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.

A high starting CPM does not automatically mean the company is a good long-term fit. Some fleets offer better training, more stable freight, stronger dispatch communication, or schedules that work better for veterans adjusting to civilian life after years of military routines and deployments.

Several well-known carriers regularly recruit veterans because military experience often translates well into trucking operations.

• Schneider National
• Werner Enterprises
• Roehl Transport
• J.B. Hunt Transport Services
• TMC Transportation
• Maverick Transportation
• Melton Truck Lines

Some of those fleets focus heavily on structured onboarding and apprenticeship programs. Others attract veterans because of flatbed freight, dedicated operations, specialized hauling, or long-term advancement opportunities after the first year behind the wheel.

The First Year Usually Shapes Long-Term Retention

Many new drivers leave their first carrier faster than expected because the day-to-day reality of the job does not match recruiting conversations.

Veterans entering trucking often adjust better when companies clearly explain freight expectations, home time, dispatch procedures, equipment policies, and pay structure before orientation even begins. Operations that constantly change schedules or communicate poorly can become frustrating quickly for drivers used to organized systems and accountability.

The first several months also tend to expose issues that recruiting ads never mention. Long wait times at shippers, weak maintenance support, inconsistent miles, or unclear dispatcher communication usually matter more long-term than sign-on bonuses.

Some veterans prefer large carriers during the first year because bigger fleets often provide more freight consistency and established training systems. Others eventually move toward smaller operations where communication feels more direct and schedules become easier to predict.

Freight Type Matters More Than Many Drivers Expect

Not every veteran wants the same type of trucking job after leaving military service.

Some drivers intentionally avoid over-the-road freight because they want more time at home after years spent traveling or deployed away from family. Others prefer the independence of long-haul trucking and enjoy spending extended time on the road.

Flatbed and specialized freight often attract veterans because the work stays more physically active and involves cargo securement, planning, and technical responsibility beyond simply backing into docks. Drivers looking for tanker, heavy haul, or dedicated freight operations may also find that those environments feel more structured than standard dry van freight.

The best carrier usually depends less on reputation alone and more on whether the freight, schedule, and operational style actually fit the life the driver wants to build after military service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can veterans use GI Bill benefits for CDL training?

Some CDL schools and apprenticeship programs participate in GI Bill-eligible training pathways.

Do trucking companies give veterans hiring preference?

Some fleets actively recruit veterans because military experience often translates well into trucking operations and safety-focused work environments.

Why do many veterans choose flatbed trucking?

Flatbed operations often involve more physical work, cargo securement, and procedural consistency compared to standard dry van freight.

Are smaller trucking companies better for veterans?

Some veterans prefer smaller fleets because communication can feel more direct and personal compared to larger operations.

Should first-year drivers switch companies quickly if problems start?

Many experienced drivers recommend paying close attention to communication, freight consistency, equipment quality, and home time during the first year before deciding whether a carrier is the right long-term fit.

Veterans usually succeed most in trucking when they focus on how the operation actually runs once orientation ends. Stable freight, organized communication, realistic scheduling, and strong maintenance support tend to shape long-term job satisfaction far more than recruiting promises alone.

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: May 15, 2026

The post How Veterans Can Find the Right Trucking Company After Military Service 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

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“The Patriotic Pies program is a great way to show appreciation for the men and women who serve our country,” said Barry Blakely, president and CEO, Averitt. “We are proud to play a role in supporting our troops and the communities where our associates live and work.”

This year’s effort moved close to 115,000 MoonPies into military communities. Chattanooga Bakery supplied the treats, and Averitt handled the transportation, delivering the loads to bases and USO centers, including Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg, Fort Johnson, Fort Stewart, Camp Shelby, and other locations throughout the region.

For drivers, this kind of project highlights the side of trucking that goes beyond mileage and freight drops. These deliveries bring a bit of home to service members who spend long stretches away from their families.

“Averitt’s support of the Patriotic Pies program reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to the military community,” Averitt said. “Nearly 12% of Averitt’s workforce is made up of veterans, and the company has been recognized multiple times as a Military Friendly Employer. Averitt also partners with Operation Stand Down Tennessee, an organization that provides resources and support to veterans and their families.”

