Public voting for Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award finalists begins November 1 and will run through Veterans Day, November 11. This prestigious award, coordinated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth Truck Company and Fastport, honors military veterans who have made an outstanding transition into the commercial trucking industry. This year’s grand prize is a Kenworth T680 truck.
Through a comprehensive nomination process, careful review by a selection committee, and a final public vote, the program will recognize and reward America’s top rookie military veteran drivers. The winner will be announced on December 13 during a special event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
Finalists for 2024 are summarized below in alphabetical order by last name:
Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport, Inc., Roehl Transport Training
Douglas Couch served in the United States Navy from 2012-2016, onboard the USS Nimitz CVN 68. Douglas worked as a Culinary Specialist 2nd Class. In this role, he oversaw 50 sailors, feeding more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines while being forward deployed. Since transitioning into the trucking industry, Douglas has driven more than 150,000 miles and has shown a true and relentless dedication to safety.
Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC, Truck Driving Institute
Shawn Haley served in the Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991. During this time, he served as security for President Ronald Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan, President George H. W. Bush, and First Lady Barbara Bush. Shawn became an entrepreneur who ran a successful business for 20 years. After that time, he pursued a new challenge, becoming a regional truck driver at Veriha where he enjoys seeing our great country.
Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises, Roadmaster Drivers School
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Billy lived in many locations across the United States during his parents’ U.S. Navy careers. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2000, and served in various assignments including Port Security and Harbor Defense, Search and Rescue, Coast Guard Cutter deployments for drug interdiction/maritime defense, and served as a recruiter. He retired with 20 years of service in 2020 as a Chief Petty Officer, Machinery Technician. Billy now drives for Werner Enterprises on the Anheuser-Busch account in Columbus, Ohio.
Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute
Cory Troxell was born into 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, Cory enlisted into the Army in 2004. In 2009, Cory was severely wounded in an enemy IED attack, eventually earning him the Purple Heart. He 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.
This year’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award winner will drive away in the state-of-the-art Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The program will award a $10,000 prize for the runner-up and $5,000 for each remaining finalist.
