The Next Generation in Trucking Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Career Catalyst Awards, recognizing organizations that are making a meaningful impact in developing and supporting the next generation workforce within the trucking and transportation industry.
“We created the Career Catalyst Awards because there are companies across this industry doing incredible work to invest in people, but many of those efforts are not always seen or recognized,” said Lindsey Trent, President & Co-Founder of the Association. “These awards were designed to spotlight organizations that are building real career pathways, partnering with schools, creating opportunities for young people, and helping position trucking and transportation as a first-choice career field for the next generation workforce. We also hope these stories inspire other companies to explore new ways to engage, train, mentor, and invest in the future workforce so we can continue strengthening the industry together.”
Presented in partnership with The National Transportation Institute (NTI) and Engine, the Career Catalyst Awards celebrate companies that are taking intentional action to strengthen the future workforce through training, mentorship, apprenticeships, school engagement, leadership development, and long-term employee growth opportunities across the trucking and transportation industry.
“Workforce development is one of the most important conversations happening in trucking today, and the companies being honored through the Career Catalyst Awards are leading by example,” said NTI’s President & CEO Leah Shaver. “These organizations are not waiting for the next generation workforce to appear — they are actively building pathways, investing in training and mentorship, engaging with schools and communities, and creating environments where people can build meaningful long-term careers. Their efforts strengthen the future of the trucking industry.”
The 2026 Career Catalyst Award recipients include:
· Advantage Truck Group
· Ancora Training
· Averitt
· Ben E. Keith Foods
· Boyle Transportation
· Covenant Logistics
· Crawford Trucking
· DrivexIQ
· Fastenal
· Fastport
· FedEx Freight
· Garner Trucking Inc.
· Gordon Food Service
· Grand Island Express
· Houff Corporation
· Horizon Freight Lines Inc.
· Ippolito Transportation Inc.
· Kenan Advantage Group
· Keller Trucking
· KL Harring Transportation
· Kohl Wholesale
· Logisticize LTD
· Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.
· Performance Foodservice
· Ralph Moyle, Inc.
· Roehl Transport, Inc.
· Ruan Transportation Management Systems
· TALKE USA Inc.
· Werner Enterprises Inc.
· Xcelente Trucking & Logistics Training Center
· YMX Logistics
About Some of the Recipients
This year’s recipients demonstrated innovative approaches to workforce development across multiple areas of the industry.
Ralph Moyle Inc. was recognized for its Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program that allows individuals to earn while they learn while developing professional driving skills and leadership opportunities. Werner Enterprises stood out for its hands-on summer technician development program, where students rotate through tractor, trailer, body, prep, and auto shops while working directly alongside experienced mechanics. The program was designed based on student feedback, allowing participants to experience multiple areas before spending additional time in the shop that most interests them, helping create meaningful exposure to technician career pathways within the trucking industry.
FedEx Freight was selected for its investment in structured onboarding, apprenticeship opportunities, leadership development, and mentorship programs that support long-term career growth. Kenan Advantage Group was recognized for its strong focus on developing professional drivers through hands-on training, safety-centered onboarding, and career advancement opportunities designed to support long-term success within the tank truck industry.
Multiple award recipients also demonstrated exceptional commitment to school partnerships and workforce outreach. Ben E. Keith Foods was chosen for its engagement with Junior Achievement programs that introduce middle school students to careers in transportation and logistics through facility tours, career education, and hands-on exposure to the industry. Fastenal was selected for its hands-on educational workshops, mentorship opportunities, and interactive career exploration activities designed to engage students in transportation and supply chain careers. Award recipients highlighted strong commitments to promoting from within, supporting technician and driver development, engaging with schools and workforce programs, and creating long-term opportunities for employees across trucking, logistics, warehousing, maintenance, and transportation operations.
Additional recipient stories and workforce initiatives will be highlighted throughout the year by the Next Generation in Trucking Association. “The future of trucking depends on our ability to connect young people to opportunities and show them that this industry offers innovation, leadership, purpose, and rewarding long-term careers,” Trent said. “These companies are helping lead that effort and creating a stronger future for transportation.”
About the Next Generation in Trucking Association
The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a membership-based nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting trucking as a positive career field, strengthening training programs, connecting tomorrow’s workforce with today’s employers, and supporting the future of the trucking and transportation industry through education, advocacy, and workforce development initiatives. Through partnerships with schools, industry leaders, educators, and workforce organizations, the association works to build awareness of careers in trucking, supply chain, diesel technology, warehousing, and logistics while helping create and enhance training programs across the country. Companies, schools, and individuals can join the association to support its mission and help invest in the next generation workforce.