With another year of MoonPie runs completed, the partnership continues to show how the trucking industry can step up in ways that have a real impact on people who serve.

Image Source: Averitt

Source: The Trucker

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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.

Eric Eversole, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes, emphasized the leadership veterans bring to trucking:
“Veterans bring mission focus, adaptability, and leadership to every role they take on, including careers behind the wheel. These finalists show how military experience translates into excellence in the trucking industry, and we’re proud to honor their service and celebrate the vital role veterans play in keeping America moving.”

The program is a joint effort by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes, Kenworth Truck Company, and Fastport. Each year, the initiative recognizes rookie veteran truck drivers who exemplify professionalism, safety, and service. After nominations, review, and the announcement of four finalists, the final step will be a nationwide public vote.

Celebrating Veterans in Trucking

Twelve semi-finalists were recently honored at a reception hosted at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. The following day, finalists were revealed during an event at Kenworth’s Chillicothe manufacturing facility. Attendees enjoyed live broadcasts with Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler of Road Gang Radio, along with exclusive plant tours offering a behind-the-scenes look at Kenworth’s flagship production site.

Meet the 2025 Finalists

Nicholas Baughan, Werner Enterprises
Baughan, from Nunica, Michigan, has served in the U.S. Army since 2004 and continues in the Army Reserve until his upcoming retirement in 2026. His career began in military police before moving into infantry. He has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning several commendations, including the Purple Heart. His military journey has taken him across Europe and South Korea, holding leadership roles from team leader to senior intelligence sergeant.

Charles Jones Jr., Roehl Transport
Sergeant First Class Charles C. Jones Jr. (Ret.) entered the Army through the Delayed Entry Program after high school in 2004. Over his 20-year service, he worked as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, instructor, standards operator, and platoon sergeant. His career included three combat tours in Iraq and two assignments in South Korea. After graduating from Georgia Driving Academy in late 2024, Jones began his civilian driving career with Roehl Transport in 2025. He and his wife, Katrina, raise two children, Alvin and Monica.

Macy Mattice, Melton Truck Lines
From 2010 to 2018, Mattice served in the Army as an 88M motor transport operator, specializing in moving heavy equipment. Today, she drives a flatbed for Melton Truck Lines, bringing the discipline of her service years into her trucking career. Originally from Winter Springs, Florida, she now lives near Jacksonville with her son, Rusty. Known for her adventurous spirit, she enjoys animals, travel, and taking on new challenges.

Mark Scriven, Stevens Transport
Scriven, a former Army staff sergeant, spent nine years as a patriot missile operator and maintainer. His service earned him multiple achievement medals, along with recognition as a combat lifesaver. Now, he applies his leadership skills and discipline as both a driver and trainer with Stevens Transport. A father of three, he welcomed a newborn daughter this past August.

The Prize Package

Kenworth will once again provide the grand prize truck for the program’s winner—a tradition that has lasted ten consecutive years. This year, the champion will be handed the keys to a brand-new Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and PACCAR Powertrain, featuring the MX-13 engine, TX-12 automated transmission, and DX-40 tandem rear axles.

Kyle Kimball, director of marketing for Kenworth, shared the company’s pride in supporting the program:
“Kenworth is proud to partner with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the tenth year to honor and recognize the distinguished semi-finalist drivers who exemplify excellence behind the wheel. Celebrating the accomplishments of this elite group is a special honor each year, and we look forward to awarding the keys to the grand prize Kenworth T680 truck to this year’s winner in Washington, D.C.”

The T680 comes with Kenworth’s Diamond VIT interior in slate gray and madrona trim, Ultraleather heated and cooled seating, a rotating worktable, a factory-installed refrigerator, and space for a microwave and TV. The truck also boasts cutting-edge safety features, including Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with torque-assisted steering.

Beyond the grand prize, all finalists will be recognized. The runner-up will receive $10,000, while the two remaining finalists will take home $5,000 each.

