Five Good Things: Top talent, hero drivers, and positive highlights in trucking

Next Generation in Trucking announces Grand Champions and 56 finalists of NEXT Top Talent Award 

The Next Generation in Trucking Association recently announced the winners and finalists of the inaugural 2025 NEXT Top Talent Award, a national recognition program that celebrates young CDL drivers and diesel technicians under the age of 30. These individuals represent the best of what the next generation has to offer: Dedication to safety, diligence and hard work, and a passion for making a lasting impact in their trucking careers. 

This year’s Grand Champion CDL driver is Isaiah Hicks-Dixon of Old Dominion Freight Line, whose journey from dockworker to professional driver has inspired peers and supervisors alike. Hicks-Dixon began his career with ODFL in May 2019 as a dockworker. He earned his way into the Old Dominion Truck Driver Training (ODTDT) program and excelled as both a switcher and combo driver. Now a linehaul driver since January 2022, Hicks-Dixon continues to go above and beyond—making pickups on weekends, coaching coworkers, and always putting customers first. His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to Old Dominion’s values make him a role model throughout the company. 

Joe Reed of the Kenan Advantage Group has been named the 2025 Grand Champion diesel technician. Reed began his career as a technician and has worked his way up to become shop foreman for KAG Energy in North Canton, Ohio. His leadership has transformed the shop, improving its appearance, operational performance, and team morale. Reed leads by example and holds himself to high standards while motivating his team. His responsiveness and ability to manage KPIs effectively have strengthened KAG’s terminal operations by keeping trucks on the road and maximizing load revenue.

“I am in awe of the participation by fleets who took the time to nominate and celebrate such a vital cohort of their workforce—those younger than 30 who are diligently pursuing the fantastic, rewarding careers that trucking offers in professional truck driving jobs and as diesel technicians,” Lindsey Trent, president and founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, said. “Reading through this year’s nominations, there are dozens of amazing stories about young people in our industry, and their work ethic, their commitment, and their promise for what’s ahead for trucking.”

The Next Generation in Trucking Association recognized 56 additional young professionals as 2025 NEXT Top Talent Finalists. These individuals, nominated by their companies, represent the future of the workforce—from national carriers to regional fleets and local shops. Each one was selected for their reliability, growth mindset, and contributions to their teams, customers, and the communities they serve. As part of the award, each finalist will receive a custom banner and commemorative plaque to proudly display at their workplace.

You can view the complete list of finalists here.

Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for helping in multi-vehicle crash

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently honored Mike Kimball of Edwardsville, Kansas, as a TCA Highway Angel for his quick thinking after encountering a multi-semi truck crash in Missouri. Kimball is a professional driver for ABF Freight out of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

On July 29, Kimball was traveling on Interstate 70 through Mineola, Missouri, when he noticed smoke ahead and vehicles swerving to avoid something in the road. Kimball said a semi-truck had been stopped on the shoulder and appeared to have pulled into traffic as vehicles were approaching. Another semi struck the truck from behind, and it immediately caught fire.

“The truck had hit so hard that the motor was shoved completely under the truck,” Kimball said. “It had hit the firewall and pinned the driver in the truck.”

Kimball and several other truck drivers ran toward the burning vehicle with fire extinguishers. Kimball also called 911. Inside the 2014 Peterbilt, a 72-year-old male driver was pinned by the dashboard and steering wheel. Kimball and the other drivers emptied their fire extinguishers in an attempt to control the flames.

When a county sheriff arrived and stopped traffic, Kimball urged him to allow passing semi-trucks through so he could request additional extinguishers. As each truck rolled past, Kimball ran to the driver’s side, asking for its fire extinguisher. He and the others cycled through extinguishers, using each until it was empty to keep the fire from reigniting.

Once the flames were reduced enough to attempt a rescue, Kimball climbed onto the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank to try to force the driver’s door open or move the steering wheel. When that failed, he reached through the shattered windows, attempting anything that might free the man from the crushed cab. He then ran to the passenger side, only to find the air cleaner and smokestack had been pushed into the seat, blocking that escape route.

Another rescuer produced a small saw, and someone else brought a crowbar. Together, they tried cutting through the wreckage and prying the doors open, but the tools were too small to make progress. Kimball said the trapped driver was yelling that he couldn’t breathe, so he stayed by the man’s side, talking to him until EMS arrived.

“That’s what you do,” he said. “That’s the way I was raised, to help somebody out who’s in a spot.”

