Women In Trucking Association names Mari Roberts as 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently named Mari Roberts, CTP, SVP of the North America supply chain for PepsiCo, as the recipient of the 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking award. The award recognizes the achievements of female role models and trailblazers in the trucking industry.

“Mari Roberts has built a remarkable career defined by excellence, leadership, and a dedication to empowering others,” said Lana Nichols, interim CEO of WIT. “Her influence reaches across supply chain, private fleets, and the communities she serves. We are proud to name her the 2026 Influential Woman in Trucking.”

WIT revealed the winner during the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas following the panel discussion, “The Ripple Effect: Influence That Lifts Others.” Panelists included Roberts and the 2026 award finalists: Angela Lentz, chief people officer at Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), and Sauny Tucker, CEO of Tucker Freight Lines.

In her 26-year career with Frito-Lay, Roberts has held numerous field operations and corporate positions in transportation and supply chain. Roberts earned her Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) certification in 2009 and has long been a leader in the National Private Truck Council (NPTC). She led the NPTC Institute Board of Governors from 2014 to 2022 and currently chairs the NPTC board of directors.

Roberts has also held leadership roles with multiple employee resource groups at Frito-Lay, including the Women’s Inclusion Network and the PepsiCo Asian Network, and served as executive sponsor for the EQUAL ERG. She and her team are also engaged with the Valor ERG, supporting military-affiliated individuals and their communities.

Next Gen Trucking reveals 2026 NEXT Top Talent Award winners

The Next Generation in Trucking Association recently revealed the winners of its 2026 NEXT Top Talent Awards, recognizing truck drivers and diesel technicians under the age of 30. This year's Grand Champions are Christopher Mauricio, a driver with Crawford Trucking in Des Moines, Iowa, and Greydon Souza, a diesel technician with Advantage Truck Group in Raynham, Massachusetts. 

"One of my favorite things about these awards is reading the nominations," said Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association. "You hear these incredible stories about young people who are taking pride in their work, stepping up to help their coworkers, and already becoming leaders. We talk so much about bringing the next generation into trucking, but Christopher and Greydon are proof that they're already here, and they're doing some pretty amazing things."

2026 Grand Champion Professional Driver Christopher Mauricio joined Crawford Trucking in January 2024 through the company's driver training program. Since then, he has driven approximately 275,000 safe miles, represented Crawford at the 2026 Iowa Truck Driving Championships, and become an active voice in the company's safety program. Just a few years after completing driver training himself, Mauricio is now helping train and mentor new drivers. He assists with orientation, answers questions, and continues checking in with drivers long after their training is complete. 

"Chris does not wait for someone else to determine their next step. He wants to learn, improve, and contribute more," shared Crawford Trucking in the nomination. 

2026 Grand Champion Diesel Technician Greydon Souza, at just 20 years old, has already made an impression at Advantage Truck Group's Raynham, Massachusetts, dealership. Greydon first approached the company while still in high school, hoping to join its co-op program. Though the program was full, the team was so impressed with his initiative and professionalism that they made room for him. In less than two years as a full-time technician, Greydon has earned more certifications than many technicians complete in four or five years and has become one of the shop's go-to technicians for complex engine repairs and electrical diagnostics. Beyond his technical skills, Greydon has mentored five co-op students this past year and volunteered through the company's Haulin' 4 Hunger program. 

"Greydon possesses a rare combination of strong diagnostic and mechanical skills, paired with an exceptional work ethic, quiet leadership, and unwavering personal accountability," shared Advantage Truck Group in the nomination. 

The NEXT Top Talent Awards also recognize an outstanding group of young professional drivers and diesel technicians from companies across the country. Each finalist was nominated by someone who recognized something special in them, whether it was their commitment to safety, technical skills, leadership, work ethic, or willingness to help others. You can read the full list of finalists here.

All finalists will receive a personalized banner featuring their photo, name, and company logo, recognizing their achievements and giving their companies an opportunity to celebrate them.

