Kenworth donates T680 as 2025 ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ award for 10th year
Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative announced they are again partnering in the search for America’s top rookie military veteran driver who successfully transitioned to the trucking industry following military service.
Kenworth will provide the grand prize for the 10th consecutive year under the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program. This year’s award is a T680 with a 76-inch sleeper and Paccar powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13 engine, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles. The truck will be shown at the Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville at the Fastport booth, #39001.
“The Mid-America Trucking Show is one of the largest heavy-duty trucking events and gatherings of industry professionals, enthusiasts, drivers, and the perfect place to reach potential Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award nominees and nominators,” Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing, said. “Kenworth is honored to participate in this life-changing initiative for the 10th consecutive year, and we look forward to awarding our flagship T680 to a deserving military veteran at the end of this year.”
An expert panel of judges will determine the top driver. 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 U.S. and a military veteran or current/former National Guard or Reserves member.
- Graduated from PTDI-certified, 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 have been hired as a CDL driver after January 1, 2024.
Nominations opened March 27, and the final deadline to submit applications will be June 20. Award semi-finalists will be announced on August 4. 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. On December 12, finalists will gather at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where the final award announcement will be made, and the winner will drive home in the Kenworth T680.
Averitt employees donate record $1.75M to St. Jude
Averitt associates recently presented a record donation of $1,750,001 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through Averitt Charities, the company’s charitable giving organization. This marks the fifth consecutive year the donation has increased, further supporting the hospital’s mission of advancing treatments and cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases.
Averitt Charities is funded by $1 weekly payroll contributions from Averitt associates through the company’s Averitt Cares for Kids program. The company also makes matching donations to honor associate community service hours, achievements, life events, and milestones.
“The generosity and commitment of our associates continue to inspire me,” Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and CEO, said. “Their dedication to supporting St. Jude helps make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing difficult challenges. We’re especially proud of the one dollar in that donation, which represents ‘The Power of One dollar a week’ and how we can all make a positive impact.”
ATA opens nominations for Mike Russell Trucking Industry Image award
The American Trucking Associations announced it is now accepting nominations to recognize representatives of the trucking industry’s image with the 2025 Mike Russell Trucking Industry Image Award.
“From delivering essential goods to supporting millions of families with good-paying jobs, the trucking industry has a powerful story to tell. The Mike Russell Award showcases the creativity and dedication of individuals and organizations that amplify the stories of the hardworking men and women who are driving our country forward,” Sarah Rajtik, ATA COO, said. “This award recognizes people who go above and beyond to improve the image of trucking while inspiring others to contribute in the future.”
The award celebrates companies, organizations, and individuals who creatively generate awareness of the trucking industry. This award is presented to an individual, motor carrier, trucking organization, or industry supplier who demonstrates excellence in creating a positive image for the trucking industry.
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Women in Trucking Foundation opens spring 2025 scholarships
The Women in Trucking Foundation has opened its Spring 2025 scholarship applications. Any individual who identifies as a female and who is or will be attending a training facility to advance their career in the areas of safety, driving, technical, or leadership in the trucking industry is eligible.
Applicants must complete the scholarship application, including a short essay outlining career objectives and how this training will help meet those goals. The deadline for the applications is April 15. Recipients will receive $1000 and a free one-year membership to WIT.
Prince Family Foundation partners with UAF to award Larry and Sandra Prince scholarships
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation recently announced the Prince Family Foundation has become a lifetime trustee and will annually award 10 Larry and Sandra Prince scholarships in memory of the late chairman and CEO of Genuine Parts Company and his wife who supported him throughout his career.
Larry Prince had a passion and affinity for the automotive aftermarket. He began his 47-year career with Genuine Parts Company when he was hired for a summer job in June 1958. As his career progressed, Larry became involved in all aspects of the company. In 1959, he married Sandra who was by his side as he took on roles of increasing responsibility, culminating with a 15-year stint as chairman and CEO of Genuine Parts Company before his retirement in 2005.
“My parents were firm believers in the importance of education and learning as a way to open doors to opportunities and expand one’s horizons. Our family is very pleased to support the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and award scholarships in their memory,” said Larry Prince Jr., who will represent the Prince Family Foundation on the UAF board of trustees. “My parents would be proud to know that we are helping students pursue careers in the industry that they loved and was so good to our family.”
Ten Larry and Sandra Prince Scholarships will be awarded annually to aspiring students pursuing an automotive career and enrolled in a two- or four-year college or an accredited automotive, collision, or heavy-duty/diesel post-secondary program.