Hyundai Hope on Wheels announces 2025 grant award winners

Hyundai Hope on Wheels recently announced the 2025 recipients of its annual research and programmatic grants. This year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels is donating $27 million to support the fight against pediatric cancer, bringing the organization's lifetime total of giving to $277 million since its inception in 1998. A total of 106 grants will be awarded to medical institutions nationwide, aimed at improving outcomes and treatments for children with cancer, including 31 Hyundai Scholar Hope Grants at $400,000 each, 16 Hyundai Young Investigator Grants at $300,000 each, 57 Hyundai Impact Grants at $100,000 each, and two Hyundai Bridge2K Grants at $150,000 each.

"Hyundai Hope on Wheels is at the heart of who we are at Hyundai," Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America, said. "Childhood cancer, unfortunately, affects too many families. This is why Hyundai Hope on Wheels was created—to help put an end to this disease. We're proud to announce the 2025 grant winners who will undoubtedly continue to work tirelessly to support all those affected by pediatric cancer."

Four categories of grants are awarded to eligible Children's Oncology Group (COG) member institutions. The Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant and the Hyundai Young Investigator Grant are two-year awards selected for innovative research. Applications were reviewed by a medical advisory committee comprised of pediatric oncologists. The Hyundai Impact Grant is an annual award that funds research or programmatic support for the selected institution's pediatric oncology department. The Hyundai Bridge2K grant is a one-year award that provides bridge funding for pediatric cancer researchers resubmitting high-scoring national grants. 

You can view all the grant award winners here. 

See also: Survey ranks top technology providers and highlights key challenges for U.S. fleets

The National Geographic Society and PepsiCo launch new 'Food for Tomorrow' program focused on regenerative agriculture

The National Geographic Society and PepsiCo recently announced their collaboration on a global food system, with a focus on regenerative agriculture. The ​​Food for Tomorrow program will support National Geographic Explorer-driven stories and scientists diving into the future of food through imagery, narratives, applied science-based projects, and data visualization maps. 

The world’s population is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, and according to UNESCO reports, if current trends continue, close to 90% of the planet's soil could be degraded by that date. To feed this growing population and mitigate environmental threats such as soil degradation and habitat loss, a change is needed in the way food is grown. Regenerative agriculture—farming practices that restore, rather than deplete, soil health and natural resources—can provide us with the food we eat by working in harmony with nature, rather than against it.

“Our future will be shaped by how we grow our food today—and we’re reimagining what’s possible when that system nourishes both people and the planet,” Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society, said. “In collaboration with PepsiCo, we’re investing in bold solutions and the farmers, scientists, and storytellers leading this essential work. We’re proud to fuel a global movement, rooted in science and hope, to help build a thriving future for generations to come.” 

The global food industry’s engagement, in partnership with farmers, will be essential to identify how scientific research, innovation, and technology can work alongside traditional agricultural knowledge to expand regenerative agriculture. PepsiCo has already set a global goal to spread the adoption of regenerative, restorative, or protective practices across 10 million acres by 2030.

PepsiCo also collaborated with National Geographic CreativeWorks on the development of three short films to capture how farmers are embracing regenerative agriculture.

The program will initially support five National Geographic Explorers, who will feature stories about real people, farmers, and communities. It will also fund “Building Resilience in Agriculture,” where up to five scientific grants will be awarded that seek nature-positive proposals that apply science in real-world contexts. The deadline for applications is September 30.  

Finally, the program will develop a dynamic data visualization mapping tool that showcases how regenerative agriculture boosts food and farming resilience. This resource for farmers, scientists, and the general public is planned for publication on the National Geographic Society website in 2026.

Transfix launches Freight Fantasy Football League to benefit St. Christopher’s Trucking Relief Fund

Transfix is rallying the freight community for a cause this football season with the launch of its first annual Freight Fantasy Football League. The initiative aims to raise $10,000 or more for the St. Christopher’s Trucking Relief Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting truck drivers who are out of work because of injury or illness.

While the fantasy league officially locked on September 7, the fundraiser remains open to all. Freight brokers, 3PLs, carriers, and shippers across the industry are encouraged to contribute directly to the Freight Fantasy Football League Fundraiser, with 100% of proceeds benefiting St. Christopher’s Fund. Donations will be accepted through Super Bowl Sunday.

“With National Truck Driver Appreciation Week coming up, we wanted to find a way to combine three things we love: football, the freight community, and giving back to the people who keep our industry running—truck drivers,” Jonathan Salama, CEO and co-founder of Transfix, said. “If there’s one lesson that stood out over the last year, it’s that the industry moves forward faster when we work together, and this is just the beginning. Partnering with St. Christopher’s Fund is an incredible opportunity to have fun while making a meaningful impact. We hope you’ll join us.”

The league has already drawn donations from prominent industry leaders, including R+L Carriers, Denim, Corporate Traffic Logistics, Henkel, Syfan Logistics, Sage Freight, Chevron, FreightPlus, Niagara Bottling, and FreightVana.