The Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award ceremony took place on December 14th at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., where Cory was presented with the grand prize—a fully loaded Kenworth T680 Signature Edition truck valued at nearly $200,000. This life-changing award will enable Cory to fulfill his dream of becoming an independent owner-operator and establish himself as a business owner working with Stevens Transport.

Launched in 2016, the program aims to promote careers in the transportation industry for transitioning military Veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists. This prestigious award highlights the hard work, dedication, and achievements of veterans who have chosen trucking as their next chapter.

Cory Troxell’s journey to this recognition is a testament to his resilience, service, and commitment. Born into a military family at Fort Hood, TX, Cory was inspired to serve his country following the events of 9/11. He enlisted in the Army in 2004 immediately after high school and went on to serve with distinction. During his second combat tour in Iraq (Mosul) in 2009, Cory was severely wounded in an enemy IED attack, an event that earned him the Purple Heart. Despite the challenges, Cory demonstrated immense strength and perseverance, continuing his service in the Army until his retirement in 2024.

Throughout his military career, Cory served in some of the Army’s most renowned armor battalions and cavalry squadrons, with operational assignments in Iraq, Korea, and Kuwait. His dedication to service has been mirrored by his family. His father currently drives for Walmart, his uncle drives for Sigma, and his son, Cory, proudly serves on active duty in the U.S. Army.
Upon retiring from the Army, Cory’s transition to the trucking industry was a natural fit. Following in his family’s footsteps, he joined Stevens Transport and quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional driver. His hard work, discipline, and leadership skills honed during his military service have played a significant role in his success.

“I honestly thought after coming out of the military that you fade away. No one thinks about you anymore; you’re done. But this is proof that’s not true,” said an emotional Cory Troxell during the ceremony. “I cannot thank Stevens Transport enough. To everyone at the company, thank you, thank you, thank you,” he added.

Angela Horowitz, Vice President of Stevens Transport, shared her excitement for Cory’s recognition: “We could not have nominated a better candidate than Cory Troxell. Veterans are so important to our country, and Cory brings commitment, discipline, focus, professionalism, integrity, and safety to the job. Those are the cornerstones our company is built on.”

The Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award is a collaborative initiative by Kenworth, Hiring Our Heroes, and Fastport, aimed at supporting military veterans transitioning to the trucking industry. Cory Troxell is the third Stevens Transport driver to win this prestigious award, solidifying the company’s commitment to veterans and the transportation industry.

Stevens Transport is incredibly proud of Cory’s accomplishment and grateful for his contributions to both our country and the trucking community. Please join us in congratulating Cory Troxell on this well-deserved recognition and in thanking him for his service and dedication.

Cory’s story exemplifies the values of hard work, perseverance, and patriotism. We look forward to seeing him continue to excel on the road as a symbol of excellence and inspiration for veterans transitioning into new careers. Congratulations, Cory!

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White Wins Third Place

Jessica White, an eight-year military veteran, and Stevens Transport professional over the road driver secured a third-place finish in the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, a national competition honoring distinguished veterans who transition from the military to professional driving. Jessica’s placement as a semifinalist marks the eight time since 2016 that a Stevens Transport driver has reached the finals. White received a $5,000 cash prize for her third place finish.

Launched in 2016, the program is part of an overall plan to help promote careers in the transportation industry to transitioning Military Veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists. Stevens Transport is proud to have nominated two Grand Prize Winners (2017 and 2021) in the past seven years and to have finished in the Top 3 all other years. The winner will receive a fully-loaded Kenworth T680 Signature Edition in commemoration of Kenworth’s 100 year anniversary.

Born and raised in Georgia, Jessica White answered the call to serve her country at the age of 19 when she enlisted into the U.S. Army as an MOS 88M – Heavy Vehicle Operator. Her first tour of duty took her to Kaiserslautern, Germany on a 25-month tour where she participated in a variety of support missions to include escorting US mail and transporting live missiles and ammunition through the European theater. Her missions allowed her to travel to 15 different European countries. As a result of her skill and commitment to mission accomplishment, she was also selected to serve as a driver for the U.S. Secretary of Defense during a VIP visit to Belgium.

Additional assignments after Europe included a 24-month tour in Fort Eustis, VA followed up by a 36-month tour at Fort Hood, TX where she served as squad leader for 13 other 88M Motor Transport Soldiers. During her tour at Fort Hood, Jessica deployed to Kuwait where she and her Soldiers were responsible for the transportation of a variety of cargo to include tanks, containers and live ammunition in support of the U.S. mission in the Middle East.

