WASHINGTON, D.C. — Organizers are currently accepting applications for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award, a program dedicated to honoring military veterans who have successfully built civilian careers behind the wheel. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Kenworth, FASTPORT, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes campaign. For professional CDL-A drivers who transitioned from military service to commercial freight hauling, this competition offers a high-profile platform to showcase their dedication to safety and highway professionalism.

The grand prize for this year's cycle is a Kenworth T680 Signature Edition featuring a 76-inch sleeper. Under the hood, the rig runs on a PACCAR Powertrain configuration, pairing a 455-horsepower PACCAR MX-13 engine with a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. To qualify, applicants must hold a valid commercial driver's license, maintain legal residency in the continental U.S., and have graduated from an approved driver training program such as a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS, or CVTA member school. Eligible candidates must have started work as a CDL holder for a participating for-hire carrier or private fleet after January 1, 2022.

FASTPORT President Brad Bentley noted that the program continues to elevate the profile of veterans entering the transportation sector. Trucking companies hiring through military-focused recruitment pipelines often look for the discipline and reliability that former service members bring to long-haul routes. The selection process narrows down to ten semi-finalists, who will tour the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing facility and visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. The final winner will take home the keys following a public voting period and a final ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

What This Means for Drivers

This annual competition shines a bright light on the vital contributions that military veterans make to the American supply chain every single day. For newly minted CDL-A drivers and veterans evaluating different trucking companies hiring today, participating in or following this award program highlights top-tier fleets that actively support military recruitment. Owner-operator and company drivers alike benefit when high-visibility programs reward professional excellence and highlight the rewarding career paths available in modern commercial freight.

Industry Reaction

Industry advocates consistently emphasize that veterans possess the exact skill sets needed for demanding OTR truck driver positions, including strong situational awareness, adherence to strict safety protocols, and resilience under tight delivery schedules. Fleet executives frequently point out that transitioning service members adapt seamlessly to complex equipment and changing logistical demands. Programs like Transition Trucking serve as a bridge, connecting motivated operators with stable fleets and highlighting the strong alignment between military service and professional driving.

Key Points

• The Transition Trucking award recognizes military veterans who transitioned into successful commercial driving careers.
• The grand prize is a Kenworth T680 Signature Edition with a 76-inch sleeper and PACCAR Powertrain.
• Applicants must be military veterans or National Guard/Reserve members with a CDL and graduation credentials from a certified training school.
• The selection process includes plant tours in Chillicothe, Ohio, public voting, and a final ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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