Brad Bentley, president of Fastport, underscored the significance of these drivers:
“Our four finalists represent three military branches and continue to serve their country in a critical industry. Each of them is also committed to delivering loads on time for veteran-ready employers and sharing the roads safely with the motoring public.”

What Comes Next

Public voting for the 2025 Transition Trucking Award opens November 1 and will continue through Veterans Day on November 11. The winner will be revealed during a December 12 ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C.

This program continues to spotlight how military skills translate into trucking excellence, offering veterans meaningful second careers while ensuring the industry benefits from their leadership and commitment.

Image Source: Kenworth
Source: The Trucker

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After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1978 to 1984, Carter started his post-military career working at a box plant for furniture. He quickly realized that factory work was not for him.

“I got tired of looking at four walls all of the time,” Carter said.

The solution was to carry on a family legacy.

“My dad was a truck driver, and he suggested that I give it a shot,” Carter said.

The first step was to go to trucking school, he said, adding that he was trained at Isothermal Community College in Forest City, North Carolina, which was affiliated with New Jersey-based Coretta Trucking.

“They had a satellite terminal right across the street from the terminal, and that’s where my dad worked, at Coretta Trucking,” Carter said.

Once he completed training, he drove the team with his dad for about eight months, allowing the two to spend time together while Carter gained real-world experience.

“Then Dad had to do something else — and my wife didn’t like for me to be gone three weeks out of the month,” he said. The search was on for a job that would allow him to drive and still spend quality time with his family.

“Sometimes you’ve got to get a little experience so you can move on to something else,” Carter said. “I had to find my way until I found the right trucking company for me, which was Cargo Transporters.”

Twenty-four years later, he’s still driving for the same company — and working to make the trucking industry better.

“I’m out for a week. I’m home every weekend,” he said. “I can count on one hand the times I’ve been out on a weekend. That’s good. Not a lot of companies try to make that a priority.”

Carter counts being able to see new places and travel around the country as his favorite part of being a trucker.

“It’s never the same scenery. That’s what I like about it,” he explained. “You get to meet all kinds of people from all over the country. I always say I have an office with a view.

“If you’re not learning something every day in truck driving, there’s something wrong,” he continued.

Of the many challenges faced by professional drivers, Carter says a shortage of safe truck parking and traffic congestion are the ones that affect him the most, particularly in larger metropolitan areas.

“If I take my time in the big cities and just mind the space around my truck, before you know it — 10, 15 minutes, maybe 20 minutes — I’m through it without any kind of hassle,” he said of urban traffic.

“But you’re always keeping your head on a swivel around you with the traffic around the big trucks. It’s just that the general public doesn’t realize what it takes for a truck to maneuver in traffic,” he continued. “They’re trying to get from Point A to Point B, just like we are, and they don’t want to be behind the truck. That’s why they’re always zooming around.”

A consummate professional both on and off the road, Carter has been recognized with several accolades, including being named a 2025 Professional Driver of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), a 2024-2025 Road Team for the American Trucking Associations (ATA), and Cargo Transporters’ November 2024 Driver of the Month.

Most recently, Carter was honored as the 2025 DMC Insurance Driver of the Year. He is the only Cargo Transport driver to win both the TCA and DMC awards.

“Perry exemplifies what it means to be a professional driver, a servant leader, and an industry ambassador,” said Matthew Sheffield, marketing and public relations coordinator at Cargo Transporters. “He has the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community service, and is a powerful voice for veteran causes and a dedicated advocate within the trucking community.”

According to TCA, with 2.8 million accident-free miles and decades of experience, Carter sets the standard for safety, humility, and service.

Carter is humble when speaking about all that he has achieved in his career, but all the same, he is very aware of the honors he’s earned, particularly the TCA driver of the year award and being named a captain for ATA’s road team.

“I was driving through Tennessee one morning and listening to the Dave Nemo Show, and they announced my name over the radio,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘Man, that was awesome!’” Carter said.

For Carter, earning all the accolades he has received has been both exciting and overwhelming. He credits his family, mentors, and his faith in helping him achieve his dreams. Outside of work, Carter enjoys taking his wife Carolyn out to dinner and playing golf.

