Timeline

Nominate

Join us throughout the year.

The Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award is unique because it promotes and celebrates its semi-finalists, finalists and ultimate winner for months leading up to the conclusion in December.

We encourage participating carriers, CDL training schools, military officials, government representatives and other stakeholders to join us during our recognition events, panel discussions, and announcement ceremonies. These events will take place virtually and in person in Ohio and Washington DC. 

2022 Winner Ashley Leiva and family surprised and delighted at the announcement at the US Chamber of Commerce

  • March 28, 2026Nomination Period Opens

    Employers and credentialing institutions (CDL schools) are able to nominate up to 5 rookie drivers.

  • June 30, 2026Nomination Period Closes

    Final day for nominators to edit and submit their final completed applications on transitiontrucking.org.

  • August 5, 2026Semi-finalists Announced

    The pool of candidates will be combed through to determine the semi-finalists who will go on to the Selection Committee. The finalists with the best testimonials, essay portion and supplemental materials will move on to this next step.

  • September 22-23, 2026Semi-finalist Recognition

    Finalists will tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and attend a reception. Following a tour of the Kenworth manufacturing plant the next day, the semi-finalists will be honored and recognized.

  • November 1, 2026Public Voting Begins

    The finalists’ interviews will be posted on the transitiontrucking.org website for the general public to view and vote on. This voting is an important determiner for the Selection Committee as they make their ultimate choice for the next Transition Trucking award winner.

  • November 11, 2026Public Voting Ends

    Concluding on Veterans Day, voting will close so the Selection Committee can begin its final deliberations.

  • Mid December 2026Veteran Ready Summit

    Finalists will participate in a panel discussion at the Veteran Ready Summit to give employers insight on the needs of newly transitioned military Veterans into the trucking industry.

  • Mid December 2026Winner Announcement

    Finalists, along with industry professionals, military officials and media outlets, will gather together to see the the winner drive away in the Kenworth T680 Truck and start on the road toward an entrepreneurial career.