Akron, Ohio — Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has officially opened the nomination window for its 42nd annual Highway Hero Award, a program designed to spotlight commercial vehicle operators who intervene during roadside emergencies. Joe Stuglis, vice president of Commercial Sales North America for Goodyear, noted that professional drivers regularly act as protectors of the public while moving freight across the continent. The program has operated continuously since 1983 to acknowledge individuals who go far beyond standard driving duties to save lives or prevent disasters on the highway.
Eligibility for the award requires nominees to hold a valid commercial driver's license and operate a qualifying vehicle such as a long-haul tractor-trailer, vocational rig, or infrastructure truck with rim sizes exceeding 19 inches. The heroic incident must have occurred while the operator was on duty within the United States or Canada. Fleet managers, dispatchers, fellow operators, and witnesses can submit detailed descriptions of qualifying events through the official Goodyear portal. A panel of judges will review all vetted submissions to select a single winner alongside up to two finalists.
The selected Highway Hero will receive a cash prize and a ride aboard the iconic Goodyear Blimp, while finalists also secure cash awards. Goodyear plans to announce the ultimate winner following the close of the nomination cycle. This recognition highlights the vital role that OTR truck driver professionals play outside of their standard delivery schedules, often being the first on the scene of severe accidents or hazardous roadway situations.
What This Means for Drivers
For the thousands of CDL-A driver professionals navigating North American interstates daily, this program underscores the professional expectation of highway safety and mutual aid. Owner-operators and company drivers alike frequently encounter critical incidents where immediate action prevents loss of life, yet their contributions often go unnoticed by the general public. Programs like the Goodyear Highway Hero Award provide tangible recognition for those who balance tight delivery schedules with the moral imperative to assist stranded or endangered motorists.
Industry Reaction
Industry advocates consistently point out that public perception of the trucking sector tends to focus heavily on supply chain logistics and regulatory compliance rather than the humanitarian contributions of drivers. Trucking companies hiring through platforms like ustrucker.info frequently look for reliable professionals who possess both exceptional technical skill behind the wheel and the situational awareness to handle unexpected emergencies. By elevating these stories, Goodyear reinforces the high standard of character found throughout the professional driving community.
Key Points
- Nominations for the 42nd annual Goodyear Highway Hero Award are open through January 31, 2026.
- Eligible nominees must hold a valid CDL and operate commercial vehicles with rim sizes over 19 inches.
- The qualifying heroic act must have occurred during the 2025 calendar year within the US or Canada.
- The top winner receives cash prizes and an exclusive ride on the Goodyear Blimp.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operator professionals with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.