KAG, Talke USA earn 2026 Career Catalyst Awards
Bulk haulers Kenan Advantage Group and Talke USA recently collected 2026 Career Catalyst Awards from the Next Generation in Trucking Association for making meaningful contributions to developing and supporting the next-gen workforce in the trucking industry.
KAG also earned a Career Catalyst award in last year’s inaugural program.
“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,” Lindsey Trent, NextGen Trucking president and co-founder, said in a news release. “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.”
NextGen Trucking previously celebrated KAG’s apprenticeship program. This year, the North Canton, Ohio-based tank truck carrier was recognized for its focus on developing professional drivers through hands-on training, safety-centered onboarding, and career advancement opportunities designed to support long-term success, the association reported.
Presented in partnership with The National Transportation Institute (NTI) and Engine, the Career Catalyst Awards celebrate companies taking intentional action to strengthen the future workforce through training, mentorship, apprenticeships, school engagement, leadership development, and long-term growth opportunities in trucking and transportation.
“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 Leah Shaver, NTI president and CEO. “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.”
Career Catalyst Award recipients for 2026 include:
- Advantage Truck Group
- Averitt
- Ben E. Keith Foods
- Boyle Transportation
- Covenant Logistics
- Crawford Trucking
- Fastenal
- Fastport
- FedEx Freight
- Garner Trucking
- Gordon Food Service
- Grand Island Express
- Houff Corporation
- Horizon Freight Lines
- Ippolito Transportation
- Kenan Advantage Group
- Keller Trucking
- KL Harring Transportation
- Kohl Wholesale
- Logisticize
- Old Dominion Freight Line
- Performance Foodservice
- Ralph Moyle
- Roehl Transport
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems
- Talke USA
- Werner Enterprises
- YMX Logistics