The Next Generation in Trucking Association today announced the winners of its 2026 NEXT Top Talent Awards, recognizing outstanding professional drivers and diesel technicians under the age of 30.
This year's Grand Champions are Christopher Mauricio, a professional driver with Crawford Trucking in Des Moines, Iowa, and Greydon Souza, a diesel technician with Advantage Truck Group in Raynham, Massachusetts.
Sponsored by Fullbay and Advanced Training Systems (ATS), the awards celebrate young professionals who are excelling in their careers and making a difference in their companies, communities, and the trucking industry.
"One of my favorite things about these awards is reading the nominations," said Lindsey Trent, President and Co-Founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association. "You hear these incredible stories about young people who are taking pride in their work, stepping up to help their coworkers, and already becoming leaders. We talk so much about bringing the next generation into trucking, but Christopher and Greydon are proof that they're already here, and they're doing some pretty amazing things."
Christopher Mauricio — 2026 Grand Champion Professional Driver
Mauricio joined Crawford Trucking in January 2024 through the company's driver training program. Since then, he has driven approximately 275,000 safe miles, represented Crawford at the 2026 Iowa Truck Driving Championships, and become an active voice in the company's safety program.
Just a few years after completing driver training himself, Mauricio is now helping train and mentor new drivers. He assists with orientation, answers questions, and continues checking in with drivers long after their training is complete.
"Chris does not wait for someone else to determine their next step. He wants to learn, improve, and contribute more," shared Crawford Trucking in the nomination.
Greydon Souza — 2026 Grand Champion Diesel Technician
At just 20 years old, Souza has already made quite an impression at Advantage Truck Group's Raynham, Massachusetts, dealership.
Souza first approached the company while still in high school, hoping to join its co-op program. Although the program was full, the team was so impressed with his initiative and professionalism that they made room for him.
In less than two years as a full-time technician, Souza has earned more certifications than many technicians complete in four or five years and become one of the shop's go-to technicians for complex engine repairs and electrical diagnostics.
Beyond his technical skills, Souza has mentored five co-op students this past year and volunteered through the company's Haulin 4 Hunger program.
"Greydon possesses a rare combination of strong diagnostic and mechanical skills, paired with an exceptional work ethic, quiet leadership, and unwavering personal accountability," shared Advantage Truck Group in the nomination.
