The deadline to nominate a trucker for an award honoring military veterans is close.
The final deadline to submit applications for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence recognition program is June 20.
Together, Kenworth, FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes initiative continue the search for America’s top rookie military veteran driver who has successfully transitioned to the trucking industry following military service.
Under the program, Kenworth will provide the grand prize for the 10th consecutive year. This year’s award is a T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.
The top driver will be determined by an expert panel of judges. To qualify, drivers must meet eligibility requirements including:
-- Be a legal resident of the continental United States and military veteran or current/former member of the National Guard or Reserves.
-- Graduated from PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS or CVTA member driver training school, with a valid CDL.
-- Have been employed by any for-hire carrier or private fleet that has pledged to hire veterans and hired as a CDL driver after January 1, 2024.
Award semi-finalists will be announced on Aug. 4. Finalists will be invited to Columbus, Ohio to tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and attend a reception, followed by a tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant, where the finalists will be announced.
Public voting on the finalists will occur from Nov. 1 through 11. On Dec. 12, finalists will gather at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where the final award announcement will be made, and the winner will drive home in the Kenworth T680.
Full criteria and online nomination forms are available now on the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” website (www.transitiontrucking.org).
For more information, visit the websites of FASTPORT (www.fastport.com) and Hiring Our Heroes (www.HiringOurHeroes.org).
