Kenworth Named Five Transition Trucking Award Finalists
Five military veteran drivers have been selected as finalists for the chance to win a new Kenworth T680 truck.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Trucks
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Kenworth and its partners have announced five military veteran drivers as finalists for the 2026 Transition Trucking award. These drivers, representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, were chosen from an initial pool of 11 semifinalists to compete for a new Kenworth T680.
Why it matters
This industry initiative honors veterans who have successfully navigated the transition into professional trucking careers. By highlighting these drivers, the program emphasizes the impact of U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs on veteran workforce development.
The grand prize winner will receive a Kenworth T680, while the runner-up is awarded $10,000 and the three remaining finalists receive $5,000 each. The selections follow a vetting process where 60% of the nominees participated in registered apprenticeship programs.
The players
Kenworth
A premier manufacturer of heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks known for its commitment to industry vocational training and veteran support programs.
Gary W. Williams
A veteran and finalist for the 2026 Transition Trucking award who joined Stevens Transport earlier this year.
U.S. Department of Labor
The federal executive department responsible for occupational safety and wage standards that oversees the Registered Apprenticeship programs cited in the award nominations.
The details
The selection process narrowed 11 semifinalists down to five finalists based on their performance and transition success into the trucking industry. These drivers represent a cross-section of military service branches, including the Army and Navy. Public voting will serve as a key component for the committee, which reviews these inputs to determine the final award recipient.
Timeline
September 2025: Three finalists joined their respective trucking companies.
Early 2026: Finalist Gary W. Williams joined Stevens Transport.
November 1 to November 11, 2026: The public voting period for award finalists.
December 15, 2026: Winner announcement at the Veteran Ready Summit.
The Home Front
This program reflects the broader industry trend of utilizing formalized apprenticeship pathways to bridge the gap between military service and civilian trucking careers. It underscores how major manufacturers are increasingly incentivizing these training routes to address long-term logistics staffing needs.
If you are a veteran interested in the transportation industry, review the criteria for U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs to see if you qualify for similar career pathways. Families can support these drivers by participating in the public vote between November 1 and November 11, 2026.
The takeaway
The Transition Trucking award demonstrates the tangible professional success achievable through apprenticeship training for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Keep an eye on the November public voting window to participate in the selection process for this year's grand prize recipient.
What happens next
Public voting for the finalists will occur from November 1 through November 11, 2026, followed by the official winner announcement on December 15, 2026, at the Veteran Ready Summit at West Point.
Further reading
For more information on the industry and professional career development, visit the Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fleet Equipment.
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