In an effort to curb the driver shortage and create immediate jobs for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, Kenworth, FASTPORT, and the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) have come together to promote the industry.
As part of the program, FASTPORT and its trucking track partners will attend job fairs on military bases throughout the United States during 2015 and 2016. Fort Benning, near Columbus GA, held the first fair August 17, and it was dedicated solely to the trucking industry. Twenty-seven employers attended the event with more than 1,000 available driving jobs offered. Panel discussions were held to educate prospective drivers on what to expect in the trucking industry. The fair gave soldiers the chance to explore trucking equipment including tractors, trailers, a mobile mechanic shop, and a truck-driving simulator.
Taking center stage at the fair was a Kenworth T680. A truck giveaway was also announced at Fort Benning. To help recognize military veterans who enter trucking as drivers—through Hiring Our Heroes and FASTPORT’s Trucking Track Mentoring Program—Kenworth will give away a fully loaded 2016 T680 with a Paccar MX-13 engine to “America’s Top Veteran Rookie Driver.” Criteria for the contest will be announced soon by TCA.