Reefer driver among Transition Trucking finalists

Stevens Transport driver Cory Troxell is one of five finalists for the ninth annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award, which honors military veterans who have made an outstanding transition into the commercial trucking industry.

Through a comprehensive nomination process, careful review by a selection committee, and a final public vote, the program—sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth, and Fastport—will reward America’s top rookie military veteran drivers, organizers reported.

Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute

Troxell, a U.S. Army veteran who earned his CDL through the Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, was born into military service, with his grandfather, father, and uncle serving with distinguished careers in the Army. Motivated by a strong sense of family pride, service, and patriotism following the events of 9/11, Troxell enlisted into the Army in 2004. In 2009, he was severely wounded in an enemy IED attack, eventually earning him the Purple Heart.

Troxell continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Drawing similarities to his decision to join the Army, he followed a trucking driving career path already cut by his family.

The other four finalists for this year’s award are Douglas Couch, a Navy veteran with Roehl Transport; Brian Ferguson, an Army and National Guard veteran with Melton Truck Lines; Shawn Haley, a former Marine with Veriha Trucking; and Billy Taylor, a Coast Guard veteran with Werner Enterprises.

“These finalists exemplify how skills developed in the military seamlessly transfer to successful careers in trucking,” Eric Eversole, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes, said in a news release. “Their dedication and resilience continue to play a critical role in keeping America’s supply chain strong.”

Ten semi-finalists recently were honored in Ohio, where they visited the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus and the Kenworth Chillicothe truck manufacturing plant.

This year’s Transition Trucking grand prize is a Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-in. sleeper and the Paccar powertrain featuring an MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, TX-12 automated transmission, and DX-40 tandem rear axles. The program also will award a $10,000 prize for the runner-up and $5,000 for each remaining finalist.

Public voting for the award will be held from Nov. 1 through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The final winner will be revealed Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C.

“Kenworth is proud to participate in this program that celebrates the accomplishments of military veterans transitioning into professional truck driving careers for the ninth consecutive year,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “It was an honor to attend the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award event, and we look forward to awarding the Kenworth T680 truck to the winner in December.”