Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Nov. 9, 2026:
ATS partners with veterans workforce org
Semper Forward, a division of Fastport, has formed a strategic partnership with Anderson Trucking Service, Inc. (ATS), a family-owned transportation and logistics company headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Semper Forward, a veteran workforce organization that connects transitioning service members with civilian employers, will build a dedicated pipeline of military talent into ATS (CCJ Top 250, No. 51) driving and logistics careers, creating a clear path from uniform to the road.
The trucking industry continues to look for qualified, dependable drivers, while thousands of service members leave the military each year with discipline, a focus on safety, and a mission mindset that the job demands. Many of them have operated heavy vehicles, managed logistics, or moved critical freight in uniform, yet lack a direct connection to employers who understand how those skills translate.
Illustrating trucking’s need for drivers, “Driver Shortage” returned to the top 10 in the American Transportation Research Institute’s 2026 Top Industry Issues report last month after falling out of the top 10 in 2025.
Through the new partnership, Semper Forward will connect its national network of military job seekers with ATS, a Veteran-Friendly Employer and Top Pay Certified Carrier, using installation outreach, hiring events, and direct referrals.
Candidates can pursue company driver roles in flatbed, dry van, heavy haul, and Department of Defense Teams freight.
Independent contractor paths are also available, with equipment leasing through sister company Competitive Equipment Sales, along with non-driving positions in operations and logistics.
Interested service members, veterans, and military spouses can learn more here or explore ATS driving opportunities here.
[Related: Fuel takes top spot on trucking’s woes list, but the driver shortage is back]
Army vet named Pilot Road Warrior, wins custom KW
Joshua Kearney’s new Kenworth W990 features a 52-inch flat-top sleeper equipped with a Diamond VIT interior, powered by a Paccar MX-13 engine that delivers 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. torque via a Paccar TX-18 transmission.Pilot
U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Joshua Kearney has been named the winner of Pilot’s 2026 Road Warrior contest. Kearney is a truck driver for Kaplan Trucking of North Ridgeville, Ohio, and has close to 1 million accident-free miles in the rearview.
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 America’s truck drivers and reflects Pilot’s commitment to supporting professional drivers, the company said.
Pilot worked with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to customize a Kenworth W990 for this year’s winner. On Oct. 27, they joined Kearney’s family and colleagues to hand over the keys to his new truck and a $50,000 check, celebrating him as this year’s Road Warrior champion.
“Joshua’s story reflects the resilience, work ethic and character that drive our industry forward, representing the very best of the professional driving community,” said Kari Irons, chief experience officer at Pilot. “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.
Kearney was nominated for the Road Warrior contest 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.
OOIDA kicks off 20th Truckers for Troops campaign
With Veterans Day ahead next Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is officially launching its 20th annual Truckers for Troops campaign, which will run Nov. 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. Today, Truckers for Troops continues its overseas mission while directly 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,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. “With nearly 40% 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.”
Since 2007, the campaign has raised more than $800,000, shipped more than 3,369 care packages, supported more than 39,500 service members, and supplied 65 veteran care facilities.
Among the key partners supported is the Veterans Community Project (VCP), an organization founded to eradicate veteran homelessness. Originally launched in Kansas City, VCP is actively building specialized transitional villages across the country. In addition to active sites in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Longmont, Colorado; and St. Louis, Missouri, expansions are underway in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Glendale, Arizona.
During the one-week drive, drivers can join OOIDA or renew an annual membership for a discounted rate of $35. Ten percent of every membership fee goes directly to the troops fund, and OOIDA matches that 10% dollar for dollar, doubling every contribution.
Beyond memberships, OOIDA is also accepting direct donations through the 501(c)(3) OOIDA Foundation.
There are three ways to participate:
- By phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours, mention Truckers for Troops, and connect directly with Membership.
- Online: Visit ooida.com anytime to join, renew or donate.
- By mail: Send checks payable to the OOIDA Foundation (for tax-deductible gifts) or OOIDA (for membership dues). Note “TROOPS” along with “Dues & Donation” or “Donation Only” on the memo line.
OOIDA is also 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 troops@ooida.com.
