Veterans and Trucking

“A soldier is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America up to and including their life.” Unknown

Last month was Military Appreciation Month, a time to remember the impactful influence the military has on our country’s safety, security, and overall well-being. We reflect and thank those who serve for their outstanding bravery and to help support them while they consider their next steps in their civilian lives once their time in the military has ended.

Veterans are often faced with a “what’s next” question when returning home to their daily lives. Selecting the right career to remain engaged while transitioning into the civilian workforce can be challenging. Becoming a commercial truck driver offers veterans an opportunity to balance their work and home lives while continuing to strive for safety and security.

In 2015, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provided a $2.3 million grant to help returning military members transition into a civilian job as part of a ‘troops to trucks’ campaign. Since then, the number of military friendly trucking companies has skyrocketed.

Veterans and trucking go together like hamburger, fries, and apple pie. Trucking is the backbone of the American economy, and as a veteran, they may already have all the skills they need to contribute this essential service to the nation while providing a comfortable life for themselves and their family.

Trucking companies love veterans because they have a can-do attitude, an untiring work ethic, and red-blooded, patriotic pride in their work. Veterans are almost perfectly crafted during their time of service for the similar demands of trucking. That’s why trucking companies are now fighting for the best candidates, offering better and better benefits specifically designed for vets.

Truckers need grit and both mental and physical stamina. They need to work independently and often in isolation while still maintaining a team-oriented attitude. They need to be able to handle some time away from home, though many veteran friendly trucking companies offer strict regional work that allows them to spend more time with their family. Veteran truckers are also able to rely on their training in situational awareness to stay alert and reactive, making them some of the safest truckers on the road. Military Veterans & Truck Driving Jobs | HaulHound

I think there's no higher calling for an American than to serve in our armed forces, and driving a truck, delivering America's most essential goods safely, is also a high calling." - Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO 2003-2017

America’s truck drivers are essential to keeping the goods we all rely on, and our economy, moving. Unfortunately, the industry continues to face long-standing recruitment and retention challenges as the demand for drivers has grown during the pandemic. 

Regardless of their military truck-driving experience, veterans and transitioning service members are excellent candidates to help tackle this challenge and pursue good trucking jobs. Military service helps promote a sense of mission, teamwork and loyalty while providing technical training and promoting a culture of safety, all of which are helpful in the trucking industry.  For many veterans, good trucking jobs can provide career security, flexibility, and family-sustaining wages, while also providing an opportunity to see our nation.   

With options ranging from Registered Apprenticeship and SkillBridge to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Even Exchange Program, transitioning service members and veterans can leverage numerous resources and GI Bill benefits to help them earn a commercial driver’s license. They can continue their service by becoming part of an industry critical to American commerce and safeguard our national security. Veterans Can Build the Next Generation of the Trucking Workforce | U.S. Department of Labor Blog (dol.gov)

The transportation industry is focused on safety. While there are steps, we can take to reduce risk and optimize the safety of drivers and trucks on the road, accidents are not completely preventable and will happen at some point.

As many veterans often acquire a certain degree of medical training or certification while completing their service, they are a valuable asset to any trucking company. Having the knowledge that their drivers can help save lives and take care of injuries in the event of an accident is an invaluable benefit for fleet managers.

The specialized training, skills, and experience that veterans have developed throughout their service can directly apply to the trucking industry. A career as a truck driver is an ideal match for any veteran looking to be productive and successful in a growing field. Military veterans find new opportunities in the trucking industry | Omnitracs

A driver shortfall in the trucking industry could be a windfall for military veterans. In a market that’s already heavily understaffed, the industry is vigorously recruiting new drivers, including military veterans.

Forbes listed trucking as one of the top 10 best jobs for veterans, and for good reason. According to FTR Transportation Intelligence, the industry is facing a shortfall of at least 300,000 qualified drivers, and many trucking companies have increased starting salaries and bonuses in hopes of attracting new drivers.

