Before I get to their official press release, I want to take a little space here to talk about the remarkable offering our friends at Kenworth, FASTPORT, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes program are announcing for the fifth consecutive year.
"Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence" brings honor to all involved with its execution. To put it basically, the award of a brand new truck goes to an extraordinary U.S. military veteran who has just made the transition into professional driving. The quality of nominees at times takes the breath away, and each step winnowing down the field is an agonizing one because of the quality of the men and women in the mix.
The events along the way, from the announcement of the ten finalists at The George W. Bush Presidential Library to the award's presentation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are a joyful celebration of the best this country, our military, and the transportation industry has to offer. Along with attending both events, I have been privileged to broadcast the award ceremony for two consecutive years in Washington DC, and I call many of the participants and organizers friends. Therefore, trust me when I tell you that participation in what Brad Bentley and his partners have created is well worth your while. Watching the finalists meet each other for the first time is quite a moment. Their realization they are included in the company of some of this country's finest citizens is moving enough, but at some point, they understand with great humility that their friends, families, and fellow drivers think the same thing of them.
It is a gift you can give someone by simply placing their name in nomination.
They are looking for that veteran who is now a rookie driver and exemplifies what is best about all of us. If any of you have any coworkers or employees who fit the description of a candidate do not hesitate to offering their name for consideration.
Tune in Friday, June 26 at 10:30am ET when Brad Bentley discusses the process on The Dave Nemo Show, SiriusXM 146. Full press release and photos of the prize truck below the video.
5th Annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” Award Nomination Period Opens
Kenworth Donates T680 76-inch Sleeper with PACCAR Powertrain
to Recognize Top Rookie Veteran Serving as Commercial Truck Driver
June 11, 2020 - Kenworth, FASTPORT and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes program are joining together for the fifth consecutive year to honor America’s top rookie military veteran driver, who has made the transition from serving in the U.S. 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 Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission, and PACCAR 40K tandem rear axles.
“FASTPORT’s mission is to educate and inform veterans about career opportunities in the nation’s trucking industry. An estimated 200,000 veterans make the transition from the military into the private sector each 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.”
Nominations must be provided by 11:59pm July 31, 2020, and companies are encouraged to nominate up to five drivers. The top driver will be determined by an expert selection committee along with a public vote. Full criteria and online nomination forms can be found on the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” website (www.transitiontrucking.org).
“We are appreciative of marketing partnerships with the American Trucking Associations, Women In Trucking Association, Radio Nemo, Commercial Vehicle Training Association, Veterans In Trucking, National Association Of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, Sierra Delta and Tenstreet, which we hope will result in a record number of nominees this year, ” Bentley added.
Finalists will be recognized at the 2020 Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference. The ultimate award winner will drive away in his or her Kenworth T680 at the US Chamber of Commerce in December while the two runners-up will receive $10,000 checks.
For more information and to nominate, visit the award website transitiontrucking.org.
Here is the actual truck that will be given away!