"Every person nominated for this award should feel proud," said Trent. "Someone at their company took the time to tell us why they deserve to be recognized. That says a lot. We hope these young professionals realize how much their hard work is noticed and appreciated."

Pilot salutes veterans with free meals and funds for career development

Pilot is honoring veterans and active-duty service members with a free meal on Veterans Day and invites guests to round up purchases to help veterans transition to civilian careers.

As part of Pilot’s Miles of Good giving program, the annual fundraising campaign builds on the company's partnership with the Call of Duty Endowment and its efforts to help veterans bring their skills and experiences into careers after military service. From October 19 through November 15, guests may round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at participating Pilot and Flying J travel centers. The Endowment will receive 100% of roundup funds.

“We are all indebted to our nation’s veterans and active-duty members for their service and sacrifice, and it’s our privilege to say thank you for all they’ve given to our country,” said Sean Marrero, president of retail at Pilot. “We’re grateful to the Call of Duty Endowment for helping us turn that appreciation into action by supporting veterans’ career journeys.”

Since 2019, Pilot guests and team members have contributed more than $6 million to the Call of Duty Endowment, helping over 10,000 veterans successfully transition to civilian careers.

On Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty service members verified through ID.me may claim a complimentary sandwich and coffee or fountain drink in the Pilot app at participating Pilot and Flying J locations. Year-round, Pilot offers savings to verified service members and their families through the Pilot app, including 10% off food and beverages.

Medline hosts fourth annual MedTrans Rodeo in Mundelein, Illinois

Medline’s private fleet of truck drivers, MedTrans, recently completed its fourth annual National Truck Rodeo, which celebrates the drivers’ commitment to safety and technical abilities. The company’s fleet of more than 2,100 MedTrans drivers plays an important role in its ability to provide next-day delivery to 95% of its U.S. customers.

“Medline’s team of drivers are the backbone of serving our customers, serving as a friendly face and committed supplier,” said Jeff Brennan, VP of transportation for Medline. “Our drivers deliver critical medical supplies to customers no matter the day, weather, or other challenges they may face.”

Earlier this year, Medline set the stage by hosting regional rodeos for its drivers and their families at Medline facilities across the nation. These regional events follow more local events held earlier in the year at the company’s 45 U.S. distribution centers.

The first-prize winner this year in each of the three categories at the regional levels received an award of $1,500 and had the opportunity to compete at the MedTrans National Truck Rodeo. There, the regional winners competed for a share of $15,000 in prize money and provided inspiration to the company’s more than 2,100 drivers.

You can read the full list of winners here. 

Goodyear Blimp bases make spirits bright with annual Toys for Tots drives

This holiday season, Goodyear is helping deliver joy by once again partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to host annual toy drives at all three Goodyear Blimp bases.

Over the past 16 years, toy drives at Goodyear Blimp bases have collected more than 300,000 toys and raised more than $875,000 for the Marine Toys for Tots Program, helping deliver holiday joy to children and families across the country.

Goodyear is inviting communities across the country to get an up-close look at the Goodyear Blimp while supporting Toys for Tots this holiday season.

• Ohio | Wingfoot Lake: December 4–6, from 2–7 p.m. Residents can drive through the Wingfoot Lake Blimp hangar for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look before dropping off their donation to a U.S. Marine representing Toys for Tots.
• Florida | Pompano Beach: December 6, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The event will feature open house tours of the Blimp hangar. Attendees can register for a tour here.
• California | Carson: December 4, from 2–5 p.m., and December 5, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Attendees can secure their tour spot beginning November 1 here.

“For 16 years, this tradition has brought our communities together around the holidays in a uniquely Goodyear way,” said Joni Fitch, director of community engagement at Goodyear. “Opening our blimp hangars gives us a special opportunity to welcome our neighbors and support Toys for Tots in helping make the holidays brighter for local children and families.”