That's great news for veterans. The American Trucking Association has made a commitment to hiring 100,000 veterans, and many trucking companies have adopted veteran hiring programs that provide hiring preferences and additional resources. Related: Search for Veteran Jobs

Veterans Make Excellent Truck Drivers, women veterans are the fastest growing veteran population and are projected to account for 2.2 million members of the veteran population by 2026.

There's a lot of similarities between what [servicemen and women] do in the military and what the trucking industry does, and that's regardless of what their military occupation or specialty is." - Bill McLennan, FASTPORT CEO

There are many reasons the trucking industry, is looking for veterans. Because many veterans are highly skilled at driving and operating heavy trucks and machinery, they are suited to becoming truck drivers. In addition, they have created and honed a knowledge and skill base that makes a quality truck driver. 

• Team Player: In the military, teamwork is at the core of every mission.
• More mobile lifestyle: In the military, they are always on the move. Similarly, OTR drivers are likely to be away from home for a while before returning home. Some trucking jobs may have more regular home time than that, depending on your position.
• Strong work ethic: Most military veterans know how important their job is, how hard they've worked, and they treat it with the respect it deserves. They take responsibility for their actions and hold themself accountable. All are qualities trucking companies value in a driver.
• Mental stamina: Veterans are used to being under pressure and working long hours. Your ability to always stay focused is a perfect quality for the trucking industry.
• Excellent leadership skills: Veterans have learned to take charge of situations and ownership of their actions. Both qualities are well-valued in the trucking industry.
• Alert and aware: Being alert and aware of your surroundings is something military personnel are trained to do. This is extremely beneficial when out on the road.

As for the trucking companies themselves, there is plenty they see in veterans. Military veterans are known for their work ethic. They know how to show up to work on time, how to communicate, and how to work hard. If something is broken, they don’t throw in the towel, but rather, they find a way to fix it. Veterans are known for working in tough conditions, meaning they won’t give up at the first sign of hardship. They know how to work under pressure and take on big tasks. These, of course, are stereotypes, but among a short list of attributes that describe working veterans. The Growing Demand for Veterans in the Truck... | US Military

There is also a great deal of respect for veterans. They served their country, and gain favor among the public and employers alike. Veterans have put in their time and have found maturity. 

Many veterans also come in with their own truck driving experience. Whether they drove Humvees onto trailers, or worked in trucking before their time of service, there are many former military members who can skillfully drive a rig. 

But there’s more to it than that – there are actual stats showing veterans are better, safer drivers, and more reliable employees.

Trucking experts conduct regular studies and they have shown that veteran truck drivers had 42% fewer accidents in recent years. Veterans believe in brotherhood, that family feeling that only the military can provide. They know what it’s like to work together and bond over a similar experience. That same camaraderie thrives within the trucking industry, calling veterans to the career. 

All types of reasons are cited by vets for becoming a truck driver. There are those who want to heal on the road, those who want to travel, those who want a steady job, and those who want to have a career that’s both important, meaningful, and needed. Trucking fits all those bills, and then some.

Thomas Kirby has been driving trucks since he left the Marine Corps in 2006. He said he worked for several trucking companies for about a decade before he became an owner/operator of his own business.

"Most of my hauls are within my state, but I take the occasional cross-country job. I love seeing the country, and the freedom I have to take what jobs I want can't be beaten." Thomas said. 5 Reasons Why Vets Should Consider a Career in Trucking | Military.com

Veterans are in high demand for the trucking industry. Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be challenging for many service members. Trucking can be a good opportunity for veterans to find a stable career and make a good living after their time in the military is over.

Memorial Day concludes Military Appreciation Month. Veterans are obviously a major part of Memorial Day. It is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

The brave die never, though they sleep in dust; Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” - Minot J. Savage

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many volunteers place American flags on the graves of military personnel in national cemeteries. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. Memorial Day 2023: Facts, Meaning & Traditions | HISTORY

Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” - Unknown

Congress in December 2000 passed, and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” to ensure those who sacrificed their lives for the country were not forgotten. The National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans to pause in silence to honor those who have died serving the U.S., takes place at 3:00p.m. on Memorial Day. 5 Facts About Memorial Day’s History and Meaning – NBC Chicago

The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” - GK Chesterton

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