Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021:
Jimmy Reddell won the keys to this new Kenworth T680 for winning the Transition Trucking award as the top military veteran rookie truck driver.Ian Wagreich / U.S. Chamber of Commerce
For the sixth consecutive year, Kenworth teamed with the Fastport Trucking Track Mentoring Program and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes Program to find America’s top rookie military veteran who made the successful transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet.
During the ceremony, professional truck driver Jimmy Reddell, who drives for Stevens Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 47), received the keys to a Kenworth T680, the top award in the recognition program. The T680 is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and features the complete Paccar Powertrain with a Paccar MX-13 engine, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles.
Reddell entered the trucking industry after he retired from the U.S. Army. Shortly after earning his CDL in 2020, he hired on with Stevens Transport. Reddell recently became an independent contractor through the Stevens Transport Contractor Division, where he currently leases a truck.
“This is certainly a special moment for me,” Reddell said. “I’m very honored to receive the 2021 Transition Trucking award out of all the deserving veterans nominated. Thanks to Stevens Transport and Angela Horowitz (the company’s vice president of administration and driver resources) for nominating me. Also special thanks to Hiring Our Heroes, Fastport and Kenworth for their support of veterans making the transition into the trucking industry. I can’t wait to get the Kenworth T680 out on the road.”
Under the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence program, runners-up James C. Rose (U.S. Marines/Prime Inc.) and Christopher Slindell (U.S. Army/Knight Transportation) were each awarded with a check for $10,000.