“Perry is deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans through efforts like Wreaths Across America and organizations such as Purple Heart Homes and American Warriors of Liberty,” a statement from TCA reads.

“He proudly represented Cargo Transporters as a Ride of Pride driver in both 2018 and 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, Perry also demonstrates remarkable devotion to his family,” the statement continues. “He has rearranged his work schedule to be there for his wife, Carolyn, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and cares for his disabled brother who lives with them.”

Through his service, advocacy, and compassion, Perry Carter continues to inspire others.

This story originally appeared in the September/October 2025 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Cargo Transporters

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The annual campaign—now in its tenth year—is a collaboration between Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program. It’s designed to spotlight military service members who have successfully transitioned into professional driving careers.

“This year’s ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ award semi-finalists exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to service that military veterans bring to the trucking industry,” said Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing. “Kenworth is proud to partner with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative for the tenth year, and we look forward to recognizing the distinguished semi-finalists who continue to serve our country through excellence behind the wheel.”

2025 Transition Trucking Semi-Finalists Named

The drivers selected for this year’s honor come from diverse military backgrounds and were trained by various respected institutions. The 12 semi-finalists are:

• Kathleen (Kat) Carreto, U.S. Army National Guard (E-5), Roehl Transport
• Bradley Lecky, U.S. Army (E-4), Crawford Electric, a Sonepar USA Company
• Federico Hudson, U.S. Air Force (E-7), Van Wyk, Inc.
• Gaylon Hensley, U.S. Army (E-7), Melton Truck Lines
• Daniel Hemphill, U.S. Army (E-4), Wayne R. West Trucking
• Mark Scriven, U.S. Army (E-6), Stevens Transport
• Joseph Barotti, U.S. Air Force (E-6) and U.S. Marine Corps, Werner Enterprises
• Nicholas Baughan, U.S. Army (E-5), Werner Enterprises
• Macy Mattice, U.S. Army (E-4), Melton Truck Lines
• Ryan Gordon, U.S. Army (E-5), Prime Inc.
• Precious Cannon-Scott, Air National Guard (E-4), Prime Inc.
• Charles Jones, Jr., U.S. Army (E-7), Roehl Transport

Honoring a Decade of Veteran Impact

First launched in 2016, the Transition Trucking award continues to serve as a powerful platform for uplifting veterans entering the transportation workforce. The 2025 semi-finalists will be honored at a special event on September 18 at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. A visit to the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing facility will follow, where finalists will be named.

Each year, Kenworth donates a truck to the winner, and this year’s prize is a T680 featuring a 76-inch sleeper, PACCAR Powertrain, and high-end amenities like a fridge, TV space, and GT703 ultraleather heated and cooled seats.

The truck also includes cutting-edge safety features such as Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control, Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors, and Lane Keeping Assist.

“The Transition Trucking award campaign continues to highlight the extraordinary impact veterans are making in the transportation industry while also inspiring a new generation of service members to explore the real economic opportunities a trucking career can provide,” said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes. “As we celebrate a decade of partnership with Kenworth and Fastport, we’re proud to honor these remarkable individuals whose legacy will inspire and empower the veteran drivers of tomorrow.”

Brad Bentley, president of Fastport, added, “We’re honored to recognize this outstanding group of 12 semi-finalists, one of the most diverse and accomplished in the program’s history, including many participating in Registered Apprenticeship Programs. For 10 years, this campaign has changed lives by awarding a Kenworth truck to a deserving veteran, and this year’s finalists continue to prove that the future of our industry is in capable, committed hands.”

Finalist Selection and Public Voting

The winner of the 2025 award will be announced on December 12 during a veteran-focused celebration week. Public voting will take place online from November 1 through Veterans Day and will help inform the award’s final decision.

“This voting is an important determinant for the award’s Selection Committee, which makes the ultimate choice for the next Transition Trucking award winner,” Fastport stated.

Image Source: Kenworth
Source: The Trucker

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With a combined 105 years of experience on the road and nearly 6 million miles logged, these drivers represent the heart of Ryder’s commitment to excellence, safety, and service.

