Trucking Cares Foundation bestows 2026 John Lex Premier Achievement Award
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Von Minor, president and executive director of the South Dallas Driving Academy, has been honored with the 2026 John Lex Premier Achievement Award. The award was presented Monday, Oct. 19, by the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Trucking Cares Foundation (TCF) during ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition (MCE) in Charlotte.
The South Dallas Driving Academy is a workforce development nonprofit working to eliminate barriers to obtaining driver’s licenses for underserved South Dallas communities.
“By pioneering a nonprofit workforce development program, Von is helping low-income residents in his community overcome a systemic barrier to opportunity,” said TCF Chairman Greg Owen, head coach of Ability Tri-Modal.
“Von has personally guided young adults through training and certification and connected them with pathway partners, who help them enter our industry, earn a living wage — including a few now working for ATA member companies, and drive themselves out of poverty,” he continued. “The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to honor an individual whose work is creating lasting change.”
TCF President John Lynch echoed Owen’s praise, emphasizing the broader impact of Minor’s work.
“The trucking industry changes lives every day by connecting people to opportunity, and few people embody that mission more than Von Minor,” Lynch said. “His vision has helped turn a driver’s license into a gateway to economic mobility, empowering individuals to build careers, support their families and pursue a better future. The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to recognize his extraordinary service.”
For Minor, the recognition also reflects the support of the foundation and the community that helped bring his vision to life.
“When we launched South Dallas Driving Academy, we believed that removing barriers to mobility could transform lives, and the Trucking Cares Foundation was with us every step of the way,” Minor said. “Every graduate represents a story of perseverance, hope and opportunity. I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I share it with everyone who has helped us prove that when people are given the tools to succeed, there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
Opening doors through driver education
According to ATA, nearly 40% of low-income individuals in urban areas in the U.S. — and nearly half in South Dallas — lack a valid driver’s license, often due to limited access to affordable driver education.
The South Dallas Driving Academy addresses this challenge by offering a dual-track training program that enables participants to obtain their driver’s license and prepare for careers in transportation.
Described by ATA as the only program of its kind, South Dallas Driving Academy is offered at no cost to Bonton and South Dallas residents. The program boasts a 90% course completion and graduation rate.
In just five years, Minor and his team have helped hundreds of individuals overcome barriers to employment and economic opportunity. Minor has also developed a portable version of the program, First Gear Driving Academy, with plans for nationwide expansion.
TCF first learned of South Dallas Driving Academy during its pilot phase. Since then, the foundation has contributed nearly $100,000 through annual donations, providing resources that helped the program grow.
The foundation also recognizes the John Lex Premier Achievement Award recipient with a $5,000 donation to the charity of the honoree’s choosing.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
