Jacksonville, Illinois — Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. has reopened its Highway Hero Award, inviting full‑time truckers across North America to submit nominations for acts of bravery carried out between January and December 2022. The 2026 edition of the award, the first since the program was paused, will recognize drivers who demonstrated extraordinary courage on the road and in their communities.

The Highway Hero Award, launched in 1983, has long served as a benchmark for professional conduct in the trucking industry. Each year the program spotlights drivers who go beyond the call of duty, whether by rescuing stranded motorists, aiding emergency crews, or performing life‑saving actions during hazardous incidents. The award’s return underscores Goodyear’s commitment to celebrating safety, teamwork, and the human spirit that keeps freight moving across the continent.

To qualify, nominees must be full‑time truck drivers residing in the U.S. or Canada, operating a 12‑wheel or larger rig at the time of the incident. The heroic act must have occurred between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Nominations are submitted online at GoodyearTruckTires.com, where applicants provide a narrative of the incident and explain why the driver deserves recognition. The winner will receive a substantial cash award, custom Goodyear gear, and a complimentary trip to Orlando for the 2023 Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting and transportation technology exhibition. Two finalists will also receive prize packages. Following the tradition of past years, the winner will be announced in early 2027, with finalists named shortly thereafter.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A drivers, owner‑operators, and OTR truckers, the award offers more than recognition. It provides a platform to showcase professionalism to potential employers, strengthening resumes for truck driver jobs and fleet management positions. The monetary prize can offset equipment upgrades or help finance business expansion, directly benefiting owner‑operators who often operate on thin margins. Additionally, the trip to Orlando grants networking opportunities with industry leaders and exposure to the latest FMCSA regulations and technology trends, keeping drivers ahead of compliance requirements.

Industry Reaction

Trucking associations have welcomed the revival, noting that public recognition of safety champions reinforces a culture of accountability. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) highlighted the award’s role in encouraging drivers to report near‑misses and adopt best practices. Fleet managers see the program as a way to identify and reward talent within their rosters, potentially reducing turnover and boosting morale. The broader industry, already facing driver shortages and heightened scrutiny from FMCSA, views the Highway Hero Award as a positive signal that safety and heroism are valued.

Key Points

• Program launched in 1983, celebrating selfless actions by truckers.
• Eligibility requires full‑time status, U.S./Canada residency, and a 12‑wheel or larger rig.
• Nomination window closes December 31, 2026; winner announced early 2027.
• Winner receives cash, custom prizes, and a trip to Orlando’s 2023 Technology & Maintenance Council event.

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