Trucks, Parts, Service sister publication Overdrive is accepting nominations for its 2026 Trucker of the Year award, intended to recognize exceptional owner-operators (up to three trucks). Overdrive Editor Todd Dills noted sales, service and aftermarket professionals are in a clear position to recognize the business acumen and innovation of small business owners that is at the core of the Trucker of the Year mission to underscore that bedrock of the entrepreneurial spirit in trucking.
Nominate an owner-operator today at this link.
“I would love to see more nominations” of owner-operators from the TPS audience, specifically, Dills said, given the close relationships forged in sales and service. Owner-ops are eligible to be one of 10 Truckers of the Month for 2026, putting them in the running for the final annual honor, if they’ve been in business at least for the last four years.
2023 Trucker of the Year Jay Hosty, honored with the big win in January 2025, is pictured with his 2006 Western Star 4900EX.
Any of your small-business customers who’ve controlled costs and maintained revenues amidst the inflation and freight-market difficulties in the last years would no doubt be a worthy contender. Make a nomination via the simple initial entry form at this link.
Winners, ultimately, will have demonstrated above-average profit and safety and put small-business-trucking best practices in place, laying the groundwork for long-term business health.
