecca Brewster, president and COO of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), emphasized why programs like this are so important:

“With the average age of today’s truck driver at 47, our industry must be intentional about attracting and retaining younger talent.”

How to Nominate a Rising Star

Nominations for the NEXT Top Talent Award are open through August 29, 2025. If you know a young driver or technician who’s raising the bar, this is the chance to shine a light on their work. Submit a nomination here.

Source: The Trucker

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Addressing a Critical Need

As NGT President and Co-founder Lindsey Trent explains, engaging younger generations is essential to the future of trucking. “These award winners are tackling one of the industry’s most pressing challenges,” Trent said. “They’re leading the way in demonstrating how to build career paths that young people not only want to begin but stay in.”

Honoring Innovation

The inaugural Career Catalyst Awards, sponsored by The National Transportation Institute, highlight fleets redefining recruitment and retention strategies. These forward-thinking companies have implemented initiatives such as offering CDL and diesel mechanic training, providing career advancement opportunities, and leveraging technology to make roles more efficient and appealing.

2025 Career Catalyst Award Winners:

• Alaska West Express
• Averitt
• Ben E. Keith Foods
• Boyd CAT
• Cal Valley Trucking
• Christenson Transportation
• Garner Trucking
• Ginsberg’s Foods
• Keller Trucking
• Kenan Advantage Group
• Key Oil
• Old Dominion Freight Lines
• Performance Food Service
• Republic Services
• Ryder System
• Upper Lake Foods

Building the Pipeline for Future Talent

Efforts by Career Catalyst Award winners include outreach programs such as high school and community college partnerships to launch CDL training, host student tours, and promote leadership development. “It’s about meeting young people where they are,” Trent emphasized. “Technology, advancement opportunities, and creating a vision for a long-term career are critical to engaging this demographic.”

Next Gen Trucking’s founder, Dave Dein, actively works to advance these efforts. “High schoolers are hungry for alternatives to traditional career paths,” he noted. “These awards highlight companies that provide those very opportunities, showing there’s a meaningful future in trucking.”

The Urgency of Youth Engagement

“Nearly half of today’s workforce is made up of Millennials, but they only account for 20% of the trucking industry,” said Leah Shaver, CEO of NTI and NGT board member. “It’s crucial to attract younger talent. The fleets recognized this year prove we can succeed in this effort.”

What’s Next for NGT?

Founded in 2021, NGT has partnered with schools and colleges nationwide to launch CDL programs for young adults. The organization aspires to cement trucking as “the career choice” for future generations by showcasing the importance of trucking and delivering on career promises.

For more details about the Career Catalyst Awards and NGT’s initiatives, visit nextgentrucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

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Recognizing Future Trucking Professionals

NGIT has introduced the Student of the Month Award, aimed at highlighting outstanding young individuals who exhibit commitment and resilience as they work toward a career in trucking. The very first recipient of this honor is Drew, an 18-year-old student from Parke Heritage High School in Rockville, Indiana.

According to NGIT, Drew’s dedication did not go unnoticed. A national trucking company based in Kentucky discovered him after seeing his performance on Facebook during the National Truck Driving Championships. They conducted further research on his background and connected with him through their Indiana network. Their decision paid off—Drew has already secured a $75,000 job offer, marking a significant milestone in his trucking career.

Honoring Industry Leaders

The second award, the Career Catalyst Award, shines a spotlight on carriers that establish exceptional entry points into the trucking industry. Whether it’s charting career opportunities for technicians, drivers, or administrative professionals, this award recognizes the crucial role carriers play in nurturing future talent.

By launching these two awards, NGIT continues to make strides in bridging the gap between education and the trucking industry, inspiring both students and industry leaders to invest in the future of trucking.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Next Generation in Trucking

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Unveiling a pioneering curriculum companion that comprises five online modules meticulously aligned with the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards, alongside an assortment of classroom activities, videos, handouts, and evaluations, NGT is poised to provide substantial support to high school educators in delivering a comprehensive yearlong CDL course.

When the course is completed, and students are at least 18, they will be well-prepared to undertake the commercial learner’s permit exam successfully. This curriculum is available free of charge to NGT members and affiliated schools. Thirty-five schools have already shown interest, with expectations of doubling this number next year.

“This is brand new and will be able to get trucking programs in high schools scaled across the country,” said Lindsey Trent, president, and co-founder of NGT. “We hope this will help change the image of trucking. It’s about educating the next generation, their parents, and schools about the trucking industry and supply chain. If we can make trucking a first career choice instead of a second and third, we think that will elevate the image of trucking. They can choose to be a heavy equipment operator, welder, or plumber; why can’t we make trucking a career choice for high school students.”

The curriculum companion is a web-based resource carefully designed to complement online ELDT courses catering to adult learners while adapting materials to suit high school students and through add-ons like hands-on activities. In addition to high schools, Trent anticipates that NGT’s carrier members, who are training providers, will benefit from and be interested in utilizing the curriculum guide.

The course materials are not just geared towards obtaining a CDL but also intend to equip students for long, healthy careers. The course covers safety measures such as SafeWork Training: Powered with Worklete, for injury prevention and The Supply Chain Fitness Company for health and nutrition. It also features practical aspects of having a career, like lab hours with driver simulation training and honing golf cart backing skills. It even includes field trips, guest speakers, and opportunities for industry engagement.

“Imagine how different our industry would look and feel if trucking was a first career choice for more people,” said Dave Dein, co-founder of the NGT Foundation. “Ten years from now, we’ll look back at this point as this defining moment in the trucking industry when high schools took a proactive approach and provided the highest level of training for our students.”

Dein is a teacher at the flagship high school CDL program at Patterson High School. Ricardo Jimenez, a recent graduate from Patterson, said that he had never contemplated trucking as a viable career until a friend encouraged him to enroll in the trucking course.

“I thought it wasn’t a real career and that there was no passion or vision in it … I not only developed a passion for trucking, but I also learned about the impact that truck drivers have around the world,” Jimenez said. “The trucking program at Patterson High School changed my life, and it has changed the lives of many other students who have enrolled in the course. I believe that with more programs like this across the country, we can inspire more young students to find their passion in trucking.”

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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