10 Semi-Finalists Announced for 2024 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award

Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award

Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative have proudly announced the semi-finalists for the 2024 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award. This award, established in 2016, honors veterans transitioning into the trucking industry and highlights their achievements. The semi-finalists for this year come from diverse military backgrounds, including the National Guard and Reserve components.

List of Semi-Finalists

• Jadarion Blakemore, U.S. Army (E-5) – CRST, The Transportation Solution Inc. (Troops Into Transportation)
• Quantae Dozier, U.S. Army (E-4) – Epes Transport System, LLC (Troops Into Transportation)
• Richard Flirt III, U.S. Navy (E-4) – Legacy Express (Fox Valley Technical College graduate)
• Brian Ferguson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard (E-7) – Melton Truck Lines (Troops Into Transportation)
• Justin Sisler, U.S. Marine Corps (E-2) – Prime Inc. (Roadmaster Drivers School)
• Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5) – Roehl Transport, Inc.
• Mark Joseph, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army National Guard (O-3) – Stevens Transport (Troops Into Transportation)
• Cory Troxwell, U.S. Army (E-7) – Stevens Transport (Phoenix Truck Driving Institute)
• Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4) – Veriha Trucking LLC (Truck Driver Institute)
• William Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7) – Werner Enterprises (Roadmaster Drivers School)

The Grand Prize: Kenworth T680 Truck

The grand prize for the award is a Kenworth T680 truck, featuring a 76-inch sleeper, PACCAR Powertrain with a 455-horsepower PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The T680 offers a luxurious Diamond VIT interior, fully heated and cooled GT703 leather seats, a factory-installed fridge, microwave, TV space, and a rotating worktable. It also includes advanced driver assistance systems, such as Kenworth's Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.

Upcoming Events and Recognition

The semi-finalists will be honored at a ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, on September 25th. They will also tour the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant, where the finalists will be announced. The ultimate winner will be revealed during a veteran-focused week in December, which will include a public vote from November 1st to Veteran’s Day. The award announcement will take place on December 13th, accompanied by the ESGR Statement of Support Signing Ceremony and Wreaths Across America.

About the Program

Kyle Kimball, Kenworth's director of marketing, expressed pride in the semi-finalists, stating, "Kenworth is honored to mark our ninth year of participation in the program with Fastport, Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative. I look forward to meeting all the esteemed semi-finalists this fall and presenting the T680 keys to a deserving veteran in Washington, D.C."

Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes, emphasized the importance of the award in showcasing the impact of veterans in the transportation industry, while Brad Bentley, president of Fastport, Inc., highlighted the diverse and promising future of the industry with the inclusion of drivers in Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

For more information about Fastport and Registered Apprenticeships, visit Fastport or National Apprenticeship.