Led by Kenworth and Fastport software company, the 12 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence finalists were recently announced.
“It is always a challenge to select the most deserving drivers from the list of our talented nominees. This year’s finalists represent a variety of military branches and are outstanding examples of the over-the-road service that veterans can offer the trucking industry,” Fastport president Brad Bentley reportedly said. “We urge organizations in the United States to make a special effort to reach out to our veterans and help them smoothly transition into civilian life.”
The Transition Trucking program involves rookie drivers who served in the U.S. military. The program has a dual mission of helping servicemembers enter a secure career and buoy the country’s increased need for more qualified CDL holders. An estimated 80,000 truck driver shortage persists, and that figure is expected to grow.
Hauling freight has emerged as one of the most stable and good-paying occupations. It’s also considered a natural fit for men and women who developed discipline and leadership skills during their time in the armed forces.
“This year’s competition in the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence program produced an outstanding group of 12 finalists. We appreciate their dedication on the road to excel as truck drivers in their new profession, and we are grateful for their military service to the country,” Genevieve Bekkerus, Kenworth’s director of marketing, reportedly said.
The deserving nominees include the following.
- Sean Adams: U.S. Navy, McElroy Truck Lines
- Jason Van Boxtel: U.S. Marines, Veriha Trucking
- Alexander Brandt: U.S. Army, Hirschbach Motor Lines
- Cale Jensen: U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, G. Dubbels Trucking
- Ashley Leiva: U.S. Army, Draco Energy, Noemi Trucking
- Paul Gouker: U.S. Army and National Guard, Stevens Transport
- Dave Marihugh: U.S. Navy, Roehl Transport
- Chris McDowell: U.S. Army and National Guard, EPES Transport
- Joe Nyenatee: U.S. Army, Melton Truck Lines
- Talon Rogers: U.S. Army, CRST
- Justin Silk: U.S. Army, Paschall Truck Lines
- Michael D. Thomas: U.S. Marines, Prime Inc.
A Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence dinner is scheduled for Sept. 22 in the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, to honor the 12 finalists. The group is scheduled to tour the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant the following day, with the top three announced at the nearby MHC RoadReady Center.
Information regarding the Final 3 will be posted at transitiontrucking.org. The general public will have an opportunity to vote for their preferred rookie driver. Public input remains an important factor when the Selection Committee makes its final selection.
The Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence winner is expected to be announced on Dec. 16 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in Washington, D.C. Along with national recognition, the deserving trucker will receive a Kenworth T680 Next Generation, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper.
Sources: fleetowner.com, transitiontrucking.com
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