The announcement took place at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, where industry leaders gathered to highlight the women shaping the future of transportation.

“Dee Dee’s leadership exemplifies the spirit of this award,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Her dedication to professional development, inclusion, and a positive workplace culture reflects the very best of what this award celebrates. We are honored to recognize her contributions to the advancement of women in trucking.”

A Career Built on People and Purpose

Cox brings three decades of experience in human resources and workforce development, with a focus on several industries, including textiles, flooring, and transportation. At Old Dominion, she has played a major role in improving how the company recruits, trains, and retains its people—from the shop floor to the corporate office.

Through her leadership, OD’s management trainee, supervisor development, apprentice, and internship programs have opened new career paths for both men and women looking to build long-term futures in trucking. These efforts have helped raise retention rates and strengthen diversity across the company.

“I am thrilled and honored to be recognized as the recipient of this award. The real recognition goes to Old Dominion Freight Line for allowing me and the team to develop these programs. Our leaders at OD supported these opportunities, which have helped us continue to fulfill our vision of being the premier transportation provider while maintaining our unique OD Family atmosphere,” said Cox.

Supporting the Next Generation of Trucking Leaders

Cox was announced as the 2025 winner after taking part in a panel discussion titled “Becoming an Influential Woman in Trucking.” Other finalists included:

• Cindy Ellers, chief customer officer for Fleetworthy
• Katerina Jones, chief marketing officer for Fleet Advantage
• Leah Shaver, president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute

The panel was moderated by Jill Quinn, president of Centerline Drivers.

“We are honored to celebrate the incredible achievements of Dee Dee and all of this year’s finalists,” said Quinn. “At Centerline, we are committed to driving progress for women behind the wheel and across the industry. By amplifying the stories and impacts of these influential leaders in trucking, we aim to encourage more women to see the rewarding possibilities within this field.”

Leadership That Lasts

Since joining Old Dominion, Cox has grown her HR and talent acquisition teams from just one person to nearly 40 across the country. She also developed a leadership training program that ties directly into OD’s core values and family-first culture—ensuring the company’s next generation of leaders carry those same principles forward.

Her work continues to make an impact well beyond Old Dominion, inspiring fleets across the industry to prioritize leadership development, inclusion, and employee engagement as essential parts of success.

Image Source: WIT, Dee Dee Cox

Other Source: The Trucker

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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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A Big Win for David Comings and FedEx Freight

Demonstrating exceptional driving skills and steady focus, David Comings not only topped the five-axle category but also earned the highest individual honor available at the competition as grand champion. His achievement brought pride not just to himself but also to the FedEx Freight team, reflecting the company’s emphasis on expertise and precision behind the wheel.

Celebrating Individual Excellence and Teamwork

The event didn’t just honor a grand champion. Standout performances came from drivers in every competitive class. Treasure Paskett, representing FedEx, impressed the judges by taking the top spot in the step van group, also earning the Rookie of the Year distinction for her debut efforts—a testament to her natural talent and potential.

Here’s a look at this year’s champions by category:

• 3-Axle: Christopher Scholand, FedEx Freight

• 4-Axle: Cameron Janousek, FedEx Freight

• 5-Axle: David Comings, FedEx Freight

• Flatbed: Thomas Opgrand, XPO

• Sleeper Berth: Audie Jaeger, EW Wylie

• Step Van: Treasure Paskett, FedEx (Rookie of the Year)

• Straight Truck: Jamie Ackerland, FedEx Freight

• Tank Truck: Drew Bartelson, Old Dominion Freight Line

• Twin Trailers: Brad Morrow, XPO

These individuals not only mastered their respective categories but now have the honor of advancing to the National Truck Driving Championship scheduled for August 20-23 in Minneapolis. Their victories serve as a gateway to compete on the national stage against the nation’s best.

Image Source: Truckers News
Source: Truckers News

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Organized by the Nebraska Trucking Association, the two-day event showcased the exceptional skills of professional truck drivers across multiple categories.

Milestones and Awards

Joe McDonnell from XPO Logistics and Garrett Campbell from FedEx earned the prestigious Rookie of the Year title, awarded to first-time participants achieving the highest overall scores across all competition segments.

The Professional Excellence Award, recognizing excellence in the written test, was awarded to Todd Gimpel of FedEx Freight.

