Do you know a veteran who has successfully transitioned into a trucking career? Nominations are now open through June 24, 2025 at transitiontrucking.org.
Honoring Our Heroes Behind the Wheel: The Transition Trucking – Driving for Excellence Award
Celebrating Veteran Truck Drivers: The Transition Trucking – Driving for Excellence Award
Every year, more than 200,000 service members transition from active duty to civilian life, bringing with them unmatched discipline, focus, and leadership. For many, the trucking industry becomes a natural next step—a place where they can continue serving their country by keeping its economy moving. That’s where the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award comes in.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the award is a powerful collaboration between Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes Program. Together, these partners are transforming lives—recognizing outstanding military veterans who have transitioned into the trucking industry and empowering them with an entrepreneurial head start.At the heart of the award is an incredible prize: a Kenworth T680 truck—an engineering marvel valued at $155,000. But this isn’t just a gift; it’s a launchpad. For one deserving veteran each year, it marks the start of an independent career, owning and operating their own business on the road.
At the heart of the award is an incredible prize: a Kenworth T680 truck—an engineering marvel valued at $155,000. But this isn’t just a gift; it’s a launchpad. For one deserving veteran each year, it marks the start of an independent career, owning and operating their own business on the road.
“This is certainly a very special moment for me. My mother inspired me to go into truck driving. She said driving a truck made her feel like she was on top of the world,” said 2022 winner Ashley Leiva. “It is an honor to receive the Transition Trucking award of the T680 Next Generation from among all the outstanding nominated veterans and fellow truck drivers. Thank you to FASTPORT, Hiring Our Heroes and Kenworth for what you do to help veterans transition into the trucking industry.”
The award celebrates more than just one driver—it uplifts an entire community. Veterans make up 10% of the trucking workforce, and many major carriers report that over 30% of their drivers have served. These professionals bring reliability, leadership, and a mission-first mindset to every mile they drive.
The initiative also honors the employers and CDL training institutions that support our heroes in their post-military careers, showing that with the right backing, veterans can thrive in trucking and even pursue entrepreneurship.
🏆 Nominate a Veteran for the 2025 Transition Trucking Award
Nominations for the 2025 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award are open through June 24, 2025.
Employers, CDL schools, and members of the public are encouraged to nominate a deserving veteran who has made the leap into professional trucking.
👉 Submit your nomination at transitiontrucking.org.
The application includes testimonials and essay questions, so get started early! Let’s continue driving change. Nominate a veteran truck driver today and help fuel a future of opportunity, leadership, and success on the open road.