At the Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT), we’re passionate about showcasing how young professionals are shaping the future of our industry. On a recent episode of NGT Talks, we sat down with Addison Stout, a 26-year-old operations leader at Grand Island Express—a founding member of NGT. Addison’s story is a powerful reminder that trucking is much more than driving a truck.
Discovering an Unexpected Career Path
Like many young people, Addison knew little about trucking after graduating college with a business management degree. “The only thing I knew,” Addison recalled, “was seeing trucks on the interstate.”
That changed when a friend connected her with Grand Island Express. She interviewed without any industry background, accepted a fleet manager/dispatcher role, and—four years later—is thriving as an Optimal Solutions Specialist, working with AI-driven dispatching systems to keep freight moving efficiently.
Her hometown connection also made the job meaningful. Grand Island Express is a family-owned company, where Addison says the open-door culture and genuine care for employees stand out.
Learning, Growing, and Networking
Addison admits she didn’t know much about logistics until her senior year of college, when she took her first supply chain course. “It’s crazy how the Lord works,” she shared. “That class ended up preparing me for where I am today.”
She has also found growth opportunities through TCA’s Elevate Program, a leadership development initiative for young professionals in trucking. The experience has expanded her network, pushed her out of her comfort zone, and opened doors to leadership development.
“Networking has been huge,” Addison said. “I’ve made lifelong relationships with other young leaders across the industry.”
The Challenges and Rewards of Dispatching
Addison’s current role combines technology with people skills. Using Optimal Dynamics, an AI-powered dispatching system, she helps assign loads efficiently across the company’s 170-truck fleet. But it’s not just data and systems—it’s also about people.
“The most challenging part is knowing you can’t make everyone happy,” she explained. “You have to learn how to manage emotions, motivate drivers, and balance the needs of the business.”
It’s a career that requires being detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative—skills she’s honed over time.
What Gen Z Wants in a Career
As part of TCA Elevate, Addison has discussed what her generation seeks in the workplace:
- Respect – to be valued for their contributions
- Flexibility – to balance work and life effectively
- Growth Opportunities – to be challenged and developed
Addison believes trucking offers all three: “There’s so much room for growth. I used to think the only career path was being a driver, but now I see endless opportunities.”
Why Young People Should Consider Trucking
For Addison, the trucking industry has been both surprising and rewarding:
- It’s essential – keeping America running, especially visible during COVID.
- It’s diverse – with career paths ranging from drivers and diesel techs to customer service, sales, and operations.
- It’s welcoming – a “big, small industry” where even competitors support each other.
Her advice to students? Shadow someone in the industry. “That’s the best way to see what it’s really like, ask questions, and decide if it’s the right fit.”
Looking Ahead
Addison doesn’t know exactly where her career will take her, but she sees plenty of opportunities. With mentors like her operations director and a supportive company culture, she’s excited to continue learning and growing.
And for other young professionals? “Don’t count trucking out. It might surprise you how big it is—and how many doors it can open.”
Final Thoughts
Addison’s journey from uncertain graduate to industry leader is exactly why NGT exists: to connect the next generation to careers in trucking.
If you’re a student—or know one—explore opportunities like the TCA Elevate Program or reach out to professionals like Addison on LinkedIn. The trucking industry is full of opportunities, and it needs the energy, ideas, and passion of Gen Z.