Many awards programs recognize larger fleets and businesses, likewise individual drivers and owner-operators. Six years ago, Overdrive launched a competition dedicated to owner-operators who’ve taken the big step of getting their own authority and growing beyond one truck, whether they’re still driving or now in full-time management.

During and after that first topsy-turvy year, 2020, innovative small fleet owners continued to find ways to grow their businesses, then fighting hard to maintain with cost inflation and revenue struggles of the last several years.

With 2026 shaping up for a potential turnaround, now is the time to build on recognition delivered to deserving owners every year since that time — the Small Fleet Championship is back for 2026. Enter via the initial short form at the bottom of this page. Eligibility rules, incentives and timeline details follow. 

The winners will have demonstrated growth, above-average profit, and adherence to trucking best practices, all pointing to long-term stability and further growth potential.

What’s in it for the contenders?

• Bragging rights for one year as the Small Fleet Champ
• A title belt befitting a champion
• Visibility through features on OverdriveOnline.com, including podcasts and videos
• Coverage beyond Overdrive in sister fleet publication CCJ
• And more. In short, the kind of exposure that will get your growing business noticed.
  
  

How does it work?

Overdrive editors review submitted information, interview the outstanding applicants, and with a panel of judges select finalists in two categories. The Small Fleet Champs will be named in late October in Nashville, Tennessee, at the annual conference of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies.

The initial application must be filled out completely. If there are certain figures you don’t have, provide your best estimate. Are you championship material? Enter today! (Entries will be open through July — hard deadline is July 31 for both initial and secondary forms. After this first entry form, be on the lookout for a follow-up email from Overdrive Editor Todd Dills requesting further information of potential semi-finalists.)

Eligibility – Applicants must meet all these criteria:

• Operating with motor carrier authority over the last four full calendar years (2022-2025).
• Operated with 3 or more Class 8 trucks in for-hire freight (owned or leased) for all of 2025.
• Operated no more than 30 Class 8 trucks in for-hire freight (owned or leased) as of Dec. 31, 2025.
• Was not one of the top two finalists for each 2025 Small Fleet Champ award.
  
  

Incentives and Commitment

Each finalist will receive a year’s worth of membership from the National Association of Small Trucking Companies, and recognition at NASTC’s annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, October 29-31. The winners will receive two years’ membership.

Each finalist, to be notified in early September, must commit to make every effort to attend the conference in Nashville for announcement of the winner, and will receive two nights’ worth of lodging at the conference hotel for the three-day event, as well as a $500 stipend toward travel expenses. 

The winners will be featured in an Overdrive story and in CCJ. Finalists also will be covered in both publications.

The winners also will receive an engraved, oversized championship belt as an award trophy.

Winners agree and acknowledge that neither Fusable nor any sponsor has made any representations to winners regarding the tax consequences related to the receipt of any prize. All expenses and costs, including all applicable taxes, associated with the acceptance and/or use of any prize are the sole and exclusive responsibility of the winner.