Nominations Now Open: Transition Trucking “Driving for Excellence” Award
Commercial Vehicle Training Association
901 N Washington Street, Suite 509
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-642-9444
Nominations are Open for Transition to Trucking: “Driving for Excellence”
Submit your Applications from
March 28, 2026 to June 30, 2026
“The trucking industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to those who have served by recognizing the leadership, discipline, and focus veterans bring to the workforce. Returning to the Mid-America Trucking Show with the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award and this year’s Kenworth T680 grand prize allows us to celebrate that commitment on one of the industry’s biggest stages. It’s an incredible opportunity to spotlight veterans who are excelling behind the wheel and to encourage more service members to see trucking as a pathway to long-term success.”
Brad Bentley, Fastport president
“For many veterans, trucking offers a way to continue serving with purpose, responsibility, and pride. Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence recognizes veterans who are thriving in an industry that keeps our economy moving and offers durable, long-term careers with real opportunity.”
Eric Eversole, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President and President of Hiring Our Heroes
CVTA and NAPFTDS are proud to have had a number of professional drivers graduate from our schools participate in this outstanding program over the past 11 years.
The top driver will be determined by an expert panel of judges. To qualify, drivers must meet eligibility requirements as specified in the official Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award rules, including:
- Be a legal resident of the continental United States and a military veteran or current/former member of the National Guard or Reserves.
- Graduated from NAPFTDS or CVTA member driver training school, with a valid CDL.
- Have been employed by any for-hire carrier or private fleet that has pledged to hire veterans and hired as a CDL driver after January 1, 2025.
Nominations opened March 28, and the final deadline to submit applications will be June 30. Award semi-finalists will be announced on August 5. Finalists will be invited to Columbus, Ohio to tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and attend a reception, followed by a tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant, where the finalists will be announced.
Public voting on the finalists will occur from November 1 through 11. The final award announcement will be made in mid-December, and the winner will drive home in the Kenworth T680.
Learn more about the criteria here: Transition Trucking
For more information: Hiring Our Heroes