Recognizing the Human Side of Transportation

“Our drivers move more than freight,” said Robert Sanchez, Ryder chairman and CEO. “They move our company and our customers’ businesses forward. Jim, Roland, and Mark represent the very best of Ryder and our customers, from their skill behind the wheel to their character and commitment to their communities. They are true ambassadors of our values and our brand.”

Ryder’s decision to honor these individuals goes beyond celebrating miles or years on the job. This annual tradition, now in its 53rd year, seeks to highlight those who bring leadership, integrity, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the table. Below, we take a closer look at what makes Jim, Roland, and Mark deserving of this accolade.

James “Jim” Jones | A Lifelong Commitment to Safety

Jim Jones, a veteran of Ryder’s Supply Chain Solutions team, has carved out a career that many drivers can only aspire to. Based in Mason, Michigan, and with 38 years of professional driving experience under his belt, including eight with Ryder, Jim has driven over 2 million accident-free miles. That’s a remarkable achievement in any industry, but especially so in trucking, where unforeseen challenges greet drivers daily.

“Over the course of his career, he has driven more than 2 million miles, all while maintaining a stellar safety record and a steady hand under pressure,” Ryder states.

Away from work, Jim’s dedication to service shines just as brightly. He volunteers as a firefighter for the Mason Fire Department, where his calm demeanor and sense of teamwork make him invaluable in high-stress situations. His colleagues speak highly of his reliability on the road and in the firehouse, noting his ability to stay composed when it matters most.

It’s this rare combination of professionalism and altruism that makes Jim a role model for both his peers and his community.

Roland Esquibel | Driving with Military Precision

Hailing from Devine, Texas, Roland Esquibel embodies Ryder’s core values of service and leadership. With 35 years of professional driving experience under his belt—four of those with Ryder—Roland has safely navigated over 2.3 million miles. His work forms a vital part of Ryder’s Dedicated Transportation Solutions division, where reliability is paramount.

“A respected U.S. military veteran and proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Roland channels his service and leadership skills into every delivery,” says Ryder.

Roland’s dedication to bettering others extends far beyond his trucking career. A veteran of the U.S. military, Roland remains active in his local church, mentoring others and staying involved in community initiatives. His unwavering commitment to giving back mirrors the discipline and character he developed during his time in service.

For Roland, every delivery is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to affirm the values of professionalism, respect, and care.

Mark Jones | Mentoring the Next Generation

Mark Jones, based in Sacramento, California, has spent 32 years perfecting his craft in Ryder’s Fleet Management Solutions division. During this time, he’s achieved something truly exceptional—driving more than 1.5 million miles without a safety incident. His consistent performance earned him Ryder’s prestigious “Customer Driver of the Year” recognition.

“With 32 years of safe driving performance and more than 1.5 million miles driven, Mark also mentors new drivers and plays a key role in ensuring reliable, on-time deliveries for Ryder’s FMS customers,” the company shares.

Mark’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the driver’s seat. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, he served during Operation Desert Storm, earning three Bronze Stars and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. The discipline and focus that defined his military career remain evident in his approach to driving, mentoring, and logistics management.

By sharing his knowledge with new drivers, Mark ensures that Ryder’s values and high standards are carried forward to the next generation.

The True Spirit of the Driver Hall of Fame

The induction of Jim, Roland, and Mark into Ryder’s Driver Hall of Fame is about more than honoring individual achievements. It’s a celebration of the human side of the supply chain—the people who dedicate their lives to keeping industries running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

(Image Source: Ryder) From left, James “Jim” Jones, Roland Esquibel, and Mark Jones earn induction into the Ryder Driver Hall of Fame.
Source: The Trucker

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The answers? They paint a vivid picture of grit, resourcefulness, and a kind of unity that’s hard to come by today. Here’s what our drivers had to say.

Maps, Payphones, and Handwritten Directions

Before GPS and smartphones, trip planning was a skill—and a serious one. Many drivers recalled flipping through a Rand McNally atlas, deciphering handwritten directions, and hoping they didn’t miss a turn.

