KIRKLAND, Wash. — Nominations are officially open for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, a decade-long partnership between Kenworth, FASTPORT, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative. The program identifies and rewards military veterans who have demonstrated exceptional performance since transitioning into the professional driving sector. This year’s winner will take possession of a brand-new Kenworth T680 featuring a 76-inch sleeper, a PACCAR MX-13 engine, a TX-12 automated transmission, and DX-40 tandem rear axles.
The trucking industry continues to lean on military personnel to fill seats, citing the discipline and technical training inherent in service members as a perfect match for the rigors of the road. Veterans often find that the transition to civilian life is best served by a career that demands autonomy, mechanical aptitude, and a focus on mission completion. By highlighting the success stories of these drivers, the program aims to incentivize more veterans to seek out career opportunities within the sector.
The timeline for this year’s competition involves a rigorous selection process. Nominations close on June 20, with semi-finalists slated for announcement on August 4. Finalists will be invited to Columbus, Ohio, for a tour of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and a visit to Kenworth’s manufacturing facility in Chillicothe. Public voting will occur from November 1 through November 11, culminating in a grand prize ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on December 12.
What This Means for Drivers
For a CDL-A driver who recently transitioned from the armed forces, this award represents more than just a paycheck; it is a potential path to becoming an owner-operator with a top-of-the-line rig. A modern, high-spec T680 significantly reduces maintenance overhead and improves fuel efficiency, which is critical for those managing their own bottom line. Participation in such programs can also boost professional visibility, helping drivers land better OTR truck driver positions with carriers that value veteran experience.
Industry Reaction
Eric Eversole, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes, views the transportation sector as a vital destination for those leaving the service. He notes that the leadership skills developed in the military are a strategic asset that keeps the supply chain moving. As trucking companies hiring veterans look for ways to retain top talent, these types of awards serve as a benchmark for excellence and a testament to the success of veterans in the civilian workforce.
Key Points
- The grand prize is a Kenworth T680 with a 76-inch sleeper and PACCAR powertrain components.
- Nomination window for the award closes annually on June 20.
- Finalists participate in a multi-day event in Ohio including a factory tour at Kenworth’s Chillicothe plant.
- The final winner is determined through a combination of selection and public voting, concluding in mid-December.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.
Photo by Tim Samuel on Pexels