Kenworth and Partners Reveal Elite 11 for 2026 Transition Trucking Award
Kenworth, Fastport and Hiring Our Heroes named 11 veteran semi-finalists for the 2026 Transition Trucking award, honoring veterans who built trucking careers.
- 11th
- 11
- 60%
- 5
What Happened
Kenworth Truck Company, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative announced the 11 semi-finalists for the 2026 'Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence' award. Now in its 11th year, the award recognizes military veterans who have moved into careers in professional trucking. This year's semi-finalists were chosen from nominations submitted by carriers, training schools, a private fleet, and individuals, and they represent four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The grand prize is a Kenworth T680 with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, including the MX-13 engine, TX-12 automated transmission, and DX-40 tandem rear axles. The truck comes with driver assistance systems such as DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering. Inside, the sleeper features a Diamond VIT interior in charcoal, heated and cooled leather seats with titanium accents, a factory-installed refrigerator, and a rotating work table.
- 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, Orlando; US DOL 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, Inc., trained by Troops Into Transportation, 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.
60%
of nominations came from drivers completing or who have completed a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program; five of the Elite 11 are current apprentices.
““This year's ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ Elite 11 semi-finalists exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to service that military veterans bring to the trucking industry. Kenworth is honored to celebrate 11 years of partnership with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative, and we look forward to recognizing this exceptional”
Semi-finalists honored at a recognition dinner at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, followed by a tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe plant where finalists are announced.
Public voting opens November 1 and runs through Veterans Day; voting influences the Selection Committee's final decisions.
Winner announced 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. As we celebrate the program's 11th year, we're proud to honor this remarkable Elite 11 and the decade of veteran success they represent.”
Why this matters
The award marks 11 years of helping veterans move into trucking careers, and this year 60% of nominations came from drivers in or completing Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs, showing that apprenticeship is a proven path. Five of the Elite 11 are current apprentices. The winner receives a fully equipped Kenworth T680, so the program also highlights trucking as a viable post-service career option.
Terms in This Story
- Registered Apprenticeship
- A formal, U.S. Department of Labor-approved training program that combines paid on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction.
- Sleeper cab
- A truck cab with a compartment behind the driver containing a bed and storage, allowing long-haul drivers to rest in the vehicle.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.