Nominations for the 2022 Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award remain open to military veterans through July 31.
Considered a prestigious award for members of the military who entered the truck driving trades in the last year, the honor is determined by the joint efforts of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, Kenworth, and Fastport. The winner is expected to receive a fully loaded 2022 T680 Next Generation semi-truck.
“Last year, nearly 200,000 veterans transitioned out of the military and into the private sector. Fastport’s mission is to let those veterans know about the tremendous opportunities available in the trucking industry,” Fastport President Brad Bentley reportedly said.
Jimmy Reddell, of Stevens Transport, was awarded a Kenworth T680 in 2021. The rookie driver completed a 22-year career in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves with distinction before driving truck in civilian life. Reddell worked as an independent contractor hauling loads for Dallas-based Stevens Transport. He was presented with the 2021 award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Kenworth is honored to be a part of this amazing award. We urge large and small 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,” Kenworth director of marketing Genevieve Bekkerus reportedly said. “We look forward to presenting the Kenworth 2022 T680 Next Gen keys to a well-deserving veteran as America’s top rookie military veteran in our industry.”
This year will mark the seventh consecutive that Kenworth has donated a top-of-the-line truck to a deserving veteran. The tractor has an estimated value of $155,000.
“Thanks to the commitment from Kenworth and Hiring Our Heroes, for the seventh consecutive year, we will be able to honor a veteran, guard member, or reservist who has made the successful transition in the trucking industry following military service. The winner’s life will change forever with their new Kenworth T680, and the two runners-up will each receive $10,000 as well,” Fastport President Brad Bentley reportedly said.
Following the nomination period, the leading 10 veteran truckers will be announced in the fall, tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and attend a reception. The following day, the 10 finalists will be honored and recognized, culminating in the Final 3 announcement.
Interviews of the three finalists will reportedly be posted at transitiontrucking.org, and the general public can commence voting. The Selection Committee considers popularity and public input when making its final decision.
To qualify, a driver must have graduated from a CVTA, NAPFTDS, or PTDI certified school with a valid CDL and was first hired in a trucking position between Jan. 1, 2021, and July 31, 2022. For more information, https://www.transitiontrucking.org/nominate.
Sources: landline.com, newswire.com, digitaljournal.com
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