Kenworth T680 up for grabs for industry’s top rookie military truck driver

user-gravatar Headshot
Updated May 31, 2016

27235234146_cec35562af_zKenworth, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes Program and FASTPORT have joined forces to find America’s top rookie military veteran who has made the transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet.

“Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence,” a recognition program that will provide a fully-loaded Kenworth T680 76-inch sleeper with a Paccar MX-13 engine to the top rookie, is looking for drivers that have been either active military or a member of the National Guard or Reserve.

Drivers need to be nominated by a trucking company that has made a hiring commitment and pledge to hire veterans on www.truckingtrack.org or, by a National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS) or Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA)-member school.

Nominations will be accepted until June 30, 2016. The winner will be selected by an expert panel of judges. Full criteria and online nomination forms can be found at: www.transitiontrucking.org.

Brad Bentley, president of FASTPORT, says in order to be considered a “rookie” and eligible in the contest, drivers will have had to start their driving career Jan 1, 2015 through to the end of the contest. The winner will be announced on Dec. 16 at a location to be determined in Washington, D.C.

“There are an estimated 15,000 veterans transitioning into civilian life each month, and many have successfully entered the trucking industry,” Bentley says. “They are hard-wired for success in trucking – they already work for the largest, most complex supply chain and logistic company – our military. Veterans are mission-oriented, understand the value of training, are used to working in changing environments, know how to lead and make decisions, and they do this with a focus on safety. All these capabilities are why veterans can have a very successful career in the trucking industry.”

While the nomination cut-off is the end of June, the Transition into Trucking program will continue through the end of the year, with hiring fairs slated at military bases, truck industry events, and at venues close to military bases. The Kenworth T680 will be on display to inform and inspire those looking at trucking as a possible career.