Ohio Trucker Joshua Kearney Wins Road Warrior
Ohio drivers like Kearney, an Army veteran with nearly 1 million accident-free miles, earned national recognition and a customized Kenworth truck.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Trucks
Pilot has named Joshua Kearney, an Army veteran and professional driver for Kaplan Trucking of North Ridgeville, Ohio, as winner of its 2026 Road Warrior contest. Pilot gave Kearney a customized Kenworth W990 truck and a $50,000 check on Oct. 27.
Why it matters
The contest recognizes drivers who keep the country moving, and Kearney was picked from more than 2,000 nominations, his wife Shannon among them. For Ohio truck families, the story highlights how driver recognition programs spotlight the professionals whose steady work supports the freight and fuel supply chain.
Joshua Kearney received a Kenworth W990 truck customized with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers, plus a $50,000 check. He hauls steel coils for Kaplan Trucking and reports nearly 1 million accident-free miles.
The players
Pilot
Pilot is a major U.S. travel center and fuel retailer whose Road Warrior contest honors professional drivers.
Kenworth
Kenworth is a Paccar truck brand known for its heavy-duty W990 model customized for the winner.
Diesel Brothers
Diesel Brothers is a truck-customization company that worked with Pilot and Kenworth on the winning build.
Kaplan Trucking
Kaplan Trucking is a North Ridgeville, Ohio carrier that employs Kearney to haul steel coils.
The details
Pilot ran the 2026 Road Warrior contest, which drew more than 2,000 nominations from the public. Pilot worked with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to customize the W990 for the winner. On Oct. 27, Pilot, Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers joined Kearney's family and colleagues for the handover of the truck and the check.
Timeline
2008 to 2012: Kearney served on active duty in the U.S. Army.
2011: Kearney received a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan.
2013 to 2020: Kearney served in the Army Reserve.
Oct. 27, 2026: Truck and $50,000 check handed to Kearney.
The Home Front
Recognition programs like Pilot's Road Warrior contest put a spotlight on long-haul drivers, a workforce that moves much of the goods households depend on. The award reflects the broader industry effort to highlight driver retention in trucking.
If you rely on a professional driver in your household, this recognition is a reminder of the careers that keep local shelves stocked. Consider the freight and fuel costs that flow from long-haul routes when budgeting.
The takeaway
Driver recognition programs highlight the professionals whose steady work keeps household goods moving. Families in Ohio can appreciate that behind every delivery is a driver like Kearney.
Further reading
Explore more on the Trucks section for context on the long-haul industry behind this award.
