KIRKLAND, Wash. — The search is on for the nation’s top military veteran rookie truck driver.
Kenworth, FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative again are teaming to find the veteran who made a recent successful transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet.
Under the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program, Kenworth will provide the top award for the seventh consecutive year, according to a news release.
For the first time, that award is a Kenworth T680 Next Generation.
The T680 Next Gen is 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.
“We urge fleets in America to nominate their best drivers who have served our country and encourage those transitioning from military service to consider the trucking industry as their future career,” said Genevieve Bekkerus, Kenworth director of marketing. “We look forward to presenting the Kenworth T680 Next Gen keys to a well-deserving veteran as America’s top rookie military veteran in our industry.”
FASTPORT President Brad Bentley said that each year, approximately 200,000 veterans transition out of the military and into the private sector.
“FASTPORT’s mission is to let those veterans know about the many rewarding opportunities available in the trucking industry,” Bentley said. “The T680 Next Gen offers superior comfort, performance and fuel efficiency and provides a worthy award for this year’s ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ program.”
Eric Eversole, U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president and Hiring Our Heroes president, said, “Hiring Our Heroes is proud to collaborate with industry leaders such as FASTPORT and Kenworth, as we work to support veterans in trucking and address the nationwide shortage of truck drivers by connecting our veterans and family members with high-demand, high-paying transportation careers.”
The top driver will be determined by an expert panel of judges.
To qualify, drivers must meet three eligibility requirements:
- Must have been active military or member of the National Guard or Reserve;
- Graduated from PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS or CVTA member driver training school, with a valid CDL; and
- First hired in a trucking position between January 1, 2021 and July 31, 2022.
The nomination period begins June 10 and the final deadline is July 31.
Full criteria and online nomination forms will be available in June on the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” website.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
