Trucking Careers · Nationwide · November 8, 2026

Veteran Truck Drivers Compete for Transition Trucking Award

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Military veteran truck drivers are competing for the 2026 Transition Trucking Driving For Excellence Award, according to The Trucker. This year's finalists are Mo Arzola, Monica Brooks-Buck, Daniel Doss, Brandon Ward and Gary Williams. The award recognizes a rookie military veteran truck driver.

A new Kenworth T680 is the prize described in the reporting. The article concerns finalists and the selection process, not the announcement of a winner.

Five finalists instead of the usual three

The report says a three-way tie resulted in a record five finalists rather than the customary three. That detail explains why the field is larger this year without changing the nature of the award.

The reporting also describes supportive comments among the finalists. Brandon Ward expressed goodwill toward whoever receives the truck, and Arzola said he wished all five could receive one. Those remarks reflect the people quoted, not a separate change to the prize structure.

Naming the finalists gives readers the actual group in contention. It should not be paired with a fabricated portrait or an illustration that claims to show one of the real people without a verified likeness.

Voting is one part of selection

Public voting opened Nov. 1 and runs through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The coverage directs readers to TransitionTrucking.org/vote and says they can vote once a day during that period.

A committee also reviews the finalists. The public vote is therefore one part of the process, not a guarantee that a simple public tally alone determines the result. The story does not need to predict who will win to explain how readers can participate.

For trucking readers with military experience or family connections, the account offers a specific recognition program and dated voting window. It does not establish that every veteran entering trucking has the same background, career route or experience.

The practical distinction is between recognizing finalists now and identifying the eventual recipient later. A prize vehicle can be described accurately without suggesting that it has already been awarded to a particular person.

FAQ

Has the winner been announced in this report?

The cited story describes five finalists and voting, not a winner. It should not be presented as a completed award announcement.

Is the public vote the whole selection process?

No. The report says a committee review also counts. Public voting through Nov. 11 is one part of selection.

What support helps military veterans move from their prior service into a first trucking job?

Sources: thetrucker.com.

For broader background, see the related Big Rig Daily guide or tool. It is general context, not a determination about this report.

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