KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — From serving his country in Afghanistan to hauling steel coils across America’s highways, Joshua Kearney has built a career around service, dedication and hard work.
Now, the Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient has another accomplishment to celebrate: He’s been named the winner of Pilot’s 2026 Road Warrior contest, earning a customized Kenworth W990 truck and a $50,000 cash prize.
Kearney, a professional driver for Kaplan Trucking in North Ridgeville, Ohio, was selected from a field of more than 2,000 nominees for the annual award, which recognizes truck drivers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to safety, service and their communities. He was nominated by his wife, Shannon, who highlighted his commitment to his profession and family.
From military service to life on the road
Kearney served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2012, including a deployment to Afghanistan, where he was wounded in combat in 2011 and received a Purple Heart. He later served in the Army Reserve from 2013 to 2020.
After returning home to Ohio, Kearney began building a career in trucking. Today, he hauls steel coils for Kaplan Trucking, one of Ohio’s oldest trucking companies, and has accumulated nearly 1 million accident-free miles.
His dedication to trucking extends beyond his workday. According to Pilot, Kearney’s two sons have developed their own fascination with big rigs and enjoy watching their father work on and drive his truck.
A special truck for a special driver
Pilot partnered with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to customize a Kenworth W990 for this year’s Road Warrior champion.
On Oct. 27, representatives from the companies joined Kearney’s family and colleagues to present him with a $50,000 check — and the keys to his new truck.
Kearney’s new W990 features a 52-inch flat-top sleeper with a Diamond VIT interior. Under the hood is a PACCAR MX-13 engine producing 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a PACCAR TX-18 transmission.
According to Pilot, the customized rig is more than a prize. It represents recognition of Kearney’s years of service, his dedication to highway safety and his commitment to the trucking profession.
Recognizing the people behind the wheel
For more than a decade, Pilot’s Road Warrior contest has recognized professional drivers whose accomplishments extend beyond delivering freight. The annual program highlights drivers who demonstrate strong safety records, dedication to service and character both on and off the road.
“Joshua’s story reflects the resilience, work ethic and character that drive our industry forward, representing the very best of the professional driving community,” said Kari Irons, chief experience officer at Pilot. “It’s exciting to work with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers to celebrate the remarkable people behind the wheel of America’s trucks.”
For Kearney, this year’s award brings together two important chapters of his life: military service and professional trucking.
And with nearly 1 million safe miles behind him, he’s already established a record worth celebrating.
More information about the contest and previous winners can be found on the Pilot Road Warrior website.
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.
