Military veterans continue to provide one of the trucking industry’s most reliable talent pipelines, and the 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award is once again putting that contribution in the spotlight.
Kenworth, Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative announced Wednesday the 11 semifinalists selected for this year’s award, known as the “Elite 11.”
Now entering its 11th year, the Transition Trucking program will once again award its grand prize: a new Kenworth T680.
The program also serves as a recruiting opportunity for trucking fleets. This year’s nominations came from carriers, driver training schools, a private fleet and individuals from across the country. The 11 semifinalists represent all four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“This year’s ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ Elite 11 semifinalists exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to service that military veterans bring to the trucking industry,” said Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing.
Kimball also highlighted Kenworth’s 11-year partnership with Fastport and Hiring Our Heroes, saying the company looks forward to recognizing this year’s semifinalists.
Apprenticeships become a major pathway
Registered apprenticeship programs played a particularly significant role in this year’s selection.
Six out of every 10 nominations came from drivers who were either completing or had already completed a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program. Five of the 11 semifinalists are currently apprentices.
The figures point to the growing importance of apprenticeship programs as a pathway into professional driving careers for veterans.
For carriers developing driver-training programs, the apprenticeship model is increasingly becoming an established route into the industry rather than an experimental approach.
Meet the 2026 Elite 11
The 2026 semifinalists, along with their employers and training providers, are:
- Jeffrey Barber — U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (E-7), Prime Inc.; trained by Prime Inc.
- Brandon Ward — U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8), Werner Enterprises; trained by Roadmaster Drivers School in Orlando, Florida; Registered Apprenticeship.
- Mohammad Arzola — U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major (E-9), HEB; trained by California Career Schools.
- Juan Rosado Lozada — U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal (E-3), Roehl Transport; trained by Troops Into Transportation in Fort Benning.
- Kishawn Forbes — U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8), Melton Truck Lines; trained by Florida State College at Jacksonville.
- Gary W. Williams — U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major (E-9), Stevens Transport; trained by Southern Careers Institute.
- Monica Brooks-Buck — U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (E-7), Werner Enterprises; trained by Truck Driver Institute in Saucier, Mississippi; Registered Apprenticeship.
- Jenn Wilken — U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (E-6), Prime Inc.; trained by Prime Inc.
- Daryus Jones — U.S. Army Private First Class (E-3), Anheuser-Busch; trained by Tulsa Technology; Registered Apprenticeship.
- Daniel Doss — U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant (E-5), Melton Truck Lines; trained by Troops Into Transportation in Fort Benning; Registered Apprenticeship.
- Michael R. Bivens — U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant (E-6), Stevens Transport; trained by Tennessee Truck Driving School; Registered Apprenticeship.
A new Kenworth T680 awaits the winner
For the 11th consecutive year, Kenworth will provide the award’s grand prize.
The winner will receive a new Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and PACCAR’s full powertrain, including the MX-13 engine, TX-12 automated transmission and DX-40 tandem rear axles.
The truck also comes equipped with a range of safety and driver-focused technologies. These include Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.
Inside the sleeper, the truck features a Diamond VIT interior in charcoal, heated and cooled leather seats with titanium accents, a factory-installed refrigerator and a rotating work table.
From Columbus to West Point
The semifinalists will be recognized Sept. 22 and 23 during a recognition dinner at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio.
The event will also include a tour of Kenworth’s Chillicothe plant, where the finalists will be announced.
Public voting will open Nov. 1 and remain available through Veterans Day on Nov. 11. The public vote will be considered by the selection committee during its final deliberations to determine the finalists and ultimately the winner.
The 2026 Transition Trucking winner will be announced Dec. 14 at the Veteran Ready Summit at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“The Transition Trucking award campaign continues to spotlight the extraordinary contributions veterans are making in the transportation industry while introducing a new generation of service members to the real economic opportunities a trucking career can offer,” said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes and a vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
As the program reaches its 11th year, Eversole said the organization is proud to recognize the 2026 Elite 11 and the decade of success represented by veterans who have built careers in transportation
