Jones, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who began driving professionally this year, was named the 2025 Transition Trucking Driving to Excellence Award winner. The award honors military veterans who are new to trucking and demonstrate strong performance, professionalism, and commitment early in their careers.

Recognition Presented in Washington, DC

Jones received the award during a formal ceremony held on Friday at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offices in Washington, DC. The honor is presented jointly by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth, and FASTPORT.

As part of the award, Jones received a new Kenworth T680 configured with a 76-inch sleeper. The truck is powered by the PACCAR Powertrain, including a PACCAR MX 13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, a PACCAR TX 12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX 40 tandem rear axles.

From Army Service to the Driver’s Seat

Jones graduated from high school in Indian Trail, North Carolina, in 2004 and entered the Army through its delayed entry program. Over two decades of service, he held roles as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, instructor operator, standards operator, and platoon sergeant.

His military career included three combat deployments to Iraq and two rotations to South Korea.

After completing his military service, Jones attended the Georgia Driving Academy, graduating in December 2024. He began his trucking career shortly after through Roehl Transport’s Safety and Job Skills Training Program.

Jones is married to his wife Katrina and is the father of two children, Alvin and Monica.

Other Finalists Recognized

Two additional drivers were named finalists for the 2025 award.

• Macy Mattice, a former U.S. Army E-4, now drives for Melton Truck Lines.
• Mark Scriven, who served as a U.S. Army E-6, currently drives for Stevens Transport.

Both finalists received cash prizes as part of the recognition.

Roehl’s Ongoing Veteran Support

Roehl Transport has a long-standing history of hiring and supporting military veterans. Jones is the second Roehl driver to earn the Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award.

Earlier this year, the company received the 2026 Military Friendly Employer Top 10 designation from the publishers of GI Jobs magazine, along with the Wisconsin Vet Ready Award. Roehl also supports National Guard and Reserve members through participation in the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program.

About the Transition Trucking Award

The Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award program launched in 2016. It is part of a broader effort to encourage the hiring of military veterans, National Guard members, and reservists into trucking careers and to recognize early success within the industry.

For drivers considering a move from military service into trucking, Jones’ recognition highlights how structured training, consistency, and professionalism can translate into early career achievement behind the wheel.

Source: Truckers News

The post Roehl Driver and Army Veteran Charles Jones Jr. Earns National Transition Trucking Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Nominations close on June 20, and a series of key dates follows. On August 4, semi-finalists will be announced, and later in the year, finalists will have the opportunity to visit Columbus, Ohio. This special event includes a tour of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, a reception, and a visit to Kenworth’s Chillicothe manufacturing facility, where finalists will also be revealed. Public voting for finalists is scheduled from November 1 to 11, with the grand announcement of the winner taking place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on December 12.

A Grand Prize Worth Driving For

For the tenth consecutive year, Kenworth is providing an impressive grand prize. This year’s winner will drive away with a Kenworth T680 equipped with a spacious 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, which features the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The T680 will make its appearance at the Mid-America Trucking Show, showcased at the FASTPORT booth (#39001) at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville.

Why Veterans Are a Perfect Fit for Trucking

“The transportation industry is a natural fit for veterans looking to continue a purpose-driven career that leverages the critical skill sets, specialized training, and leadership gained during military service – all highly coveted attributes that make them a strategic asset,” remarked Eric Eversole, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes. He emphasized the pride Hiring Our Heroes takes in partnering with FASTPORT and Kenworth for a decade to support veterans transitioning into commercial trucking.

Criteria and Eligibility for Nominees

An expert panel of judges will select the top rookie driver. Nominees must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a legal resident of the continental United States and either a military veteran or a current or former member of the National Guard or Reserves.

• Have graduated from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS, or CVTA member driver training school with a valid CDL.

• Hold employment with a for-hire carrier or private fleet committed to hiring veterans and have been employed as a CDL driver after January 1, 2024.

Full eligibility details and the nomination form are available on the Transition Trucking website.

Join an Initiative That Makes an Impact

For additional resources or questions, visit FASTPORT and Hiring Our Heroes. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate and support the military veterans who are driving excellence every day.

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Kenworth Truck Company

The post Nominate the Best Rookie Military Veteran in Trucking Starting Today appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.