Trucking Cares Foundation Bestows 2026 John Lex Premier Achievement Award

Charlotte, NC - Today, the American Trucking Associations' Trucking Cares Foundation bestowed its 2026 John Lex Premier Achievement Award on Von Minor. Minor is the president & executive director of the South Dallas Driving Academy, a workforce development nonprofit that is eliminating barriers to 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. The Trucking Cares Foundation is proud to honor an individual whose work is creating lasting change."

"The trucking industry changes lives every day by connecting people to opportunity, and few people embody that mission more than Von Minor," said TCF President John Lynch. "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."

"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," said Minor. "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."

Nearly 40% of low-income individuals in urban areas in the United States-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. The only program of its kind, South Dallas Driving Academy is offered at no cost to Bonton and South Dallas residents with a student course completion and program graduation rate of 90%.

In just five years, Minor and his team have transformed hundreds of lives. He has also built a portable program- First Gear Driving Academy-that will soon expand nationwide.

TCF first learned of South Dallas Driving Academy during its pilot phase. Since then, TCF has contributed nearly $100,000 through annual donations, providing resources that helped the program grow into what it is today.

TCF recognizes the John Lex Premier Achievement Award recipient with a donation of $5,000 made to the charity of the honoree's choosing.