Kenworth donates flagship T680 as ‘Transition Trucking’ award

Kenworth, FASTPORT and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes initiative are joining together for the fifth consecutive year to discover America’s top rookie military veteran driver, who has made the transition from serving in the US Armed Forces to driving for a commercial fleet.

Under the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program, Kenworth will again provide the top award—a T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the MX-13 engine, 12-speed automated transmission and 40K tandem rear axles.

“Kenworth recognizes the importance of supporting our veterans, and the donation of our on-highway flagship Kenworth T680 is one way to express our appreciation,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “We urge fleets in America to nominate their best rookie military veteran drivers now serving the country in today’s challenging times.”

FASTPORT’s mission is to inform veterans about career opportunities in trucking. As estimated 200,000 military vets transition to the private sector every year, said Brad Bentley, FASTPORT president.

“The Kenworth T680 will serve as a worthy award for a well-deserving veteran in the ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ program this year,” Bentley said.

The top driver will be determined by an expert panel of judges. To qualify, drivers must meet four 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
• Employed by a trucking company that has made a hiring commitment and pledge to hire veterans on the Trucking Track Mentoring Program website 
• First hired in a trucking position between Jan 1, 2019 and July 31, 2020

“The Transition Trucking award campaign offers a valuable platform to highlight veterans’ positive impact on the transportation industry, and to introduce veterans to the excellent economic opportunities offered by a career in trucking,” said Eric Eversole, vice president at the US Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes. “Hiring Our Heroes has helped more than 150,000 transitioning service members and veterans connect with career opportunities in industries nationwide, including trucking, and we hope that veterans will take this opportunity to shape their futures in this high-demand industry.”

The nomination deadline is July 31. Full criteria and online nomination forms are available at transitiontrucking.org.

Visit fastport.com or hiringourheroes.org for more information.