Brad Bentley, Fastport president, emphasized the importance of the program: “The trucking industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to those who have served by recognizing the leadership, discipline, and focus veterans bring to the workforce. Returning to the Mid-America Trucking Show with the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award and this year’s Kenworth T680 grand prize allows us to celebrate that commitment on one of the industry’s biggest stages. It’s an incredible opportunity to spotlight veterans who are excelling behind the wheel and to encourage more service members to see trucking as a pathway to long-term success.”

The Grand Prize Kenworth T680

The 2026 award winner will receive a Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, including the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. This flagship model will be on display at the Mid-America Trucking Show, March 26–28, at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, in the Fastport booth, #39501.

Kenworth’s T680 features the Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents, full heated and cooled GT703 Ultraleather seats, and a sleeper that includes a microwave, TV, factory-installed fridge, and rotating work table. Driver assistance technologies include DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.

Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing, highlighted the program’s significance: “The Mid-America Trucking Show brings together the very best of the trucking community, making it an ideal venue to highlight the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award. For the 11th consecutive year, Kenworth is proud to support this transformative program and to once again present our flagship T680 to an outstanding veteran who represents the future of our industry.”

Supporting Veterans in Trucking

Eric Eversole, U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president and president of Hiring Our Heroes, added: “For many veterans, trucking offers a way to continue serving with purpose, responsibility, and pride. Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence recognizes veterans who are thriving in an industry that keeps our economy moving and offers durable, long‑term careers with real opportunity. We’re honored to work alongside Fastport and Kenworth to elevate these success stories for the 11th year.”

Eligibility and Timeline

Candidates are evaluated by a panel of industry experts. To qualify, drivers must:

• Be a U.S. resident and a military veteran, National Guard, or Reserves member.
• Graduate from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS, or CVTA member driver training school with a valid CDL.
• Be employed by a for-hire carrier or private fleet that hires veterans and started driving after January 1, 2025.

Nominations open March 28, with a submission deadline of June 30. Semi-finalists will be announced on August 5, followed by a tour of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant. Public voting on finalists occurs November 1–11. The final award will be announced in mid-December, with the winner taking home the Kenworth T680.

Full criteria and nomination forms are available on the official Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence website.

The post Kenworth Continues Support for Veteran Truckers with 2026 Transition Trucking Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Jones, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who began driving professionally this year, was named the 2025 Transition Trucking Driving to Excellence Award winner. The award honors military veterans who are new to trucking and demonstrate strong performance, professionalism, and commitment early in their careers.

Recognition Presented in Washington, DC

Jones received the award during a formal ceremony held on Friday at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offices in Washington, DC. The honor is presented jointly by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth, and FASTPORT.

As part of the award, Jones received a new Kenworth T680 configured with a 76-inch sleeper. The truck is powered by the PACCAR Powertrain, including a PACCAR MX 13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, a PACCAR TX 12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX 40 tandem rear axles.

From Army Service to the Driver’s Seat

Jones graduated from high school in Indian Trail, North Carolina, in 2004 and entered the Army through its delayed entry program. Over two decades of service, he held roles as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, instructor operator, standards operator, and platoon sergeant.

His military career included three combat deployments to Iraq and two rotations to South Korea.

After completing his military service, Jones attended the Georgia Driving Academy, graduating in December 2024. He began his trucking career shortly after through Roehl Transport’s Safety and Job Skills Training Program.

Jones is married to his wife Katrina and is the father of two children, Alvin and Monica.

Other Finalists Recognized

Two additional drivers were named finalists for the 2025 award.

• Macy Mattice, a former U.S. Army E-4, now drives for Melton Truck Lines.
• Mark Scriven, who served as a U.S. Army E-6, currently drives for Stevens Transport.

Both finalists received cash prizes as part of the recognition.

Roehl’s Ongoing Veteran Support

Roehl Transport has a long-standing history of hiring and supporting military veterans. Jones is the second Roehl driver to earn the Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award.

Earlier this year, the company received the 2026 Military Friendly Employer Top 10 designation from the publishers of GI Jobs magazine, along with the Wisconsin Vet Ready Award. Roehl also supports National Guard and Reserve members through participation in the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program.

About the Transition Trucking Award

The Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award program launched in 2016. It is part of a broader effort to encourage the hiring of military veterans, National Guard members, and reservists into trucking careers and to recognize early success within the industry.

For drivers considering a move from military service into trucking, Jones’ recognition highlights how structured training, consistency, and professionalism can translate into early career achievement behind the wheel.