When Jessica is not driving, she enjoys a wide variety of hobbies including traveling, cooking, hiking, basketball, and visiting with family.

Watch Jessica’s Driver Spotlight Interview

Stevens Transport is proud to have Jessica as a finalist for this prestigious award. Thank you Jessica, for your service to our country and Stevens Transport.

UPDATED 12-15-2023

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Stevens Transport Driver Chris Young Wins Prize

Chris Young was named the 1st runner-up at the 2018 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award ceremony this morning in Washington, DC. The US Army Veteran and Reservist received a check for $10,000.

This has been an amazing experience, and it’s changed my life. I was honored to be on the stage with the other finalists. And I cannot say thank you enough to Melody, Shannon, and everyone at Stevens Transport. I never dreamed I would have so much support. When people say that Stevens Transport is like a Family, it’s really true.

– Chris Young

Chris began his career at Stevens Transport in March 2017 and is excited to continue as a Contractor in the Alliance Division.

Congratulations Chris! Stevens Transport is proud of your accomplishments and appreciates your service to our country. We’re truly honored to be the employer of choice for military veterans.

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Transitioned From Military Into Civilian Trucking Career

Kyle Israel attended Tampa Truck Driving School for his CDL training. After completing 6 years of service in the United States Army, Kyle was looking for the next step as he transitioned to civilian life, and found a new home at Stevens Transport.

He explained that he did not have much luck in his job search until he talked with Stevens Transport. One day after speaking with the company, he was on his way to his first day of CDL school, and the start of his new career. Kyle states that being able to see the country that he protected for 6 years is an honor, and appreciates Stevens Transport for giving him the opportunity to have a stable and fulfilling career that allows him to do that.

After transitioning out of the Army following 6 years, I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I spoke with Stevens Transport. The support system in the company is designed to set each driver up for success and I’m glad I found a home at Stevens Transport as I resumed my civilian life.

– Kyle Israel

His favorite part about Stevens Transport is the support system that keeps him on the road and provides him with everything he needs to make his job as easy as possible. Stevens has become a 2^nd home for Kyle, and he looks forward to many more career milestones with the company.

Thank you for your service, Kyle, and congratulations on this milestone!

Military Veteran? Check Out The Opportunities For Veterans

Our CDL training program is designed to teach the driving skills necessary to be a safe and courteous professional truck driver. But our support doesn’t stop with CDL training. Through our unique mentor program, we assist new drivers adjusting to a new career with our tried and true approach. And for those drivers with a desire to own their own business someday, Stevens Transport helps make that dream a reality.

Learn about our CDL training program.

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After 28 years in the Army, he’s still serving his country by moving it forward

The Story of a Stevens Driving Academy Graduate

Stevens Transport congratulates Sean Harding, driver and graduate of Stevens Driving Academy at Fort Hood, on being recognized as a Top 10 Finalist for both Transition Trucking and Trucking’s Top Rookie for 2017. We are extremely proud of this huge accomplishment! We sat down with Sean to learn a little more about his life and how he got his start in the trucking industry.

A Soldier, Superhero or Trucker?

Sean was born in Canton, Ohio only a few miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He graduated from Akron Central Hower High School in 1986 where he met the love of his life. In December of 1990, only a few short days before he would ship out in support of Operation Desert Storm, he married Marcey, “the prettiest girl in the world.” Sean and Marcey have 4 daughters: Ashley, Brittney, Courtney, and Desteney. During his time in the Army, he and his family traveled and experienced the world.

Sean explains that when he was little he wanted to be 3 things: a soldier, Spiderman, and a truck driver. So far, he has managed to accomplish 2 out of the 3!

Sean Served His Country For Over 28 Years

After joining the Army in 1987, Sean served for over 28 years. Sean mentioned that “while I enjoyed the travel, it was the training and interaction with Soldiers that I enjoyed most; the competition and camaraderie. To put my best up against your best. Whether it be a friendly competition or in combat. The most satisfying assignment I ever had was the 2 years I spent as a Drill Sergeant. It was both the hardest and most rewarding time I spent in the military.”

Although he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the military, he knew that the time had come when he could no longer serve his country with the Army. However, he still wanted to serve the people. He decided to begin CDL training with Stevens Transport. He mentions that through truck driving, “I’ve been able to see all the places and meet some of the people that are in this great country that I defended for so long. Now I am able to help and support them by delivering the clothes they wear and food they eat to stores that the rest of the world is envious of.”

