Jones, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who began driving professionally this year, was named the 2025 Transition Trucking Driving to Excellence Award winner. The award honors military veterans who are new to trucking and demonstrate strong performance, professionalism, and commitment early in their careers.

Recognition Presented in Washington, DC

Jones received the award during a formal ceremony held on Friday at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offices in Washington, DC. The honor is presented jointly by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth, and FASTPORT.

As part of the award, Jones received a new Kenworth T680 configured with a 76-inch sleeper. The truck is powered by the PACCAR Powertrain, including a PACCAR MX 13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, a PACCAR TX 12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX 40 tandem rear axles.

From Army Service to the Driver’s Seat

Jones graduated from high school in Indian Trail, North Carolina, in 2004 and entered the Army through its delayed entry program. Over two decades of service, he held roles as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, instructor operator, standards operator, and platoon sergeant.

His military career included three combat deployments to Iraq and two rotations to South Korea.

After completing his military service, Jones attended the Georgia Driving Academy, graduating in December 2024. He began his trucking career shortly after through Roehl Transport’s Safety and Job Skills Training Program.

Jones is married to his wife Katrina and is the father of two children, Alvin and Monica.

Other Finalists Recognized

Two additional drivers were named finalists for the 2025 award.

• Macy Mattice, a former U.S. Army E-4, now drives for Melton Truck Lines.
• Mark Scriven, who served as a U.S. Army E-6, currently drives for Stevens Transport.

Both finalists received cash prizes as part of the recognition.

Roehl’s Ongoing Veteran Support

Roehl Transport has a long-standing history of hiring and supporting military veterans. Jones is the second Roehl driver to earn the Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award.

Earlier this year, the company received the 2026 Military Friendly Employer Top 10 designation from the publishers of GI Jobs magazine, along with the Wisconsin Vet Ready Award. Roehl also supports National Guard and Reserve members through participation in the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program.

About the Transition Trucking Award

The Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award program launched in 2016. It is part of a broader effort to encourage the hiring of military veterans, National Guard members, and reservists into trucking careers and to recognize early success within the industry.

For drivers considering a move from military service into trucking, Jones’ recognition highlights how structured training, consistency, and professionalism can translate into early career achievement behind the wheel.

Source: Truckers News

The post Roehl Driver and Army Veteran Charles Jones Jr. Earns National Transition Trucking Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why OOIDA Launched the Program

Many drivers dream about becoming their own boss, but statistics show the odds are tough in the early years. According to the association, “The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has noticed that many small trucking businesses tend to fail within the first year of operating for a variety of reasons. The OOIDA Foundation, which is the educational and research affiliate of OOIDA, wants to help navigate those going through the change from a company driver to an owner-operator, or help with the desire to have a more successful trucking business.”

This new program guides industry experts who understand the challenges of starting and sustaining a trucking business.

Course Format and Schedule

Drivers can enroll in Truck to Success either virtually or in person. The three-day in-person seminar will be held October 21–23 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs, Missouri, while the live-streamed version will be available through Zoom.

For anyone planning to attend in person, the registration cutoff is October 1. Online registration remains open until October 20.

OOIDA emphasized that “Participants will hear from trucking experts dedicated to helping drivers become successful business owners. The training is designed to follow a logical path along the transition from a company driver to an independent contractor to an owner-operator with their own authority.”

What Drivers Will Learn

The program is structured to address the biggest pitfalls new owner-operators face. OOIDA explained, “The seminar covers some of the most important points you need to deal with to avoid failing as an owner-operator.”

Topics include:

• Building a business plan and understanding how it impacts long-term success
• Choosing the right truck and financing options
• Deciding whether to lease to a carrier or run under your own authority
• Managing taxes to keep more of your earnings
• How to work effectively with brokers

Additional areas of focus are just as critical for independent drivers:

• Insurance essentials
• The New Entrant Safety Audit and compliance reviews
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements
• UCR, IRP, and IFTA regulations
• Factoring and business structure choices (sole proprietor vs. incorporation)
• Current issues facing trucking today

Open to All Drivers

The Truck to Success course is not limited to OOIDA members. Any driver who wants to build a stronger foundation for their business is welcome to register.

For full course details or to sign up, visit OOIDA’s registration page.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Timur Shakerzianov (Unsplash)

The post Truck to Success with OOIDA’s Owner-Operator Training Course appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.