Jacob Friederich, representing Lyman-Richey Corporation, stood out in multiple facets. He won the Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award for achieving the top score on the driving course. Additionally, Friederich triumphed in the mixer truck category, a competition held in collaboration with the Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association.

Clinton Rast of ABF Freight System, Inc. took home the Everett Vehicle Condition Award for his standout performance during the pre-trip inspection segment. Meanwhile, the Jerry Wessel Award, honoring professionalism and industry expertise, went to Thomas Canning of Old Dominion Freight Line.

Class Winners at the 2025 Championships

Nine drivers across various categories earned the opportunity to represent Nebraska at the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis from August 20-23. The mixer truck winner will head to the National Mixer Driver Championship in Orlando, Florida, on October 11.

Here are the top finishers in each class:

• Straight Truck Class

1) Sam Wilson, XPO Logistics

2) Clinton Rast, ABF Freight System, Inc.

3) Michael Lemay, Greater Omaha Express

• Three-Axle Class

1) Mark Cole, Old Dominion Freight Line

2) Joseph Busch, ABF Freight System, Inc.

3) Tim Hallsted, Walmart Transportation, LLC

• Four-Axle Class

1) Paul Badgett, FedEx Freight, Inc.

2) James Dotson, FedEx Freight, Inc.

3) Derek Ward, XPO Logistics

• Five-Axle Class

1) Carolina Gallegos, Hill Brothers Transportation

2) Joe McDonnell, XPO Logistics

3) Thomas Rott, Grand Island Express, Inc.

• Five-Axle Sleeper Class

1) Blair Smith, Walmart Transportation, LLC

2) John Putney, Greater Omaha Express

3) Robert Elder, Schulz Transportation

• Tank Truck Class

1) Pat Crumb, Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc.

2) Cassandra Wright, Wynne Transportation Services

3) Craig Daniels, Crete Carrier Corporation

• Flatbed Class

1) George Chaney, FedEx Freight, Inc.

2) Christopher Corbett, Old Dominion Freight Line

3) Scott Deering, Chief Carriers, Inc.

• Twin-Trailer Class

1) Todd Gimpel, FedEx Freight, Inc.

2) Richard Boyd, Crete Carrier Corporation

3) Paul Smith, ABF Freight System, Inc.

• Mixer Truck Class

1) Jacob Friederich, Lyman-Richey Corporation

2) Gregory Burroughs, Husker Ready Mixed Concrete

3) Randy Walters, Lyman-Richey Corporation

• Step Van Class

1) Garrett Campbell, FedEx

2) Korey Clifton, FedEx

3) Charles Tockey, Grand Island Express, Inc.

Special Recognitions and Insights

The Nebraska State Patrol Inspector Championships were held alongside the NTDC event. Sergeant Matt Ramsey from Omaha claimed first place, with Investigator Kris Hunzeker from Nebraska City taking runner-up honors. Ramsey will represent Nebraska at the North American Inspector Championships, hosted concurrently with the ATA’s National Truck Driving Championships.

Additionally, teams from XPO Logistics, FedEx Freight, and Walmart Transportation received accolades in group categories.

The Nebraska Truck Driving Championships continues to celebrate and spotlight the incredible professionalism, skill, and dedication of commercial drivers while fostering a sense of community across the transportation industry.

Image Source: Nebraska Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

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Additional award recipients

Several other drivers were also recognized for their exceptional skills and contributions during the event.

• Rookie of the Year: Daniel Skidmore, Prime Inc.
• Professional Excellence Award: Robert Hussey, Walmart Transportation
• Written Exam Award: Jamie Ingram, FedEx Express
• Pre-Trip Inspection Award: Audrey Lewis, DHL
• Team Champion: FedEx Freight

Class winners

The winners across various competition classes were as follows:

• Sleeper Berth: Bob Bramwell, ABF Freight Inc.
• Twin Trailers: Robert Leach, Old Dominion Freight Lines
• Tank Truck: Eric Carpenter, Walmart Transportation
• 3-Axle: Robbie Roth, FedEx Express
• 4-Axle: Joshua Price, Old Dominion Freight Line
• 5-Axle: Jamie Raines, Walmart Transportation
• Flatbed: Ron Hoover, Prime Inc.
• Straight Truck: Mark Carver, FedEx Freight
• Step Van: Courtney Husser, Walmart Transportation

Image Source: Missouri Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

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The competition drew participation from drivers representing leading organizations, including FedEx Freight, Walmart Transportation, and HEB, the San Antonio-based grocery chain with over 440 stores across Texas and Mexico. HEB drivers notably secured wins in six different vehicle classes, demonstrating their dominance in this year’s event.

