Transport Topics names Seth Clevenger executive editor

“It’s an honor to lead the publication that has been central to my professional life,” Clevenger said. (American Trucking Associations)

Longtime Transport Topics journalist Seth Clevenger has been promoted to vice president and executive editor, taking the helm of the publication’s newsroom and editorial operations.

An award-winning writer and editor, Clevenger has been a member of TT’s staff since 2011, starting as a reporter before moving into editing and leadership roles, most recently as managing editor of features and multimedia.

“After more than 15 years of covering the trucking industry as a reporter and editor at Transport Topics, it’s an honor to lead the publication that has been central to my professional life,” Clevenger said. “Even more meaningful is the opportunity to continue serving our readers as they keep freight — and the economy — moving every day.”

Clevenger will report to Kala Burke, American Trucking Associations’ senior vice president of marketing and head of Transport Topics operations.

“Seth brings deep industry knowledge, exceptional editorial judgment and a clear vision for how we can continue to evolve while staying true to the trusted journalism at the heart of TT,” she said.

Clevenger played a leadership role in TT’s recent relaunch, helping to reshape the news outlet’s editorial strategy.

“Readers have already seen bold changes to Transport Topics this year,” he said. “The relaunch of TT’s print product as a modern, reimagined magazine in July marked the biggest transformation in the publication’s proud, 92-year history.”

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Clevenger speaks during ATA’ MCE 2026 in Charlotte, N.C. (Karen Foote/American Trucking Associations)

TT also took an important step forward in its evolution as a multiplatform news organization that delivers insights across print, digital and multimedia channels, Clevenger said.

“We are just getting started,” he added. “Moving forward, we will continue to enhance our coverage, improve our products and better serve the industry leaders who turn to us for the news, analysis and business intelligence they need to guide their organizations forward.”

TT’s relaunch has coincided with a pivotal moment for the trucking industry. The freight market is emerging from the longest downturn in industry memory. Trucking and its regulators are placing renewed emphasis on upholding and enforcing safety standards. In addition, rapid advances in technology and equipment continue to reshape freight operations.

“I’m especially excited to take on this role at such an important moment for trucking,” Clevenger added. “There will be no scarcity of important stories to tell in the months and years ahead.”

For nearly a decade, Clevenger has managed the planning and execution of TT’s widely referenced Top 100 lists, which provide annual rankings of the industry’s largest for-hire carriers, private fleet operators and third-party logistics providers.

Clevenger is a frequent host of multimedia programs such as TT Newsmakers and TT Executive Webinars as well as a regular speaker and panel moderator at industry trade shows and conferences. In 2018, he helped launch TT’s RoadSigns podcast, which recently surpassed 200 episodes.

Prior to joining TT, Clevenger took his first professional steps in the vocation covering local government, education, business and sports in Smyrna, Del., for The Dover Post Co.

Clevenger, who currently resides in Alexandria, Va., grew up on a family farm near Lima, Ohio. He graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in English-Journalism.