Isaiah Hicks-Dixon
The NEXT Top Talent Award is a national recognition program that celebrates young CDL drivers and diesel technicians under the age of 30 who are setting a new standard for excellence, professionalism and purpose in the trucking industry.
“I am in awe of the participation by fleets who took the time to nominate and celebrate such a vital cohort of their workforce — those younger than 30 who are diligently pursuing the fantastic, rewarding careers that trucking offers in professional truck driving jobs and as diesel technicians,” said Lindsey Trent, president and founder of NGTA.
These individuals represent the best of what the next generation has to offer: dedication to safety, diligence, hard work and a passion for making a lasting impact in their trucking careers.
The Grand Champion CDL Driver is Isaiah Hicks-Dixon, who drives for Old Dominion Freight Line.
Hicks-Dixon began his career with ODFL in May of 2019 as a dock worker and made it clear from the start that he aspired to drive. Through exceptional performance, he earned his way into the ODTDT program and excelled as both a switcher and combo driver, the NGTA said.
A linehaul driver since January 2022, Hicks-Dixon continues to go above and beyond — making pickups on weekends, coaching coworkers, and always putting customers first. His positive attitude, strong work ethic and commitment to Old Dominion’s values make him a role model throughout the company, according to NGTA.
“Known for his calm under pressure, impeccable safety record and outstanding customer service, Hicks-Dixon is frequently praised by customers who specifically request him for their deliveries,” NGTA said. “He is a professional in every sense—his dress, demeanor and respect for coworkers make him someone others want to work with. His ‘winning attitude’ is infectious, lifting morale and setting a high bar for everyone around him.”
NGTA also recognized 56 additional young professionals as 2025 NEXT Top Talent Finalists. These individuals, nominated by their companies, represent the future of the workforce—from national carriers to regional fleets and local shops.
“Each one was selected for their reliability, growth mindset, and contributions to their teams, customers and communities,” NGTA said. “As part of the award, each finalist will receive a custom banner and commemorative plaque to proudly display at their workplace.”
The other NEXT Top Talent CDL driver winners include:
- Aaron Gommel – Gordon Food Service
- AJ Robar – Cal Valley Trucking
- Alec Hemphill – Performance Food Group
- Andrew Terra – Waste Management
- Blake Mitchell – Kenan Advantage Group
- Bradley Frisosky – Old Dominion Freight Line
- Brent Smith – Koch Trucking
- Camryn Tamia – Thomas E. Keller Trucking
- Dakota McDanell-Rorrer – Melton Truck Lines
- Daniel Ramirez – FedEx Freight
- Danny Hermosillo – Cal Valley Trucking
- Demont Dudley – Old Dominion Freight Line
- Elijah Fleming – Old Dominion Freight Line
- Either Pacheco – Old Dominion Freight Line
- Elliot Jackson – Garner Trucking
- Felipe Melchor – Waste Management
- Gavin Drill – Groendyke Transport
- Gavin Persuhn – Smith Ready Mix
- Jacob Szabo – Garner Trucking
- James Pitts – Performance Food Group
- Jessica Bowens – Old Dominion Freight Line
- John A. Elliott – Alaska West Express
- John Patterson – Melton Truck Lines
- Jose Vargas – Waste Management
- Joseph Burley – Waste Management
- Joshua Karloski-Lutz – Averitt
- Joshua Ramos – Performance Food Group
- Komeng Vang – Old Dominion Freight Line
- Marshall A. Langevin – Performance Food Group
- Nathaniel Horton – Ralph Moyle, Inc.
- Pabel Florian Almanzar – Performance Food Group
- Riley Edward Lilly – Waste Management
- Rudy Salandanan – Old Dominion Freight Line
- Trinity Ternes – Old Dominion Freight Line
- Troy Sanford – Performance Food Group
The NEXT Top Talent Award is co-sponsored by Fullbay and Project 61, two organizations with a shared commitment to supporting young professionals in trucking and maintenance careers.