By driving these trucks, we still get to make sure that this country – the country that we love – the country that we protected for so long – gets taken care of.

– Sean Harding

In March of 2017, Sean began team driving with a fellow veteran. They hope to one day start their own company full of veteran drivers that share their same values. He says proudly, “We have been blessed to be in a company where the blueprint to that goal is already there. Now we just have to make the most of our opportunities.”

As a Contractor Division Driver, Sean has now seen many picturesque views of the country while on the road and enjoys meeting the wonderfully diverse people along the way – with Stevens behind him every mile. “You’re going to feel like part of a family – part of a team. Between the outstanding equipment, the outstanding atmosphere that you get, and the top-notch training – you can’t go wrong here at Stevens!”

He recently made the top 10 finalists for the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award and we are so proud of his accomplishment! This award recognizes veterans successfully transitioning out of the military and into the trucking industry.

Congratulations and thank you for moving our nation forward!

Check out the career opportunities for military veterans

VETERAN OPPORTUNITIES

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Gregg Softy joined Stevens Transport last year after a military buddy told him great things about the company. Once he did some research, he knew that there were great opportunities for potential career advancement and that this was the right place for him. Recently, Gregg was named one of the top 3 finalists for Transition Trucking’s Excellence in Trucking award. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment!

The “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” campaign launched last year and is part of an overall effort to inspire hiring more veterans, national guard members, and reservists into the trucking industry. Deserving veteran drivers who have made a successful transition from military service to the trucking industry are able to participate in a chance to win a truck.

Transitioning from Protecting the Country to Exploring It.

Gregg and a fellow military buddy drive together and are enjoying the freedom of the open road as Alliance Team Drivers. They spent many years protecting this country and now they get to explore it and enjoy the fruits of their labor. The pair enjoy seeing all of the landmarks as they drive across the country while doing what they love – running their own business.

When Gregg was in the military, he picked up on various traits that he still carries into his trucking career. The military is similar to the trucking industry because of the close quarters, having to be independent, being part of a team, and upholding similar values of integrity that make it important to succeed as a driver.

Gregg Is Pleased To Be Driving Such Great Trucks From the Start

When Gregg first joined Stevens, he was surprised (and happy) to find out that even new guys at the company get nice trucks! He loves driving the newest, greatest equipment and answering people’s questions when they see his new Kenworth and ask what it takes to get one.

There is a HUGE support system – whether on the road or in the office. Everyone makes you feel like family.

– Gregg Softy

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Brian Bradley is taking advantage of a special military program called Operation Patriot. This program allowed him to get his CDL on duty at Fort Hood as well as qualify for other special incentives. Brian was a bomb technician in the military with a degree in criminal justice. He is now touring America as a driver for Stevens and taking advantage of every place he visits. Brain says, “I spent 23 years defending the country, now it’s time to see it.” Driving has also been very therapeutic for him.

Brian rarely goes to truck stops because he would rather spend his time camping, hiking, biking, or skiing. He recently enjoyed a day of snowboarding while waiting for a load in Colorado. He even received layover pay for it. Brian had a great time, but he said he was pretty sore the next day.

Brian has been with Stevens since November 2015. His driver manager is John Norris. Brian has a wife and two kids. He is especially proud that his daughter will soon be joining the Air Force. Since family is important to Brian, he is thankful it is also important to Stevens.

For more information on how you can take advantage of our special military program, Operation Patriot, call 800-333-8595 or email DriverInfo@StevensTransport.com.

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Gail Losee, a truck driver for Stevens Transport, is a 2020 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award finalist. The award is a partnership between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which supports the Hiring Our Heroes program, along with the FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring program for military personnel and veterans transitioning out of the military into new civilian careers. Kenworth Truck Company is providing the grand prize to this year’s winner. Voting is underway thru November 11, 2020 and the winning truck driver will be announced in late December. The winner will drive off in a brand new, fully loaded Kenworth T680, “The Driver’s Truck.” The truck features numerous upgrades including the Kenworth Driver Studio package.

Gail recently chatted with the folks at Kenworth about her background, her family’s military tradition, and what it would mean to her to be named the Transition Trucking award winner. To learn more about Gail Losee, be sure to watch this inspiring interview and see Gail play a unique game of 20 questions.

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