Washington, D.C. — Fifteen-year Army combat veteran Ashley Leiva has captured this year’s Transition in Trucking: Driving for Excellence award, earning the keys to a fully loaded Kenworth T680 Next Gen truck valued at $155,000. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced Leiva as the winner during a December ceremony celebrating former service members transitioning into the commercial motor vehicle industry. Compiling a field of 11 nominees, Leiva stood out as the sole female driver in the running for the top industry honor.
Leiva stepped away from military service in 2021 following the sudden death of her mother, returning home to Texas to take over the family carrier alongside her brother, who is also a veteran. Both siblings received nominations for the award, prompting Leiva to remark that if she won, they both won. Balancing life as a mother to five-year-old Olivia, Leiva earned her commercial driver's license through Del Mar College’s Transportation Training Services while simultaneously pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management.
The flagship prize package, provided by Kenworth, serves as a financial springboard for new owner-operators breaking into the freight sector. Before the winner reveal, Leiva noted that securing the award would alleviate operational burdens and ensure the continuation of her mother’s business legacy. The annual program specifically highlights the value veterans bring to commercial fleets as the industry continuously seeks disciplined operators to fill open truck driver jobs.
What This Means for Drivers
Military veterans entering the freight sector find structured pathways to entrepreneurship through specialized initiatives like the Transition Trucking program. For CDL-A holders eyeing independent status, securing brand-new equipment eliminates early maintenance overhead that often breaks fledgling owner-operations. Trucking companies hiring former service members gain operators trained in logistics, safety compliance, and disciplined route execution under demanding conditions.
Industry Reaction
Major commercial fleets and logistics organizations heavily back programs that bridge the gap between military service and civilian transportation careers. Advocacy groups regularly point out that veterans possess the exact temperament and adaptability required for long-haul operations and unpredictable supply chain demands. Recognizing high-achieving drivers with premium equipment underscores the industry's commitment to supporting new entrants who build sustainable small businesses in the freight market.
Key Points
- Ashley Leiva won the Transition in Trucking: Driving for Excellence award as a 15-year Army combat veteran.
- She received a fully equipped Kenworth T680 Next Gen truck valued at $155,000.
- Leiva earned her CDL through Del Mar College and runs a Texas trucking business with her brother.
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced the winner during a December awards presentation.
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