Pilot celebrates 2026 Road Warrior Champion with customized Kenworth W990 truck and $50,000 cash prize

Joshua Kearney, an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who drives for Kaplan Trucking in North Ridgeville, Ohio, has logged nearly 1 million accident-free miles,. He is the winner of Pilot’s 2026 Road Warrior contest. Kearney was selected from more than 2,000 nominations for his perseverance, dedication to professional driving, and commitment to service.

The annual Road Warrior contest celebrates the stories of the people who keep America moving and reflects Pilot’s commitment to supporting professional drivers. Pilot worked with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to customize a Kenworth W990 truck for this year’s winner. On October 27, they joined Kearney’s family and his colleagues to hand over the keys to his new truck and a $50,000 check.

“Joshua’s story reflects the resilience, work ethic, and character that drive our industry forward, representing the very best of the professional driving community,” Kari Irons, chief experience officer at Pilot, said. “It’s exciting to work with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to celebrate the remarkable people behind the wheel of America’s trucks."

Kearney served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2012 and in the Army Reserve from 2013 to 2020. He received a Purple Heart in 2011 after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan. After returning home to Ohio, he built a career in trucking and today hauls steel coils for Kaplan Trucking, one of the state’s oldest trucking companies.

Kearney was nominated by his wife, Shannon, who highlighted his dedication to both his profession and his family. A husband and father of two, Kearney’s sons are already captivated by trucks and enjoy watching their dad work on and drive his rig.

Wreaths Across America reveals 2026 Escort to Arlington route

Known as the country’s longest veterans’ parade, Wreaths Across America’s annual “Escort to Arlington” will begin its journey on December 12. The weeklong procession will travel from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, bringing together veterans, military families, volunteers, and communities along the East Coast. Along the way, the escort will visit schools, veterans’ memorials, and community landmarks, creating meaningful opportunities to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

The official 2026 route and schedule can be viewed here.

Stops with public events will be held in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of December 19—National Wreaths Across America Day. The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit will also be open to the public at many of this year’s events. 

Chevrolet has again provided the 10 wrapped escort vehicles, including the All-Electric Silverado EV, to transport participating Gold Star and Blue Star family members and veterans during the weeklong trip. In addition, Chevrolet has sponsored 4,000 veterans’ wreaths for placement by volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery.

“For 12 years, Chevrolet and our dealers have had the privilege of putting Gold Star families and veterans behind the wheel of this journey,” said Dan Adamcheck, regional director of sales, service, and marketing for Chevrolet. “Over hundreds of miles, those vehicles carry something far greater than passengers. They carry memories, sacrifice, and gratitude. We’re honored to help carry them all the way to Arlington.”

TCA's Elevate Young Leadership Program now accepting nominations for 2027 class

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) opened nominations for the 2027 Elevate Young Leadership Program.

Following the success of the program's first three classes, Elevate continues to provide emerging leaders in the truckload industry with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and gain insights from industry executives and peers. Participants will engage in a combination of in-person experiences at TCA events, virtual sessions, and group projects throughout 2027.

Nominations for the 2027 Elevate Young Leadership Program are now being accepted. Companies are encouraged to nominate high-potential employees who demonstrate leadership ability, a commitment to professional growth, and a passion for the truckload industry.

"Tenstreet remains committed to supporting TCA's investment in the next generation of industry leaders," Bryon Wiebold, industry relations director at Tenstreet, said. "Elevate provides participants with invaluable opportunities to learn from experienced leaders, build lasting relationships, and gain perspectives that will benefit both their careers and their companies. The future of trucking depends on strong leadership, and we're proud to be part of that journey."

OOIDA kicks off 20th annual Truckers for Troops campaign this Veterans Day week

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) will officially launch its 20th annual Truckers for Troops campaign, running November 9-15.

What began in 2007 as a grassroots effort to send care packages to personnel stationed in combat zones has grown into a powerful national lifeline. Truckers for Troops continues its overseas mission while aiding stateside veterans' facilities that shelter and assist wounded, disabled, and homeless service members.

“Truckers and military service members share the same core values of sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to this country,” Todd Spencer, OOIDA president, said. “With nearly 40 percent of our membership having worn the uniform, Truckers for Troops is one of the most meaningful traditions we have at OOIDA. When our drivers pull together during Veterans Day week, every dollar sends a clear message to our troops and veterans that they are not forgotten.”

Impact by the numbers (2007–present):

• $800,000-plus raised by drivers and supporters 
• 3,369-plus care packages shipped 
• 39,500-plus service members supported worldwide 
• 65 veteran care facilities supplied with critical aid. 

During the one-week drive, drivers can join OOIDA or renew an annual membership for a discounted rate of $35.

• The OOIDA match: 10% of every membership fee goes directly to the troops fund. OOIDA matches that 10% dollar for dollar, doubling every contribution.
• Direct donations: 100% tax-deductible donations can be made directly to the fund through the OOIDA Foundation.

OOIDA is actively collecting names and deployment addresses for care package distribution. Anyone with a family member or friend currently serving in the U.S. military who would like them to receive a care package can send the recipient’s full name, complete military mailing address, and projected stateside return date to [email protected].

General Motors backs veterans with $14 million in career and community support

General Motors (GM) has spurred $14 million in support for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families through a combination of corporate- and employee-led giving as well as funds raised with partners.

“Veterans and military families deserve clear pathways to good jobs, stable housing, and brighter futures,” David Massaron, GM VP of infrastructure and corporate citizenship, said. “By bringing together GM, employee, and partner support, we’re honoring their service and strengthening the communities where we live and work.”

Here is how the $14 million breaks down:

• Stars, stripes, and skilled trades: GM has committed $3 million to support seven proven nonprofit workforce programs across the U.S., with priority for organizations that demonstrate job-placement pathways, industry-recognized credentials, employer partnerships, and relevance to GM facility communities.
• Hiring Our Heroes (HOH): GM provided a $1 million grant to strengthen and expand the skills-based fellowship and launch HOH’s first Skilled Trades Academy, which focuses on creating pathways to automotive careers for veterans and military-connected families. The academy began training its first cohort in October.
• Tunnels to Towers: Throughout this year, GM helped raise $6 million for this group, which honors fallen first responders and supports injured veterans and their families through mortgage-free homes and financial assistance. Support was driven through fundraising efforts by GM and its dealer networks, as well as through special partnerships through the GMC and Chevrolet brands.
• Stars and Steel Collection: For the 2026 model year, Chevrolet offered the Stars and Steel Collection, a curated lineup of vehicles proudly assembled in the U.S. that celebrates American craftsmanship. Chevrolet will donate $250,000 of the profits from the sale of these vehicles to support the veteran community. The collection spans the Corvette, Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, and Silverado EV, all of which received curated exterior and interior color combinations, American flag-inspired graphics, and select premium options that underscore patriotism.
• Corvette ZR1X: A “one-of-one” 2026 Corvette ZR1X with Stars and Steel-inspired design was auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Winter Auction, with 100% of the hammer price supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
• The Medal of Honor Foundation: GM Defense has raised $1.5 million to help advance the work of the Foundation’s Congressional Medal of Honor Society, including programs that care for living Medal of Honor Recipients and their families, preserve the legacy of the Medal, and project its values of courage, sacrifice, and service to future generations.

GM’s support for America’s heroes goes beyond this year’s funding. GM’s own Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program helps soldiers transition from the U.S. Armed Forces into careers as GM service technicians. The program provides classroom, online, and hands-on technical training and connects graduates with hiring dealerships. Since its inception, over 1,000 former service members have graduated from the program.