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

The post Nominations Open Until June 30 for Veteran Truck Driver Award Program appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Online voting is officially open for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, recognizing military veterans who have made an outstanding transition into professional trucking.

Voting began November 1 and runs through Veterans Day, November 11, giving the public the chance to help decide which veteran driver will take home this year’s top honor.

The award is a joint effort from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth Truck Company, and Fastport. It celebrates service members who have successfully shifted from military life to careers in commercial trucking.

You can cast your vote now at TransitionTrucking.org/vote.

Meet the 2025 Transition Trucking Finalists

Charles Jones Jr., U.S. Army (E-7), Roehl Transport

Charles Jones Jr. is a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who served as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, instructor, standards operator, and platoon sergeant, completing three combat deployments to Iraq and two rotations to South Korea.
A husband to Katrina and father to Alvin and Monica, Jones graduated from the Georgia Driving Academy in December 2024 and began his professional driving career with Roehl Transport in early 2025.

Macy Mattice, U.S. Army (E-4), Melton Truck Lines

Macy Mattice served from 2010 to 2018 as an 88M motor transport operator specializing in heavy equipment transportation.
Originally from Winter Springs, Florida, she now drives flatbed for Melton Truck Lines and lives near Jacksonville with her son, Rusty.

Mark Scriven, U.S. Army (E-6), Stevens Transport

A former staff sergeant and Patriot missile operator/maintainer, Mark Scriven spent nine years in the U.S. Army, earning multiple Army achievement medals and recognition as a combat lifesaver.
Today, he works as a driver and trainer with Stevens Transport, using his leadership experience to mentor new drivers. The father of three also welcomed a daughter in August.

Honoring Service and Skill Behind the Wheel

Each year, Transition Trucking highlights the top rookie military veterans who have made their mark in trucking. The finalists are selected through a nomination and review process, followed by a public vote that helps determine the winner.

The winner will be announced on December 12 during a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

The grand prize is a new Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, featuring a 455-horsepower MX-13 engine, TX-12 automated transmission, and DX-40 tandem rear axles. The runner-up will receive $10,000, and the second runner-up will take home $5,000.

This program continues to spotlight the impact veterans make in the trucking industry, bringing discipline, dedication, and leadership from the military to America’s highways.

To learn more or vote before November 11, visit TransitionTrucking.org.

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Transition Trucking

The post Vote Now: Help Choose the Next Transition Trucking Award Winner — Voting Ends Nov. 11 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Celebrating Veteran Drivers

Organized by Kenworth, FASTPORT, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, this program aims to highlight America’s top rookie military veteran driver. For 10 years, Kenworth has supported the program by offering an impressive grand prize. This year, the winner will take home a Kenworth T680, complete with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this prestigious award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be a legal resident of the continental U.S. and a military veteran or current/former member of the National Guard or Reserves.
• Graduated from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS, or CVTA member driver training school with a valid CDL.
• Have been hired as a CDL driver by any for-hire carrier or private fleet committed to hiring veterans after January 1, 2024.

Key Dates

• Semi-Finalists Announcement: August 4
• Finalists’ Experience: Finalists will visit Columbus, Ohio, where they will tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, attend a reception, and visit the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant.
• Public Voting: November 1 to 11
• Winner Announcement: December 12 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

The winner of this nationwide search will drive home in a fully equipped Kenworth T680.

To learn more about the full nomination criteria and access the nomination forms, visit the Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence website. Additional details are also available on the websites of FASTPORT and Hiring Our Heroes. Now is the perfect opportunity to honor a veteran trucker who exemplifies excellence!

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Kenworth

The post Deadline Approaches for Transition Trucking Award Honoring Military Veterans appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Transition Trucking award, made possible through a collaboration between Fastport, Kenworth, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, honors military veterans who have taken the important step of transitioning into careers within the trucking industry.

Brad Bentley, Fastport president, highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “The transportation industry not only embraces a veteran-ready ethos but actively integrates the invaluable skills and experiences our service members bring. We are thrilled to return to the Mid-America Trucking Show with this year’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence grand prize – the Kenworth T680, a symbol of innovation and opportunity. Participating in the largest gathering of heavy-duty trucking professionals offers an unparalleled platform to honor our veterans and inspire new talent from the military community to join our ranks.”

Nominations Are Now Open

Nominations for this year’s Transition Trucking award are officially open. The deadline for submitting applications is set for June 20, providing nominators with several months to recognize exceptional veteran drivers who embody excellence in the industry.

