Intermodal industry honors Niness with 2026 Silver Kingpin Award

The Intermodal Association of North America announced that Sam Niness, former president of Triple Crown Services, will receive the 2026 Silver Kingpin Award during Intermodal EXPO, September 14-16, in Long Beach, California.

The Silver Kingpin, the industry’s most prestigious award, recognizes an individual’s long-term contributions to intermodalism. The award was initiated in 1977 by the National Piggyback Association.

A graduate of Bucknell University with a B.A. in Economics, Niness has spent more than four decades helping advance intermodal service, technology and innovation. He began his transportation career with Chemical Leaman before joining Conrail Direct, where he played a key role in the transition to Thoroughbred Direct Intermodal Services during the Conrail acquisition. He later continued to support the growth of intermodal through his work at WebModal, a transportation technology company focused on web-based tools designed to improve industry efficiency.

He later returned to Thoroughbred Direct Intermodal Services and helped launch Modal-X. Promoted to president in 2016, Niness led continued business growth and oversaw the integration of Thoroughbred Direct Intermodal Services and Triple Crown Services. In April 2024, the companies were rebranded under the Triple Crown Services name.

“Sam’s career reflects the very best of intermodal leadership: innovation, collaboration and a commitment to moving the industry forward,” said Anne Reinke, president and CEO of IANA. “From advancing technology platforms to helping shape major intermodal service offerings, Sam has made contributions that continue to benefit the industry. We are proud to recognize his decades of service and lasting impact with the 2026 Silver Kingpin Award.”

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Niness has been active across the broader transportation community. He was one of the founding board members of the Transportation Intermediaries Association and has also been involved with IANA, the Traffic Club of Philadelphia and other industry organizations.

Niness is widely recognized by colleagues for his leadership, mentorship and ability to develop solutions to complex transportation challenges. His impact on intermodal has been felt not only through the services and technologies he helped advance, but also through the people and organizations he has guided throughout his career.