The future of the trucking industry depends on how well we connect today’s students to tomorrow’s careers—and the Next Generation in Trucking Association is proud to spotlight the companies making that happen.
We are excited to announce the launch of the Second Annual Career Catalyst Awards, recognizing organizations across the trucking industry that are creating meaningful, sustainable career pathways for the next generation workforce.
Following a successful inaugural year in 2025—where 16 trucking fleets were honored for their leadership in workforce development—the 2026 awards expand to recognize both employers and industry partners who are actively shaping the future of trucking, diesel technology, logistics, and the broader supply chain.
Why the Career Catalyst Awards Matter
The trucking industry is at a pivotal moment. Workforce challenges are real, and the need for early talent development has never been more urgent.
“Our industry is navigating a structural shift in driver supply with older drivers retiring, fewer new hires entering, and competition for qualified drivers increasing. We know that the average age of a new entrant driver is nearly 40 years old, and the average driver age is in the mid-50s. Our industry’s future depends on how well we connect today’s students to tomorrow’s careers,” said Leah Shaver, President & CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI). “Companies that invest in early engagement, training, and long-term career development are strengthening their own hiring pipelines while also stabilizing the entire trucking industry. The Career Catalyst Awards shine a spotlight on those leaders, and NTI is proud to continue supporting this important initiative.”
These awards recognize companies that are not just hiring—but building intentional pathways into the industry through:
- Early-career hiring initiatives
- Structured training programs
- Mentorship and internship opportunities
- Apprenticeships and work-based learning
- Strong partnerships with schools and training programs
- Innovative retention strategies
“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.”
2026 Award Categories
To better reflect the full ecosystem supporting workforce development, the 2026 Career Catalyst Awards include two categories:
🚛 Career Catalyst Award — Industry Employer
Recognizes for-hire carriers and private fleets that are creating:
- Entry-level opportunities
- Structured training programs
- Education partnerships
- Work-based learning experiences
- Long-term career advancement pathways
🔧 Career Catalyst Award — Industry Partner
Recognizes organizations such as:
- Dealerships
- Technology providers
- Insurance companies
- Associations and service providers
These partners play a critical role by supporting hiring, training, internships, apprenticeships, and collaboration with schools and workforce development programs.
Together, both categories highlight organizations that are strengthening the trucking talent pipeline by engaging students early and supporting their transition into meaningful careers.
Sponsored by Industry Leaders
The 2026 Career Catalyst Awards are proudly sponsored by Engine and the National Transportation Institute (NTI)—two organizations committed to strengthening the trucking workforce.
Engine is a modern, all-in-one travel platform designed for small and medium businesses. By supporting transportation companies with lodging and travel management solutions, Engine helps fleets enhance driver experience, improve efficiency, and reduce administrative burden—key factors in both recruitment and retention.
“Engine is honored to sponsor the Career Catalyst Awards because investing in people is essential to the long-term success of the trucking industry,” said Jason Ng, Director of Partner Strategy at Engine. “Companies that prioritize workforce development and employee experience are building stronger, more resilient organizations. We’re proud to recognize those leaders alongside Next Generation in Trucking.”
The National Transportation Institute (NTI) brings deep expertise in driver pay, benefits, and labor trends, helping fleets make informed decisions about recruiting and retention.
“NTI is proud to support an award that recognizes fleets for creating real pathways into trucking and opening doors for all workers, especially the next generation,” Shaver said. “It’s incredibly encouraging to see what the fleets recognized through the Career Catalyst Awards are doing to build the workforce of tomorrow and create a stronger, more sustainable industry.”
Applications Are Now Open
Organizations of all sizes are encouraged to apply—whether you have a formal workforce program or are simply demonstrating a strong commitment to developing the next generation.
📅 Application Deadline: April 22, 2026
👉 Apply Here:
https://nextgentrucking.org/career-catalyst-award-application/
Be Part of the Movement
At the Next Generation in Trucking Association, we believe that building the future workforce starts with awareness, engagement, and opportunity.
The Career Catalyst Awards are more than recognition—they are a call to action for the industry to come together, invest in people, and create sustainable career pathways that will drive trucking forward for generations to come.
About Next Generation in Trucking
The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a membership-based advocacy group solely dedicated to advancing the trucking industry as a career choice for the next generation through nationwide education and awareness initiatives. As a leading national nonprofit trade association, Next Gen Trucking Association (NGT) inspires, educates, and provides resources for young people and schools and promotes opportunities within the trucking industry.
