Army veteran turned trucker wins new tractor

Kenworth donated a fully-loaded T680 Advantage with a 76-in. sleeper and PACCAR MX-13 engine to serve as the program’s recognition award providing the truck completely free of charge to the winner, with even the taxes covered.

Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes and vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said that if the trucking industry is to survive, it will need “great leaders” and leadership skills, such as those found among members of the military.

Brad Bentley, president of FASTPORT, noted that the “Transition trucking” contest is a partnership between FASTPORT, Kenworth Truck Co., and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring our Heroes Program that aims to find America’s top rookie military veteran; a former service member who has made the successful transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet.

Colonel Sam Whitehurst of the Soldier for Life foundation said that 30% of the trucking industry is comprised of military veterans. “Even after hanging up the uniform, they continue to live not just military values but American values. That’s why veterans are a great fit for so many different companies.”

The three finalists for the 2017 “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award were (left to right): Gregg Softy (Army) with Stevens Transport; Wayne Roy (Marine Corps) with U.S. Xpress Enterprises; and Daniel Shonebarger (Navy) with Melton Truck Lines.

Kurt Swihart (left), Kenworth’s marketing director, hands over the key of the new T680 to Gregg Softy. “It’s important for us to support veterans transitioning out of the military,” Swihart said. “Veterans are a great source of talent for our industry as drivers, technicians, managers, and logistics specialists, just to name a few.”

“We have a very elite group of drivers who have achieved significant accomplishments in their military careers and as professional truck drivers,” noted FASTPORT’s Bentley. “It is important for organizations across the U.S. to do what they can to especially reach out to our veterans to help them make a smooth transition back into civilian life. This is one way that the trucking industry is doing its part.”

After Gregg Softy (left) received the keys to his new T680 from Kenworth's Swihart (right) he literally took ownership on the spot; eventually driving it out of the city to start his trip home to Alabama.