COLUMBUS, Ohio — Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Highway Heroes initiative have locked in the 11 semi-finalists for the 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award. Now marking its eleventh year, the program shines a spotlight on former service members who successfully pivot from military duty to the cab of a commercial truck, demonstrating top-tier safety records, professionalism, and leadership on the nation's highways.

This year's field of candidates draws from four distinct branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, with nominations pouring in from private fleets, independent trucking companies, and CDL training schools across the country. The elite group includes Jeffrey Barber of Prime Inc. representing the U.S. Army; Brandon Ward of Werner Enterprises representing the U.S. Navy; Mohammad Arzola of H-E-B and Juan Rosado Lozada of Roehl Transport representing the U.S. Marine Corps; Kishawn Forbes of Melton Truck Lines representing the U.S. Navy; Gary W. Williams of Stevens Transport and Monica Brooks-Buck of Werner Enterprises representing the U.S. Army; Jenn Wilken of Prime Inc. representing the U.S. Army; Daryus Jones of Anheuser-Busch representing the U.S. Army; Daniel Doss of Melton Truck Lines representing the U.S. Air Force; and Michael R. Bivens of Stevens Transport representing the U.S. Marine Corps.

Program organizers point out that roughly sixty percent of the nominations submitted this year came from drivers who either completed or are actively working through a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program. Five members of the current semi-finalist roster remain active apprentices, proving that structured training models continue to serve as a reliable bridge for veterans entering the freight sector. Carriers looking to bolster their ranks with disciplined talent often track these programs closely.

What This Means for Drivers

For veterans navigating the civilian job market, earning a spot among the top eleven brings major industry recognition and career validation. The program highlights the viability of trucking companies hiring former military personnel who already possess the discipline required for long-haul operations. CDL-A driver candidates benefit immensely from structured apprenticeship frameworks that translate military logistics experience directly into high-paying over-the-road opportunities.

Industry Reaction

Industry leaders consistently praise the Transition Trucking award for addressing driver retention and recruitment challenges by connecting fleets with elite talent. Major carriers and private fleets view military veterans as ideal candidates for modern freight hauling due to their adaptability, safety focus, and adherence to rigorous operational guidelines. Programs like this reinforce the vital connection between military service and professional commercial driving careers.

Key Points

• The 2026 semi-finalist pool features 11 military veterans representing four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• About 60 percent of this year's nominated drivers participated in or completed a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program.
• The ultimate champion takes home a brand-new Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and a PACCAR Powertrain.
• The winner will be crowned on December 14 during the Veteran Ready Summit at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

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