Source: Truckers News

The post Roehl Driver and Army Veteran Charles Jones Jr. Earns National Transition Trucking Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

More than 50 trucks—ranging from custom builds to vintage showpieces—rolled through downtown Chillicothe for the June event. Among them: a 1923 Kenworth, the same year the company was founded, a standout 1966 Kenworth W923, and a crowd-favorite 2000 Kenworth K100E cabover.

“The Kenworth truck parade has become a special Ross County community tradition,” said Jack Schmitt, assistant plant manager at Kenworth’s Chillicothe facility. “The event wouldn’t be possible without the drivers who travel to Chillicothe to share their passion for Kenworth trucks, or without the community support that makes this parade a successful event each year.”

Capping off the event was the first public appearance of the Kenworth W900 Legacy Edition, leading the final leg of the parade and turning heads as a symbol of the model’s storied history. This special edition truck is a commemorative nod to the W900’s last production run.

Before the parade, Kenworth hosted exclusive activities at the Chillicothe plant for participating drivers and their families. Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, which has seen nearly $400 million in upgrades since 2018, including robotic assembly lines and a cutting-edge paint system.

The Chillicothe plant, which opened in 1974, is set on a sprawling 120-acre site just 50 miles south of Columbus and spans 622,000 square feet. It remains a major hub for Kenworth’s production of modern trucks.

As part of the day’s community outreach, Kenworth teamed up with the United Way of Ross County to hold a 50/50 raffle and VIP-area fundraiser. Local volunteers sold tickets along the parade route, helping raise more than $43,000 for the nonprofit’s community programs.

Also in attendance was Army veteran Cory Troxell, who gained recognition in 2024 as the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award recipient. He now drives a Kenworth T680 and joined the festivities as a special guest.

For those who appreciate classic iron and trucking culture, Chillicothe continues to be the place where Kenworth’s heritage comes to life—and where its legacy rolls on.

Looking for More Trucking Action in Ohio?
Mark your calendar for the Kuhnle Brothers Semi Stampede, coming to Kuhnle Motorsports Park in Thompson, Ohio, June 27–29. The event promises a weekend full of Quebec-style uphill, side-by-side semi-truck drag races.

Practice kicks off Friday, with races continuing all weekend. Presale tickets are available through June 26 at 5 p.m., with discounts on weekend and single-day passes for adults and kids. Children under five get in free, and camping passes are also available.

Among the competitors: Kevin Bruns of Gallatin, Tennessee, who plans to race his 2019 International LoneStar.

A second drag racing weekend is already in the works for September, so stay tuned for more details.

Source: Overdrive
Image Source: Kenworth

The post Kenworth Honors the W900 with Downtown Chillicothe Parade appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, alongside Kenworth Truck Company and Fastport, this award shines a spotlight on the unique skills and dedication veterans bring to the field. Voting is open until Veterans Day, Nov. 11, giving you a chance to support your top choice among these dedicated rookie military drivers.

According to a recent announcement, the selection process includes a rigorous nomination, thorough review by a panel, and a public voting phase to identify America’s standout rookie veteran driver. The winner will be revealed at a special ceremony on Dec. 13 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. This year’s grand prize is the cutting-edge Kenworth T680 with a 76-inch sleeper, PACCAR Powertrain, and premium components. The runner-up receives $10,000, and the remaining finalists each earn $5,000.

You can cast your vote on the Transition Trucking website (https://transitiontrucking.org/vote/), where you’ll find videos introducing each finalist. Your vote plays a significant role in helping the selection committee choose this year’s award recipient.

Meet the 2024 Finalists:

• Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport, Inc.
  Douglas served aboard the USS Nimitz CVN 68 as a Culinary Specialist 2nd Class from 2012-2016, overseeing a team that fed over 5,000 personnel. Since switching to trucking, he has driven more than 150,000 miles with an unwavering commitment to safety.
• Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC
  Serving from 1987 to 1991, Shawn provided security for Presidents Reagan and Bush. After running a successful business for two decades, he took on the challenge of becoming a regional truck driver, enjoying the sights of the country.
• Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises
  From Port Security to drug interdiction, Billy’s 20-year Coast Guard career was diverse. Since retiring, he drives for Werner Enterprises, contributing to the Anheuser-Busch account in Ohio, bringing the same dedication to his new role.
• Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport
  Born into a legacy of military service, Cory joined the Army in 2004. Despite being severely injured in 2009, he continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Following his family’s path, he now excels as a truck driver.

For more information, visit https://transitiontrucking.org/. Celebrate these outstanding veterans by casting your vote and supporting their journeys in the trucking industry.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Transition Trucking

The post Celebrate Veterans in Trucking: Cast Your Vote for the 2024 Transition Trucking Award Winner appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.