Seventeen semifinalists were named Tuesday for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award.
Sponsored by Kenworth, Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative, the award honors veterans transitioning into the transportation industry.
"The Transition Trucking award campaign is an opportunity to highlight the impact veterans are making in the transportation industry and introduce a new generation of veterans to the real economic opportunity a career in trucking can represent," says Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes and a vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The winner will receive a Kenworth T680 Signature Edition truck. The truck is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the Paccar powertrain with a MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, a TX-12 automated transmission and DX-40 tandem rear axles.
"Kenworth is honored to again participate in this year's 'Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence' program to recognize the service of distinguished military veterans and encourage the trucking industry to provide career opportunities and support," says Kyle Kimball, Kenworth's director of marketing. "Congratulations to this esteemed group of semifinalists as they vie for the T680 Signature Edition truck in Washington, D.C."
The semifinalists will attend a ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Sept. 21 in Columbus, Ohio. The following day, they will tour the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant and a ceremony at the MHC Road Ready Center where the semifinalists will be recognized and the finalists announced.
"This year was the hardest year yet to select the semifinalists," says Brad Bentley, president of Fastport. "It's the most diverse group in the program's history, and we are proud to be able to recognize them and each branch of the military through their stories. This is an incredible group of drivers who show us that the future of this industry is in good hands."
Finalists will be part of a veteran-focused week that will include a summit on Dec. 15 and the award winner announcement on Dec. 16. A public vote will occur online from Nov. 1 until Veteran's Day. The voting is important to determining the award Selection Committee's decision on a winner.
