Kenworth Named Five Transition Trucking Finalists
Five military veterans have been selected as finalists for a 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 finalists for the 2026 Transition Trucking award. The group was narrowed down from an initial pool of 11 semifinalists to compete for the grand prize.
Why it matters
The program aims to support and honor military veterans as they transition into professional careers within the commercial trucking industry. By incentivizing training, the initiative helps bridge the gap between service and civilian employment.
The grand prize for the winning driver is a Kenworth T680 truck, while the runner-up will receive a $10,000 cash prize. Each of the remaining three finalists will be awarded $5,000 for their participation.
The players
Kenworth
This American manufacturer is a leading producer of heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial trucks.
Gary W. Williams
He is a finalist for the Transition Trucking award who began his career with Stevens Transport in early 2026.
U.S. Department of Labor
This federal executive department manages the Registered Apprenticeship programs that contributed 60% of the award nominations.
The details
The finalists represent all four branches of the armed services, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. The selection committee will incorporate the results of a public voting period into its final deliberations to determine the ultimate winner.
Timeline
September 2025 marked when three finalists joined their current trucking employers.
Early 2026 was when Gary W. Williams joined Stevens Transport.
November 1 through November 11, 2026, is the window for public voting.
December 15, 2026, is the date of the winner announcement.
Roadmap
This award aligns with the trucking industrys broader shift toward formalizing veteran recruitment through recognized training pathways. It highlights a strategic effort by manufacturers to address the driver shortage while positioning themselves as key supporters of vocational workforce development.
For aspiring professional drivers, this initiative demonstrates the potential financial benefits of completing a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship. Winners and finalists gain significant career momentum through high-value equipment and monetary prizes that can support their transition to civilian life.
The takeaway
Veterans interested in the trucking industry should prioritize programs that offer registered apprenticeship credits to improve their career trajectory. These vocational tracks provide clear advantages in both job placement and eligibility for industry-sponsored recognition awards.
What happens next
The public can cast their votes for the Transition Trucking award winner between November 1 and November 11, 2026. Following the vote, the grand prize winner will be officially announced on December 15, 2026, during the Veteran Ready Summit held at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Further reading
Learn more about the commercial vehicle sector in the United States Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fleet Equipment.
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