Kyle Kimball, Kenworth’s director of marketing, expressed Kenworth’s dedication, saying, “Kenworth is honored to participate in this life-changing initiative for the tenth consecutive year, and we look forward to awarding our flagship T680 to a deserving military veteran at the end of this year.”

More Than Just the Grand Prize

While the spotlight shines on the T680 grand prize, finalists for the award will also receive significant rewards. Last year, the second-place finisher received $10,000, and the two other finalists each received $5,000.

Public Voting and Award Announcement

The public can play a role in November by voting for their favorite finalist. Afterward, a panel of judges will evaluate the candidates according to the official Transition Trucking award guidelines. The grand-prize winner will be revealed on December 12 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

Honoring Veterans in Transportation

“The transportation industry is a natural fit for veterans looking to continue a purpose-driven career that leverages the critical skill sets, specialized training, and leadership gained during military service – all highly coveted attributes that make them a strategic asset,” said Eric Eversole, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes. “Hiring Our Heroes is proud to partner with Fastport and Kenworth for the tenth year to help service members successfully transition into the commercial trucking industry.”

Source: Land Line

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Nominations close on June 20, and a series of key dates follows. On August 4, semi-finalists will be announced, and later in the year, finalists will have the opportunity to visit Columbus, Ohio. This special event includes a tour of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, a reception, and a visit to Kenworth’s Chillicothe manufacturing facility, where finalists will also be revealed. Public voting for finalists is scheduled from November 1 to 11, with the grand announcement of the winner taking place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on December 12.

A Grand Prize Worth Driving For

For the tenth consecutive year, Kenworth is providing an impressive grand prize. This year’s winner will drive away with a Kenworth T680 equipped with a spacious 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, which features the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The T680 will make its appearance at the Mid-America Trucking Show, showcased at the FASTPORT booth (#39001) at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville.

Why Veterans Are a Perfect Fit for Trucking

“The transportation industry is a natural fit for veterans looking to continue a purpose-driven career that leverages the critical skill sets, specialized training, and leadership gained during military service – all highly coveted attributes that make them a strategic asset,” remarked Eric Eversole, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes. He emphasized the pride Hiring Our Heroes takes in partnering with FASTPORT and Kenworth for a decade to support veterans transitioning into commercial trucking.

Criteria and Eligibility for Nominees

An expert panel of judges will select the top rookie driver. Nominees must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a legal resident of the continental United States and either a military veteran or a current or former member of the National Guard or Reserves.

• Have graduated from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS, or CVTA member driver training school with a valid CDL.

• Hold employment with a for-hire carrier or private fleet committed to hiring veterans and have been employed as a CDL driver after January 1, 2024.

Full eligibility details and the nomination form are available on the Transition Trucking website.

Join an Initiative That Makes an Impact

For additional resources or questions, visit FASTPORT and Hiring Our Heroes. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate and support the military veterans who are driving excellence every day.

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Kenworth Truck Company

The post Nominate the Best Rookie Military Veteran in Trucking Starting Today appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Meet the 2024 Finalists:

Douglas Couch – Former U.S. Navy (E-5), now with Roehl Transport, Inc., has traveled over 150,000 miles showcasing a profound commitment to safety.

Brian Ferguson – With extensive service in the U.S. Army and National Guard (E-7), Brian brings a wealth of experience and a passion for flatbed driving to Melton Truck Lines.

Shawn Haley – Former Marine Corps (E-4), now a regional driver with Veriha Trucking LLC, has a background in security for presidential figures and two decades of successful entrepreneurship.

Billy Taylor – Retired Chief Petty Officer (E-7) of the U.S. Coast Guard, Billy has a diverse background in defense and recruitment, now driving for Werner Enterprises.

Cory Troxell – A decorated U.S. Army veteran (E-7) wounded in action, Cory has now embarked on a rewarding career with Stevens Transport.

Recent events celebrated ten semi-finalists in Ohio, with visits to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and Kenworth’s manufacturing plant. Engaging experiences included a spot on the Road Dog Trucking Radio and an exclusive Kenworth facility tour.

The ultimate prize this year is a cutting-edge Kenworth T680 truck, fully equipped with advanced technology, while additional cash prizes are reserved for other top contenders.

