By Linda Garner-Bunch – August 31, 2026
The trucking industry spends a lot of time talking about how to attract the next generation. The NEXT Top Talent Award focuses on something just as important: recognizing the young professionals who are already here, building successful careers and making an impact.
The Next Gen Trucking Association is bringing back the NEXT Top Talent Award for 2026, recognizing outstanding professional drivers and diesel technicians under the age of 30 who demonstrate excellence, professionalism, leadership and a passion for the trucking industry.
Nominations open Sept. 1 and close Oct. 9, 2026.
“We spend so much time talking about how we attract young people into trucking, but we also need to celebrate the ones who have already chosen our industry and are doing incredible things,” said Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Gen Trucking Association. “When we recognize their accomplishments, we’re not only showing them that their work matters—we’re showing other young people what is possible in this industry.”
