Read more insights from Innovators and finalists: How Innovative Trucking Leaders Turn Change Into an Advantage
How HDT’s 2026 Truck Fleet Innovators Are Rethinking Fleet Operations
Meet five trucking leaders who are challenging assumptions, solving operational problems, and putting innovative ideas to work.
August 13, 2026
From left, Adam Buttgenbach, Nicky Cupp, Lance Evans, Jennie Abarca and Deen Albert are honored as Heavy Duty Trucking Fleet Innovators for 2026.
Credit:
HDT
2 min to read
- Five trucking leaders are exploring new strategies to defy traditional assumptions in fleet operations.
- Their approaches include artificial intelligence, data-driven tools, electric trucks, advanced safety technology, and new ways of managing everyday fleet challenges.
- What sets these leaders apart is a willingness to question assumptions, experiment, learn from setbacks, measure results, and share what they’ve learned with other fleets.
*Summarized by AI
Every year, new technologies promise to change trucking. Artificial intelligence. Electric trucks. Advanced safety systems. Automation.
But technology alone isn’t the same as innovation. Vision and being willing to challenge conventional thinking matter — but so does turning ideas into results.
This year's HDT Truck Fleet Innovators all approached innovation differently. Some embraced emerging technology, while others found better ways to solve everyday operational problems.
None set out simply to adopt the latest technology. They identified a problem or recognized an opportunity, then found a better way to address it.
Some turned to artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions. Others embraced electric trucks, advanced safety technology, or new management approaches.
What they have in common is a willingness to question assumptions, experiment, measure results, learn from setbacks, and share those lessons with other fleets.
The goal of HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators awards isn't simply to recognize people with bold ideas. It's to recognize leaders whose ideas are already making a difference — and whose experiences can help other fleets navigate through these fast-changing times.
HDT’s 2026 Truck Fleet Innovators:
- Jennie Abarca, founder/CEO, King Fio Trucking
- Deen Albert, vice president of operations, Grand Island Express
- Adam Buttgenbach, global procurement director – fleet transformation, PepsiCo (now with YMX Logistics).
- Nicky Cupp, director of continuous improvement, Fraley & Schilling
- Lance Evans, director of safety, K&B Transportation
They will receive their awards and participate in a panel discussion during Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange, September 23-25 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (There are still a few spots open for qualified fleets to attend, if you'd like to meet the Innovators in person.)
The Innovator Finalists
The judges also recognized four outstanding Truck Fleet Innovator finalists whose ideas are helping shape the future of trucking:
- DeShon Brown, head of safety and compliance, Spur Freight Services
- Charles Tarbutton, president, B-H Transfer
- John “JV” Verdon, co-founder and chief commercial officer, Nevoya
- Matt Yearling, CEO, YMX Logistics
Quick Answers
The annual HDT Truck Fleet Innovators awards recognize fleet leaders who are finding new and better ways to solve trucking’s challenges and whose ideas are already producing real-world results
*Summarized by AI
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