Pilot Names Joshua Kearney 2026 Road Warrior
Kearney, an Army veteran and driver for Kaplan Trucking, received a Kenworth W990 truck and a $50,000 check.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Trucks
Pilot named Joshua Kearney the winner of its 2026 Road Warrior contest and gave him a Kenworth W990 truck and a $50,000 check on Oct. 27. Kearney was selected from more than 2,000 nominations.
Why it matters
The contest recognizes professional drivers who keep the country moving and highlights the role of truck drivers in the trucking industry. The award reflects Pilot's stated commitment to supporting professional drivers.
The winner received a $50,000 cash check and a customized Kenworth W990 truck, and was chosen from more than 2,000 nominations. His record includes nearly 1 million accident-free miles driven.
The players
Pilot
Pilot is a major American travel center and fuel retailer that runs the Road Warrior contest to honor professional truck drivers.
Kenworth
Kenworth is a truck manufacturer known for its heavy-duty trucks, which built the W990 provided to the winner.
Diesel Brothers
Diesel Brothers is a truck customization business that worked with Pilot and Kenworth to customize the winner's truck.
The details
Joshua Kearney, an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, hauls steel coils for Kaplan Trucking of North Ridgeville, Ohio. Pilot worked with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to customize the truck, and Pilot, Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers joined his family and colleagues for the handover.
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: Pilot handed over the truck and $50,000 check.
Roadmap
Pilot's Road Warrior contest is an annual program that recognizes professional drivers, and this 2026 award continues that recurring recognition. The program ties the award to driver safety and service, reflecting how trucking companies publicly honor their drivers.
The contest shows how professional drivers are recognized for accident-free service and long careers on the road. For drivers and fleets, programs like this highlight the value placed on safe driving records.
The takeaway
Professional drivers are recognized for safety, service and long careers on the road. Contests like Road Warrior show how trucking companies can reward the people who keep freight moving.
Further reading
For more on heavy-duty vehicles, see Trucks coverage.
