A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Military and Purple Coronary heart recipient was named the winner of this 12 months’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award.
Cory Troxell, who drives for Dallas-based Stevens Transport, recieved the award in ceremonies held on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., He obtained a brand new Kenworth T680.
Douglas Sofa, a driver for Roehl Transport, Inc. and a Navy veteran, was named runner-up and obtained $10,000.
Incomes $5,000 as finalists had been Shawn Haley (U.S. Marine Corps, Veriha Trucking LLC) and Billy Taylor (U.S. Coast Guard, Werner Enterprises).
Troxell was born into service together with his grandfather, father, and uncle serving within the Military. Motivated by a robust sense of household delight, service, and patriotism following 9/11, Cory enlisted within the Military in 2004. In 2009, Cory was severely wounded in an enemy IED assault, finally incomes him the Purple Coronary heart. He continued to serve till his retirement in 2024. Drawing similarities to his resolution to affix the Military, he selected to drive vans, a profession path already lower by his household.
“I actually thought after popping out of the navy that you simply fade away. Nobody thinks about you anymore; you’re executed. However that is proof that’s not true. Thanks for giving me this chance and for really doing one thing for veterans that I didn’t suppose was attainable,” stated Troxell.
To assist him proceed within the trucking occupation, Troxell was awarded the Kenworth T680, outfitted with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain that includes the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.
The Kenworth T680 incorporates a Diamond VIT inside in slate grey with madrona accents and consists of the most recent in driver facilities. Each the driving force and passenger seats are GT703 leather-based seats which can be absolutely heated and cooled. The 76-inch sleeper consists of area for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work desk. The T680 additionally consists of the most recent in driver help methods, together with Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Management (ACC) Cease and Auto Go, and Lane Preserving Help with Torque Assisted Steering.
“It was a privilege handy over the keys to the Kenworth T680 to a veteran who exemplifies dedication and braveness. On behalf of Kenworth and our devoted workers, we lengthen our gratitude for his service to our nation and our greatest needs for a affluent future within the trucking business,” stated Cara Howes, Kenworth assistant director of promoting.
“The dedication and resilience of our veteran finalists are nothing wanting inspiring. They remind us of the enduring values that make America a frontrunner in alternative and innovation and the boundless potential that awaits those that transition from navy service to significant careers,” stated Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes.
“Cory’s excellent navy profession and continued excellence as knowledgeable truck driver spotlight the energy and willpower veterans carry to the trucking business. He represents the most effective of what this program goals to attain, and we’re assured he’ll encourage and pave the way in which for others within the navy neighborhood to search out success on this area,” stated Brad Bentley, president of Fastport.
As a part of the prize packages, the Proprietor-Operator Unbiased Drivers Affiliation gave memberships to all the finalists. The affiliation additionally gave the complete Truck To Success program to Sofa.
To be eligible for the Transition Trucking award, a driver have to be a authorized U.S. resident; a navy veteran or member of the Nationwide Guard or Reserves; a graduate of a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS- or CVTA-member driver coaching faculty, with a legitimate CDL; have been employed by any for-hire service or personal fleet that has pledged to rent veterans; and have been employed as a CDL driver after Jan. 1, 2023.
