The future of trucking depends on the next generation. With an aging workforce and a growing demand for skilled Building on a Culture of Recognition
At Next Gen Trucking, we believe in celebrating excellence at every level. The NEXT Top Talent Award is the newest addition to our growing portfolio of recognition programs that highlight the people driving our industry forward.
Earlier this year, we launched the Career Catalyst Awards, honoring companies and organizations that go above and beyond to connect young people to trucking careers. It’s one thing to say you support the next generation—it’s another to actively create opportunities for them to thrive.
We also continue to spotlight high school students through our monthly Student of the Month Award, which recognizes students enrolled in trucking, diesel, or logistics-related programs who are showing leadership, dedication, and a strong work ethic.
The NEXT Top Talent Award builds on that momentum by celebrating young professionals who are already in the workforce, representing the next generation of talent that’s driving real impact today.
Recognizing Emerging Talent
We created the NEXT Top Talent Award to recognize and honor young professionals who are proud of their work and take their roles seriously. These are individuals who bring their best to the job every day—those who value safety, quality, and being part of something bigger than themselves.
We’re especially excited because this is the first year of the award, and we’re going all out. Winners will be featured in press releases, on social media, through podcast interviews, and highlighted in video storytelling. But what we’re most excited about is something tangible: custom banners designed for each winner. These banners will be printed and shipped to their companies, so they can be proudly displayed in shops, breakrooms, and terminals.
“We are really excited because we are going to print banners for each winner so companies can hang them up in their shops or break rooms. This is our first time to do this award, and we’re proud to spotlight the emerging top talent in our industry in such a meaningful way.”
– Lindsey Trent, President & Co-Founder, Next Generation in Trucking Association
It’s our way of saying thank you—and showing young professionals that their hard work is seen and appreciated.
Two Tracks: CDL Drivers and Diesel Technicians
The trucking industry depends on more than drivers. It relies equally on the diesel technicians who keep trucks running safely and efficiently. That’s why the NEXT Top Talent Award has two tracks:
- One for CDL Drivers under 30
- One for Diesel Technicians under 30
Each category is supported by a dedicated industry sponsor who believes in the importance of investing in young talent.
💪 For CDL Drivers: Sponsored by Project 61
Project 61 is an initiative committed to improving the health and well-being of professional drivers. Founded by Jeremy Reymer, the project focuses on empowering drivers to live healthier, more fulfilling lives—physically, mentally, and professionally.
Jeremy has long championed the idea that drivers are not just workers, but professionals who deserve recognition, support, and opportunities for growth. That belief aligns perfectly with the mission of this award.
“At Project 61, we’re committed to improving the health and well-being of professional drivers—those who keep our country moving. Sponsoring the NEXT Top Talent Award is our way of helping empower the next generation of drivers 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 driver.”
— Jeremy Reymer, Founder, Project 61
Project 61 is also a proud Next Gen Trucking Association Member, supporting our broader mission to educate and elevate the next generation of professionals in the trucking industry.
Project 61’s sponsorship ensures that these young drivers—those under 30 who are excelling in their roles—are celebrated for more than just miles logged. They’re recognized for their attitude, leadership, and the pride they bring to the road.
🛠️ For Diesel Technicians: Sponsored by Fullbay
Keeping trucks on the road takes skill, precision, and dedication. Diesel technicians are the often-unsung heroes of the supply chain. Without them, nothing moves. That’s why we’re honored to have Fullbay as the sponsor of the technician portion of the NEXT Top Talent Award.
Fullbay is a cloud-based platform designed specifically for heavy-duty repair shops. Their goal is to help shops run efficiently so that technicians and shop owners can focus on what matters most: getting the job done right.
Their commitment to supporting the technician workforce—especially the next generation—is clear.
“Technicians keep our economy moving, and the industry cannot thrive without investing in the next generation. At Fullbay, we believe in recognizing rising talent and providing the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. Supporting future technicians 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.”
— Matt Stone, Chief Marketing Officer, Fullbay
By sponsoring this award, Fullbay is helping us recognize young diesel techs who bring energy, skill, and leadership into the shop every day.
What Makes a Top Talent?
The NEXT Top Talent Award isn’t just about being great at your job—it’s about going above and beyond. We’re looking for young professionals who take their role seriously, lead by example, and inspire others in the industry.
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Professionalism and pride in their work
- A strong safety record and commitment to quality
- Leadership and a positive influence on peers
- A growth mindset and desire to learn
- Passion for the industry and a strong work ethic
These are the individuals who show up early, help others, and take ownership of their roles. They’re not just doing a job—they’re building a career.
Why This Award Matters
We often hear about the challenges in the trucking industry: driver shortages, technician gaps, generational divides. But at the same time, we see young professionals who are choosing trucking, excelling in it, and loving it.
By creating the NEXT Top Talent Award, we’re helping change the narrative. We’re showing young people—and the industry—that trucking isn’t just a job, it’s a professional career path full of growth, purpose, and opportunity.
This award also helps companies with recruitment and retention. When employees see their peers recognized, it builds morale, boosts pride, and encourages others to rise to the occasion.
🗓️ Nominations Are Open — But Not for Long!
📣 All nominations must be submitted by AUGUST 29.
If you know a young driver or technician who deserves to be in the spotlight, now’s the time to act.
Nominees will be reviewed by a panel of industry leaders, and winners will be announced this fall during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and National Technician Appreciation Week.
Let’s Build the Future—Together
At the heart of the NEXT Top Talent Award is a simple belief: young people are the future of this industry, and they deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
If you’re an industry leader, educator, or peer who sees promise in a young driver or technician, we encourage you to nominate them today. Let’s elevate their story. Let’s give them the spotlight they deserve. And let’s inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
✅ Ready to Nominate?
👉 Click here to submit a nomination for the NEXT Top Talent Award
🤝 Interested in Sponsoring?
📧 Contact Lindsey Trent at [email protected] to learn how your company can support the next generation of trucking professionals.