A new media partnership is set to bring more attention to one of the trucking industry’s most recognized programs honoring military veterans who begin careers behind the wheel.

The Trucker Media Group and PodWheels announced they will launch a series of feature stories and podcast episodes covering the 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving For Excellence Award, following nominees throughout the competition and sharing the stories behind their transition from military service to professional trucking.

Recognizing Veterans Entering the Trucking Industry

Launched in 2015 through a partnership between Kenworth, FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, the Transition Trucking: Driving For Excellence Award recognizes military veterans who have successfully transitioned into careers as professional truck drivers.

Each year, employers and CDL training providers nominate rookie veteran drivers who have demonstrated professionalism, safety, and dedication early in their trucking careers.

How the Competition Works

Nominations for the 2026 award opened earlier this year, with employers and credentialing institutions submitting candidates from across the country.

The selection process includes:

August: The “Elite 11” semifinalists are announced.
September: Finalists are selected during events in Columbus, Ohio.
December: One veteran receives the 2026 Driving For Excellence Award along with the keys to a new Kenworth T680.

The program has become one of the trucking industry’s best-known recognitions for military veterans beginning careers in commercial driving.

PodWheels and The Trucker Expand Coverage

Beginning in August and continuing through December, PodWheels plans to release approximately 20 to 25 podcast episodes featuring interviews with semifinalists, finalists, and industry leaders connected to the program.

Founder and executive producer Greg Thompson said the series is designed to let nominees share their own stories while encouraging other veterans to consider trucking as a post-military career. Thompson will also contribute feature articles to TheTrucker.com, expanding on many of the conversations featured in the podcast series.

Onsite Coverage Planned

PodWheels will also provide onsite coverage during September from the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, where the finalists will be announced, as well as activities at Kenworth’s Chillicothe, Ohio, manufacturing plant. Coverage is expected to continue through the presentation of the new Kenworth T680 to the 2026 award recipient in December.

Supporting Veteran Career Transitions

Since its launch more than a decade ago, Transition Trucking: Driving For Excellence has highlighted veterans who have successfully built careers in trucking after military service. Through expanded podcast interviews and written features, the new partnership aims to introduce more drivers and industry professionals to the award while showcasing the experiences of the veterans competing for this year’s honor.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 10, 2026

Source: The Trucker