• Clayton Willard said, “Running multiple log books and how an Atlas works.”
• Shauna Alfred echoed that: “HAVING A MAP… AND ACTUALLY KNOWING how to read one.”
• Donna Marie Csontos added, “GPS was fairly new when I started 13 years ago and you had to use both [map books and GPS]. Plus some common sense.”
• Dan Richards and Chris Olson both remembered the road atlas as a crucial tool—Chris noting, “Try 40 years ago with a road atlas, a roll of quarters, a notebook and a pay phone.”
• John Shakkar Settineri reminded us of another time-tested habit: “Calling dispatch from a payphone.”
• John Taylor said, “Buying a calling card. Waiting for the pay phone.”
• David Williams added, “Pay phone rooms, or waiting for a table in the restaurant that had a phone.”

Brotherhood and Respect on the Road

One of the most common themes in the responses was camaraderie—a bond many drivers say has faded over time.

• Harold R Magoon said, “Drivers actually worked together and saw it as a brotherhood.”
• Lori Sheridan shared a heartfelt memory: “A driver could be on the side of the road, on the radio asking if anyone had a simple tool, say vice grips… another driver stops to help fix the problem, and both go down the road to have coffee together before running together on their route.”
• Troy Tidmore added, “Drivers helping out each other more.”
• Scott Krauss reflected on the days of “CB use, The Truckers Brotherhood… sharing of the road and road info.”
• Mark Ryan noted the “respect for the road and the fellow truckers,” and even gave a nod to the “camaraderie” many now miss.
• Freddie Sturdivant reminded us: “If you got on the CB radio and asked for local directions, you would get help.”
• Shelly Sparrow summed it up: “Log books, family, CB, hazardous work but appreciated, respect.”

Life Before Screens and E-Logs

Several drivers talked about a time before everything went digital. That meant paper log books, real conversations, and fewer digital distractions.

• Jack Ables said, “I ran two or three different log books… only way to make money in the 80s and 90s.”
• Jeff Fowler echoed: “Running two log books.”
• John Durrell brought up another detail: “Loose leaf.”
• Harold Dorsey said it best: “Literally anything that doesn’t involve a screen of some type.”
• Claude Venable offered a more humorous reflection: “Also the English language.”
• Kevin Petersen noted the difference in “what it took to communicate.”
• H. Kline shared, “People actually talked to each other when traveling.”
• Dan Hakala remembered CB chatter fondly: “Some real comical characters out there, and for the most part the language was civil.”

Respect, Presentation, and Hard Work

Respect for the craft and each other was a running theme.

• Sandra Willoughby recalled when truckers “were dressed to impress the customers and proudly represent their company.”
• Robert McNeely, Tony Byrne, and Marvin Kelly each pointed to a single missing value today: “Respect.”
• Charlie Arnold noted the “hard work and stern discipline” that defined the era.
• Bill Garrett summed it up with some humor: “You had to know how to grab gears and didn’t wear flip flops.”
• James Benedict said simply: “Work boots.”
• Cynthia Morse added: “Common courtesy.”
• Robert Piaczynski threw in another lost virtue: “Patience.”
• Deborah Merrin Goodall and Pedro Diaz both mentioned another fading skill: “Driving a manual.”
• Will Lavander emphasized the “clutch pedal and stick shift.”
• Donald Pearrell added: “No air conditioning and only manual transmission.”

What We’re Missing Now

Some drivers went beyond specific memories to reflect on what’s been lost over time:

• Mary Miller said, “Why mom always read a road map…”
• Rena Vance put it simply: “You had to find a location with nothing but written directions, no GPS!”
• Claude Venable and others gave a shoutout to the CB radio—a lifeline and a community builder.
• Gail Lohoff may have said it best with just one word: “Freedom!!!!!”

Times change. Technology evolves. But listening to veteran drivers reminisce shows just how much heart, skill, and community once defined life on the road. For the next generation, these stories serve as a reminder: trucking isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s a lifestyle built on independence, hard-earned respect, and real connections.

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