Military veterans who recently transitioned into trucking still have time to be nominated for the 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award, but the nomination period closes June 30.
The annual program is presented by Kenworth, FASTPORT, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative. The award recognizes military veterans who have successfully moved into trucking careers following their service.
Carriers and CDL training schools can nominate up to five drivers for consideration. An expert panel of judges will select the top driver.
Who Can Be Nominated
Drivers must meet several eligibility requirements to qualify for the program. Eligible nominees must be military veterans or current or former members of the National Guard or Reserves. Drivers must also hold a valid CDL and have graduated from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS, or CVTA member driver training school.
In addition, nominees must have been hired as CDL drivers after January 1, 2025, by a for-hire carrier or private fleet that has pledged to hire veterans.
What’s Included in the Grand Prize
The winning driver will receive a Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, which includes a PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.
According to Kenworth, the truck also features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents, heated and cooled GT703 leather seats for both the driver and passenger, a factory-installed refrigerator, a rotating work table, and space for a microwave and television.
The truck is also equipped with several driver-assistance technologies, including Kenworth Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop and Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque-Assisted Steering.
This marks the 11th consecutive year that Kenworth has supplied the grand prize vehicle for the program.
Key Dates for the 2026 Award Program
Award semi-finalists will be announced on August 5. Finalists will travel to Columbus, Ohio, where they will tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and attend a reception before visiting the Kenworth manufacturing plant in Chillicothe.
Public voting is scheduled to take place from November 1 through November 11. The winner will be announced in mid-December and will drive home in the Kenworth T680.
Full criteria and online nomination forms are available here.
The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.
Last Updated: June 24, 2026
Source: The Trucker
Image Source: Kenworth