Class Winners of the 2025 Texas Truck Driving Championship:

• State Grand Champion: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
• Flatbed: Juan Martinez, HEB
• Step Van: Matthew Logan Montandon, FedEx Ground
• Sleeper Berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart Transportation
• Straight Truck: Jason Salazar, HEB
• Tank Truck: David Sanchez, HEB
• Twin Trailers: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
• 5-Axle Van: Christopher Pieper, HEB
• 4-Axle Van: Ruben Cortez, HEB
• 3-Axle Van: David Urrea IV, HEB

The competition brought together regional winners from Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, where drivers were evaluated on their ability to handle challenging maneuvering and control tests in various vehicle classes. The first-place winners in each category will now represent Texas at the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) National Truck Driving Championship, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, later this summer.

Recognizing Excellence in Maintenance

Beyond celebrating driver expertise, the event was also named the winner of the 2025 Technician of the Year Contest. After demonstrating exemplary written and technical skills, Corey Tegeler of Old Dominion Freight Line claimed victory. Tegeler will next compete in the ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council’s National Technician Skills Competition in Raleigh, North Carolina, this September.

Honoring the Professionals Behind the Wheel

“These championships highlight the exceptional skill and precision it takes to operate and maintain commercial trucks on our roads safely,” said John D. Esparza, President and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA). “We’re proud to recognize these dedicated professionals who keep our economy moving each and every day.”

The championships are preceded by three regional contests held in the spring, where drivers secure their place in the state championship by finishing in the top three. National qualifiers, including these top drivers, will gather in Minneapolis this August to showcase their skills on the national stage.

The 2025 Texas Truck Driving Championship was a testament to the expertise and dedication of professional truck drivers and technicians, celebrating the individuals who play a crucial role in keeping the economy moving safely and efficiently.

Image & Source: Truckers News

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Poff claimed the top honor and also finished first in the Straight Truck category, showcasing his expertise behind the wheel.

Special Awards and Team Champions

Other notable recognitions from the competition include:

• Pre-trip Inspection Award: John Garza from XPO
• Rookie of the Year: William Schultz from Walmart
• Small Team Champions: ABF Freight
• Large Team Champions: Walmart

Class Winners

Winners from each competition class earned the chance to compete in the National Truck Driving Championship, scheduled for August 20-23 in Minneapolis. Here’s the full list of champions by category:

• 3-Axle: Vadim Iusin (Walmart)
• 4-Axle: Jami Draft (ABF Freight)
• 5-Axle: James Clark (Penske)
• Flatbed: Dave Evans (Walmart)
• Sleeper Berth: William Schultz (Walmart)
• Straight Truck: David Poff (Old Dominion Freight Line)
• Tanker: Travis Clark (Walmart)
• Twins: Shane Hearn (FedEx)
• Step Van: Phillip Lawrence (Sheldon Holdings, FedEx)

Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performance and good luck to those moving forward to the national competition in Minneapolis!

Image Source: Michigan Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

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The Transportation Security Council of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) recently honored two standout fleets for their exceptional efforts in advancing security within the trucking industry.

“Trucking is an industry of frontline responders who make it a priority to keep the public and our customers safe,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “Having a strong commitment to security—whether it’s preventing theft, crime, or terrorism—is an important responsibility for our industry, and these carriers have shown tremendous dedication to it.”

The awards were presented during the ATA’s 2025 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition in Louisville, Kentucky.

2025 Award Recipients

ATA Excellence in Security: ABF Freight

ATA Excellence in Claims & Loss Prevention: Old Dominion Freight Line

“Recognizing these fleets is about more than awards—it’s about highlighting a deep commitment to protecting people, freight, and the integrity of our operations,” said Jacob Pierce, TSC executive director. “Their leadership in security, claims, and loss prevention reflects the kind of forward-thinking, principled approach our industry needs more of.”

These recognitions highlight the vital role of security in the trucking sector and encourage adopting industry-leading best practices to protect goods and ensure public safety.

Source: The Trucker

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Acknowledging Excellence

“We are honored to work with so many excellent partners across all modes and are thrilled to once again be awarding this recognition,” said Gene Welsh, chief transportation officer and head of all transportation product lines for MODE Global. “While 2024 was another challenging year for the industry, our carrier partners did not waver in providing superior service and value to our customers despite a difficult backdrop. We thank you all for your tremendous support and look forward to our continued partnership in the year ahead.”

