FASTPORT recently revealed the top four finalists in the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” program dedicated to finding America’s top rookie military veteran driver.
The program recognizes top drivers who have made the successful transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet.
The top four drivers, listed with their military branch of service and current truck fleet, are:
- Ivan Hernandez/U.S. Army/Werner Enterprises
- Gail Losee/U.S. Army/Stevens Transport
- Shaun Mason/United States Marine Corps and U.S. Army/Prime Inc.
- Ray Miller/U.S. Army/Stevens Transport
For the fifth consecutive year, Kenworth teamed with the FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring Program and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program to provide a Kenworth T680 as the program’s award to this year’s winner. The T680 features the complete PACCAR Powertrain with an MX-13 engine, 12-speed automated transmission and 40K tandem axles, and includes a 76-inch sleeper equipped with the Kenworth Driver’s Studio package of premium elements.
“It is important for the trucking industry to continue to offer veterans support and career opportunities,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “As Kenworth’s way of thanking our military veterans for their service, we are again offering a Kenworth T680 as the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award.
“Congratulations to our four finalists—Ivan Hernandez, Gail Losee, Shaun Mason and Ray Miller—and to the other successful drivers who achieved Top 10 status in this special recognition program.”
The other top 10 drivers in this year’s contest were Patrick Blevins/U.S. Air Force/Melton Truck Lines, Matthew Fowler/United States Marine Corps/EPES Transportation, Marcia Luchenbill/U.S. Army/Knight Transportation, John Shepard/U.S. Army/Roehl Transport, Kyle Smith/U.S. Air Force/Averitt Express, and Wade Wanner/U.S. Navy/US Xpress.
Drivers were nominated by trucking companies that have made a hiring commitment and pledge to hire veterans on truckingtrack.org, members of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, and Commercial Vehicle Training Association member schools.
The winner will be announced in December during a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
“This year’s four finalists had significant accomplishments in their military careers, and are making excellent achievements as professional truck drivers,” said Brad Bentley, FASTPORT president. “We urge the trucking industry and organizations across the United States to reach out to our veterans and help them make a smooth transition back into civilian life. This is one way the trucking industry is doing its part.”
Visit transitiontrucking.org for more information.