“These finalists exemplify how skills developed in the military seamlessly transfer to successful careers in trucking. Their dedication and resilience continue to play a critical role in keeping America’s supply chain strong,” remarked Eric Eversole, Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and President of Hiring Our Heroes.

Fastport President, Brad Bentley, highlighted, “Our semi-finalists represent the best of what a Veteran-Ready trucking industry looks like. These individuals have successfully transitioned from military service to driving careers, and their stories inspire others to follow suit.”

The contest shines as a hopeful path for veteran drivers, with public voting open from Nov. 1 to Veterans Day, Nov. 11. On Dec. 13, during a special ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., the winner of this esteemed award will be revealed.

remarkable achievements of America’s standout rookie veteran truck drivers.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Transition Trucking

The post Transition Trucking Announces 2024 Finalists appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Since its inception in 2016, this award has been a beacon of hope for veterans transitioning into transportation careers, showcasing semi-finalists from various military branches including the National Guard and Reserve. The following veterans have emerged as this year’s semi-finalists:

• Jadarion Blakemore, U.S. Army (E-5) – CRST – The Transportation Solution Inc. (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)

• Quantae Dozier, U.S. Army (E-4) – Epes Transport System, LLC (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)

• Richard Flirt III, U.S. Navy (E-4) – Legacy Express (Trained by Fox Valley Technical College)

• Brian Ferguson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard (E-7) – Melton Truck Lines (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)

• Justin Sisler, U.S. Marine Corps (E-2) – Prime Inc. (Trained by Roadmaster Drivers School)

• Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5) – Roehl Transport, Inc.

• Mark Joseph, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army National Guard (O-3) – Stevens Transport (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)

• Cory Troxwell, U.S. Army (E-7) – Stevens Transport (Trained by Phoenix Truck Driving Institute)

• Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4) – Veriha Trucking LLC (Truck Driver Institute)

• William Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7) – Werner Enterprises (Trained by Roadmaster Drivers School)

The grand prize is a state-of-the-art Kenworth T680 truck featuring a 76-inch sleeper, equipped with the PACCAR Powertrain which includes the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, the PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. This exceptional truck model showcases a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents, along with fully heated and cooled GT703 leather seats, microwave and TV space, a factory-installed fridge, a rotating worktable, and advanced driver assistance systems such as Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.

“The Transition Trucking award campaign highlights the impact veterans are making in the transportation industry and introduce a new generation of veterans to the real economic opportunity a career in trucking can represent,” affirmed Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes and vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

This ninth annual award program includes a ceremony for semi-finalists at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, set for September 25th. Attendees will tour the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing facility the following day, where finalists will also be announced.

“We are immensely proud to recognize this diverse group in the program’s history, including a large number of drivers in Registered Apprenticeship Programs,” indicated Brad Bentley, president of FASTPORT, Inc. “These remarkable drivers assure us that the future of this industry is in excellent hands, and we look forward to saluting the heroes who navigate the highways of opportunity that trucking offers.”

Finalists and the ultimate award winner will partake in a special week of veteran-focused events scheduled for December 11-14. This week will feature the Veteran-Ready Summit, the Transition Trucking Award announcement on December 13th, the ESGR Statement of Support Signing Ceremony, and participation in Wreaths Across America on December 14th.

Public voting for the award will be open online from November 1st through Veteran’s Day, serving as a crucial component in the award’s Selection Committee deliberation for the upcoming Transition Trucking award recipient.

For more information, visit the Transition Trucking website.

Source: The Trucker

The post 2024 Semi-Finalists Revealed for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Grand Prize by Kenworth

Under this recognition program, Kenworth is once again offering a grand prize for the ninth consecutive year. The winner will receive a Kenworth T680, outfitted with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.

Additionally, the T680 boasts a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents, loaded with modern amenities. The fully heated and cooled GT703 leather seats for both the driver and passenger add extra comfort. The 76-inch sleeper offers room for a microwave, TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The truck also comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.

Application Details and Deadline

The deadline to submit applications is June 20. To qualify, nominated drivers must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a legal resident of the continental United States and a military veteran or a current/former member of the National Guard or Reserves.

1. Graduated from a PTDI-certified NAPFTDS or CVTA member driver training school, holding a valid CDL.

1. Have been employed by any for-hire carrier or private fleet committed to hiring veterans and employed as a CDL driver after January 1, 2023.

