Washington, D.C. — Charles Jones Jr., a rookie CDL-A driver and retired U.S. Army veteran, claimed the 2025 Transition Trucking Driving to Excellence Award during a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters. Jones, who logged two decades in the military before entering the freight industry, secured the top honor for his exceptional early performance and professionalism behind the wheel since joining Roehl Transport.
The national competition specifically targets military veterans who recently transitioned into commercial driving, evaluating candidates on safety records, job performance, and dedication to the craft. Sponsors for the award include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes initiative, Kenworth, and FASTPORT. As the grand prize winner, Jones was handed the keys to a brand-new Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper, a PACCAR MX-13 engine pushing 455 horsepower, a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.
Before launching his trucking career, Jones served three combat deployments in Iraq and two tours in South Korea, working as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, instructor, and platoon sergeant. Following his military discharge, he completed his training at the Georgia Driving Academy in December 2024 and quickly entered Roehl Transport’s Safety and Job Skills Training Program. Two other former service members earned finalist recognition alongside Jones: Macy Mattice, an Army E-4 veteran driving for Melton Truck Lines, and Mark Scriven, an Army E-6 veteran driving for Stevens Transport, both of whom received cash prizes.
What This Means for Drivers
For veterans eyeing post-military careers, this annual award highlights the viable pathway commercial trucking offers to disciplined operators. Major fleets actively recruit former service members because military experience translates directly to managing hours of service, maintaining strict safety standards, and operating heavy equipment under pressure. Securing a top-tier OTR truck driver role after military service often starts with structured carrier training programs similar to the path Jones took with Roehl.
Industry Reaction
Trucking companies hiring former military personnel frequently emphasize that veterans possess the exact operational mindset needed to navigate tightening FMCSA regulations and complex freight supply chains. Programs like Hiring Our Heroes continue to bridge the gap between military discharge and civilian employment, ensuring that skilled operators find stable, high-paying positions across the nation.
Key Points
- Charles Jones Jr. won the 2025 Transition Trucking Driving to Excellence Award after a 20-year U.S. Army career.
- The grand prize includes a new Kenworth T680 with a PACCAR Powertrain and a 76-inch sleeper cab.
- Jones completed his CDL training at the Georgia Driving Academy and drives for Roehl Transport.
- Finalists Macy Mattice and Mark Scriven received cash prizes for their performance in the industry.
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