TXTA Honors Lance Shillingburg with 2026 Leadership Award

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION—June 29, 2026
TXTA Contact: Julie Hagen 
julie@texastrucking.com 

AUSTIN, TX - The Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) is proud to announce Lance Shillingburg, former TXTA Vice President of Safety and Education, as the recipient of the 2026 TXTA Leadership Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to an association member whose leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions have strengthened the Texas trucking industry and the association’s mission. 

Shillingburg’s connection to trucking began in childhood, inspired by his father’s career as a truck driver and later with the Texas Motor Transportation Association (TMTA), now TXTA. After moving to Austin, Shillingburg grew up surrounded by the people and advocacy that shaped the industry, sparking a lifelong commitment to trucking. 

After co-founding L & L Materials in the mid-1980s and serving with the Oilfield Haulers Association, Shillingburg was recruited to TXTA by President Robert Floyd. Over nearly four decades, he advanced from Assistant Director of Membership to Vice President of Safety and Education. 

During his tenure, Shillingburg became a respected leader, helping develop TXTA’s safety programs, educational initiatives, conferences, and industry events. He built strong relationships with members, regulators, law enforcement, and industry partners while guiding members through an evolving regulatory landscape. 

Equally important was his dedication to strengthening the trucking community. Through mentorship, collaboration, and relationship-building, Shillingburg fostered the culture of engagement and support that continues to define TXTA today.  

“Lance dedicated nearly 40 years of his career to serving the members of TXTA and advancing the trucking industry in Texas,” said TXTA President and CEO John D. Esparza. “His passion for safety, education, and advocacy, combined with his unwavering commitment to our members, has left a lasting impact. When Lance retired from this association – and thus the trucking industry – he left it better than he found it.” 

Lance Shillingburg’s legacy is defined not only by his professional accomplishments, but also by the countless relationships he built and the people he mentored along the way. His decades of service, leadership, and devotion to the Texas trucking industry make him a fitting recipient of the 2026 TXTA Leadership Award. He will be recognized with the Leadership Award at the Chairman’s Dinner during the TXTA Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas on July 30, 2026.