Selection Process

Semi-finalists will be announced on August 1. Finalists will then be invited to Columbus, Ohio, for a tour of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, followed by a reception and a visit to the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant, where the finalists’ names will be revealed. Public voting for the finalists will run from November 1 to 11. The final award announcement will take place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on December 13, where the winner will receive the Kenworth T680.

More Information

Full eligibility criteria and online nomination forms are available on the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” website transitiontrucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

The post Search for the Top Rookie Military Veteran Driver Continues appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For the ninth consecutive year, Kenworth will provide the grand prize in the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” program. This year’s prize is a T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the advanced Paccar Powertrain, featuring the powerful Paccar MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles.

The showcased truck will be on display this week at the Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky, hosted at the Fastport booth #65024. The T680 boasts a luxurious Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents, incorporating cutting-edge driver amenities. Featuring GT703 leather seats that are fully heated and cooled for both driver and passenger comfort, the 76-inch sleeper includes provisions for a microwave, TV, factory-installed fridge, and a convenient rotating worktable.

Moreover, the T680 is equipped with state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, such as Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane-Keeping Assist with Torque-Assisted Steering.

A panel of expert judges will select the top driver. To be eligible, drivers must meet specific criteria including:

• Being a legal resident of the continental United States and a military veteran or current/former member of the National Guard or Reserves
• Graduating from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS, or CVTA member driver training school with a valid CDL
• Being employed by a for-hire carrier or private fleet committed to hiring veterans and hired as a CDL driver after Jan. 1, 2023

The nomination period is currently open, with the final deadline for applications set for June 20. Award semi-finalists will be announced on Aug. 1. Finalists will have the opportunity to visit Columbus, Ohio, for a tour of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, followed by a reception and a tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant, where the ultimate winner will be revealed. Public voting on the finalists will take place from Nov. 1-11. On Dec. 13, finalists will convene at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where the final award announcement will be made, and the winner will drive home in the Kenworth T680.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

Photo: Kenworth

The post Kenworth Truck Set as Prize for Transition Trucking Program; Nominations Open Now appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This award, launched in 2016, aims to honor veterans transitioning into the transportation industry. The semi-finalists represent various branches of the United States Military, including the National Guard and Reserve.

The semi-finalists for this year’s award are:

• Andre Matthews, U.S. Army, Melton Truck Lines
• Anthony Nelson, U.S. Air Force, Roehl Transport
• Brandon Meredith, U.S. Army, Slay Transport
• Christian Slingerland, U.S. Army, Paschall Truck Lines
• James Ferrante, U.S. Navy, Epes Transport System
• James Smith, U.S. Army, Viking Electric
• Jeffrey Pitts, U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, NFI Industries
• Jessica White, U.S. Army, Stevens Transport
• Kareem Isaac, U.S. Army National Guard, Ryder
• Joseph Harmon, U.S. Marine Corps, USA Truck/DB Schenker
• Larry Todd Kraus, U.S. Army, Werner Enterprises
• LaTravis Wilcox, U.S. Marine Corps, Prime Inc.
• Ondrae Meyers, U.S. Marine Corps, CRST
• Ryan Buttenob, U.S. Air Force, Schneider
• Tameca Dale, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Army/Kingdom Message Carriers
• Tobie Myers, U.S. Army and Army Reserve, Putnam Trucking
• William “Bill” Masters, U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard, Veriha Trucking

In celebration of Kenworth’s 100th anniversary, the award this year is the T680 Signature Edition truck. Boasting a powerful Paccar MX-13 engine with 455 horsepower, a 76-inch sleeper, and advanced Paccar transmission and rear axles, it’s a true standout.

As part of the eighth annual award program, the semi-finalists will be honored and attend a special ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Sept. 21 in Columbus, Ohio. The following day, they’ll have the opportunity to tour the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant and attend a ceremony at the MHC Road Ready Center, where finalists will be announced.

These finalists, along with the ultimate winner, will be part of an expanded and dedicated week focused on veterans. This week includes the Veteran-Ready Summit on Dec. 15, the announcement of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award on Dec. 16, an Employment Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support Signing Ceremony later that afternoon, and participation in Wreaths Across America on Dec. 17.

To determine the winner, a public vote will take place online from Nov. 1 until Veteran’s Day. This vote plays a crucial role in the decision-making process of the award’s Selection Committee, which ultimately selects the deserving recipient of the next Transition Trucking award.

Source: Overdrive

The post ‘Transition Trucking’ Names 17 Drivers as Semi-Finalists appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.