WASHINGTON, D.C. — The field has narrowed to ten exceptional military veterans competing for the 2024 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, an honor that puts the keys to a brand-new Kenworth T680 directly into the hands of a deserving former service member. This year's semi-finalists represent a broad spectrum of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the National Guard, showcasing how disciplined military training translates into successful careers for CDL-A driver professionals across the American highway system.
Launched in 2016 through a partnership between FASTPORT, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, and truck manufacturer Kenworth, the program confronts driver retention and recruitment challenges by spotlighting the economic stability trucking companies hiring veterans can offer. Kyle Kimball, Kenworth's marketing director, noted that marking the ninth year of participation highlights the caliber of talent moving from active duty into commercial motor vehicle operations. Veterans named to this year's shortlist include Jadarion Blakemore of CRST, Quantae Dozier with Epes Transport System, Richard Flirt III driving for Legacy Express, Brian Ferguson at Melton Truck Lines, and Justin Sisler representing Prime Inc. Rounding out the elite group are Douglas Couch of Roehl Transport, Mark Joseph and Cory Troxwell both driving for Stevens Transport, Shawn Haley with Veriha Trucking, and William Taylor representing Werner Enterprises.
The grand prize vehicle is a heavy-duty flagship spec featuring a 76-inch sleeper, a PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and DX-40 tandem rear axles. Inside, the rig includes a Diamond VIT slate gray interior, heated and cooled leather seats, a factory fridge, microwave space, and advanced driver assistance systems like Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control and Kenworth Digital Mirrors. These veterans honed their skills through specialized carrier programs and recognized training institutions such as Troops Into Transportation, Roadmaster Drivers School, and Fox Valley Technical College.
What This Means for Drivers
For individuals currently serving or preparing to exit the military, this program proves that commercial driving offers a legitimate, high-paying career path with strong upward mobility. Many of these honozrees completed their training through Registered Apprenticeship Programs, demonstrating that structured mentorship helps ex-military personnel transition smoothly into long-haul freight operations. Fleet managers and trucking companies hiring former service members increasingly look to these pipelines because disciplined drivers consistently excel in safety, compliance, and on-time delivery across demanding OTR routes.
Industry Reaction
Industry leaders continue to praise the initiative for changing the public perception of freight careers and validating the contributions of military personnel. Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes, emphasized that the campaign exposes a new generation of veterans to the genuine financial security found behind the wheel. Brad Bentley, president of FASTPORT, pointed out that this diverse cohort proves the sector's future remains secure. The semi-finalists will gather on September 25th at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, where finalists will be announced during a tour of Kenworth's Chillicothe manufacturing plant. Public voting opens on November 1st, leading up to the final winner reveal in Washington, D.C., in December.
Key Points
- Ten military veterans were named semi-finalists for the 2024 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award.
- The grand prize is a fully loaded Kenworth T680 powered by a 455-horsepower PACCAR MX-13 engine.
- Public online voting for the award runs from November 1st through Veteran’s Day.
- Finalists will be announced following a plant tour in Chillicothe, Ohio, with the winner crowned in Washington, D.C., in December.
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