NASTC Honors 21 Drivers as Best Drivers
The National Association of Small Trucking Companies recognized 21 drivers and named Axle Logistics its 2026 Broker of the Year at its Nashville conference.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Transportation
The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) honored 21 drivers as its 2026 America's Best Drivers team at its annual conference in Nashville. The group also named Axle Logistics its 2026 Broker of the Year.
Why it matters
The awards spotlight safety records among small carriers and recognize brokers that support small trucking companies in a market dominated by larger operators. NASTC says the program reflects its work to keep small trucking viable.
The 21 honorees have logged close to 69 million cumulative safe miles and more than 700 years of combined careers. Individual totals include John Rickers of QLF Transportation at 6.3 million miles and Nick Smith of Naeve Inc. at 5 million miles.
The players
National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC)
A trade association that has worked for 38 years to keep small trucking viable in the marketplace and runs the America's Best Drivers program.
David Owen
NASTC's president, who presented the 2026 Broker of the Year honor during the conference.
Axle Logistics
A freight brokerage named NASTC's 2026 Broker of the Year for its continued support of small carriers.
The details
Honorees were recognized during a Friday salute in the Omni Nashville Legends ballroom, and NASTC president David Owen presented the Broker of the Year honor to Axle Logistics. NASTC's Best Brokers group began as a collection of recommended middlemen from member small fleets.
Timeline
2018: Bill Wilker logged 3 million safe miles, earning America's Best Drivers recognition.
Late October 2026: NASTC held its conference in Nashville during the final week of the month.
Friday of the conference: Driver honors salute held at the Omni Nashville Legends ballroom.
Transportation Landscape
NASTC's Best Brokers group began as a collection of recommended middlemen from member small fleets and has evolved into a formal recognition program. The 2026 honors continue that effort to keep small carriers competitive against larger trucking operators.
Shippers working with small carriers may find brokers recognized for carrier support more attractive partners when selecting freight providers. Drivers and fleets can use NASTC's awards as a benchmark for safety performance in their own operations.
The takeaway
Recognition programs like NASTC's America's Best Drivers highlight safety records that matter to carriers and shippers alike. Small fleets evaluating brokers can use such honors as one signal of how a partner treats smaller carriers.
Further reading
For more on the industry, see Transportation coverage of freight and trucking markets.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Overdrive.