The award program highlights MODE’s unwavering dedication to service and strong partnerships while recognizing the critical role carriers play in maintaining industry standards and operational success.

Celebrating Standout Contributors

The recognition extends across various categories, rewarding carriers for their exceptional performance. According to a press release by MODE Global, the criteria for the awards span key areas such as service quality, technological capabilities, customer service excellence, and measurable contributions like volume and revenue growth. Additional partnership qualities, including collaboration, communication, and competitive enablement, also play a crucial role in determining the winners.

2024 MODE Global Carrier of the Year Winners

• National Truckload Carrier of the Year: Brite Logistics

• Regional Truckload Carrier of the Year: One Nation Trans Inc.

• National LTL Carrier of the Year: Old Dominion Freight Line

• Regional LTL Carrier of the Year: AAA Cooper Transportation

• National Drayage Carrier of the Year: ARL Transport

• Regional Drayage Carrier of the Year: Redbird Carriers

• Parcel Carrier of the Year: FedEx

• Railroad Carrier of the Year: Union Pacific

• International Carrier of the Year: Shipco Transport

Source: The Trucker

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Source: LMTA Foundation

The annual event saw 80 skilled drivers competing in three key challenges, each designed to showcase their expertise in the trucking profession. To qualify, participants were required to maintain an impeccable safety record, including no accidents over the past year.

The three areas of the competition included:

• Written Examination: A comprehensive test assessing industry knowledge, safety protocols, first aid, and firefighting skills.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Drivers had to identify hidden defects on a test vehicle under strict time constraints, showcasing their vehicle inspection skills based on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.
• Field Test Course: Participants navigated a specially crafted course designed to mimic real-world challenges encountered during daily driving duties.

Meet the Grand Champion

Chad Rudesill, a FedEx driver, emerged as the competition’s grand champion. Beyond clinching the overall title, Rudesill also took first place in the 3-Axle Van division.

Other Top Honors

• Rookie of the Year: Darrin Lemoine (Walmart)

• Team Trophy Winner: XPO

• Mechanic’s Award: Corey Mitchell (FedEx Freight)

Division Champions

Several drivers stood out for their exceptional skills and performances across various vehicle categories. Below are the winners in each division:

Step Van

1. Nicholas Burgess (Walmart)

1. Michael Brian (FedEx)

1. Mario Powell (FedEx)

Straight Truck

1. Leroy Williams (XPO)

1. Darrin Lemoine (Walmart)

1. Corey Mitchell (FedEx)

3-Axle Van

1. Chad Rudesill (FedEx)

1. David Jowers (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Damien Hebert (XPO)

4-Axle Van

1. Larry Peltier (Martin Brower)

1. Wallace Simien (Walmart)

1. Shelton Winn (Old Dominion Freight Line)

5-Axle Van

1. Eric Courville (FedEx)

1. Christopher Colomb (Walmart)

1. John McLean (Walmart)

5-Axle Tank Truck

1. Curtis McMellon (XPO)

1. Johnnie Long (Walmart)

1. Patrick Rudesill (FedEx)

5-Axle Flatbed

1. Mark Collins (Walmart)

1. Joseph Vital (FedEx)

1. Warren Little (FedEx)

5-Axle Sleeper Cab

1. Patrick Bonvillian (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Malcolm Taylor (FedEx)

1. Joseph Guidry (Walmart)

Twin Truck

1. Wilbur Sansom (FedEx)

1. Eddie Bonnet (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Michael Greene (Ergon Trucking)

Heading to Nationals

Each first-place driver has earned the honor of representing the LMTA Foundation and Louisiana at the 2025 American Trucking Association (ATA) National Truck Driving Championships. The national event will take place in Minneapolis from August 20 to 23, where drivers will compete on a larger stage against the best in the country.

Recognizing Skill and Excellence

This year’s competition not only celebrated safe driving but also served as a platform to highlight the expertise and dedication required in the trucking industry. With rigorous tests like the written exam, pre-trip inspection, and field driving course, the event underscored the importance of safety, knowledge, and precision behind the wheel.

Congratulations to all the winners, and best of luck to Louisiana’s top drivers as they prepare for the national stage in Minneapolis!

Source: Truckers News

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