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The 9th annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award is in full swing, a heartwarming celebration of military veterans transitioning to the trucking industry.
This year’s program, a joint effort by Kenworth Truck Company, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, and Fastport, recognizes America’s top rookie military veteran truck drivers.
Ten outstanding semi-finalists were treated to a special trip to Ohio, where they visited the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus and got an exclusive peek behind the curtain at Kenworth’s Chillicothe truck manufacturing plant
During their Ohio adventure, the semi-finalists enjoyed a moment in the spotlight on Road Dog Trucking Radio’s Dave Nemo Show with Jimmy Mac, sharing their experiences with listeners across the U.S.
The finalists are:
Douglas Couch – U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport, Inc.
Brian Ferguson – U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard (E-7), Melton Truck Lines
Shawn Haley – U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC
Billy Taylor – U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises
Cory Troxell – U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport
This year’s grand prize is a Kenworth T680, a high-performance truck equipped with a PACCAR MX-13 engine delivering 455 horsepower, along with a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and DX-40 tandem rear axles. The truck’s 76-inch sleeper includes premium features like heated and cooled GT703 leather seats, a factory-installed fridge, and space for a microwave and TV.
Designed for comfort and safety, the T680 offers a sleek Diamond VIT interior, Digital Mirrors, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist. This truck is the ultimate tool for any veteran to kickstart a successful trucking career.
Stop losing money, optimize your operations, reduce downtime, and enhance your fleet efficiency with EMDECS.
The “Transition Trucking” award highlights the valuable skills and work ethic veterans bring to the trucking industry and honors our veterans. Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes, explains:
“This award campaign highlights the impact veterans are making in the transportation industry and introduces a new generation of veterans to the real economic opportunity a career in trucking can represent.”
Kenworth Truck Company, a cornerstone of American trucking since 1923, has been a driving force behind this initiative. Kyle Kimball, Kenworth’s director of marketing, expressed the company’s dedication:
“Kenworth is honored to mark our ninth year of participation in the program. I look forward to meeting all the esteemed semi-finalists this fall and presenting the T680 keys to a deserving veteran in Washington, D.C. at the end of the year.
The excitement is building as the program moves towards its climax. A public vote will run from November 1st to Veterans Day, playing a crucial role in the final decision. The winner will be announced on December 13th as part of an expanded veteran-focused week in Washington, D.C..
This award is more than just a contest – it’s a bridge connecting America’s heroes with new opportunities on the open road. Programs like “Transition Trucking” ensure that the skills and dedication of our veterans find a new purpose in civilian life.
