Still Serving: Why Veterans Make Outstanding Truck Drivers

Quick Summary:

• Commercial truck driving continues to be a popular destination for veterans transitioning into civilian life, attracted by flexibility, autonomy, good pay, and structure.
• Fleets appreciate many of the skills that veterans have acquired in the military, both in work ethic and practical knowledge of heavy machinery and equipment.
• There are many valuable resources to help veterans get started in a trucking career, or to make more networking connections as an experienced driver.

In honor of Veterans Day this week, we’re taking a deeper dive into why truckers are such a great fit for commercial trucking and what resources are available to new and experienced veteran truckers.

Why Do Fleets Love to Hire Veterans?

According to studies cited by usmilitary.com, veterans who are now commercial drivers:

• Had 42% fewer accidents in recent years
• Drove 98% more miles than non-veteran drivers
• Had 68% fewer “involuntary terminations” (AKA firings)

Veterans bring many invaluable qualities and skills to fleets that they learned during their time in the military, such as leadership skills, discipline, loyalty, and a familiarity with a culture of safety. They typically are good at teamwork and have been taught the value of attention to detail. 

Those who had a related MOS — such as those involving heavy machinery, tactical wheeled vehicles, transporting personnel and cargo, and performing loading/unloading, or navigation —

bring additional real-world experience that translates directly to commercial truck driving. 

Why Do Veterans Love Driving?

The transition from the highly structured world of service back to civilian life can be challenging, but truckers gravitate toward the lifestyle provided by commercial truck driving. Many enjoy being out on the road, rather than stuck behind a desk, and appreciate the autonomy and freedom of running your own route.

Additionally, commercial trucking provides a steady income, reliable hours, and competitive pay. Fleets are doing more and more to improve the driver experience, including providing the newest and most efficient technologies that save time and headaches. And since one out of every 10 commercial drivers are military veterans, the post-service bond is strong within the driving community.

How Can a Veteran Get Started in Trucking?

There are many helpful resources for veterans interested in becoming truck drivers, both in government and in private industry.

Veteran-Focused CDL Employment Portals

There are several websites and resource portals focused on helping veterans enter a trucking career. They gather many resources into one place, and sometimes offer advisors to help. These portals are very helpful, but keep in mind that they are benefiting from connecting you to certain CDL schools or fleets. For example, some helpful portals are Troops Into Transportation and Troops to Truckers.

G.I. Bill to Pay for Your CDL

Veterans can use their GI Bill for trucking by applying for benefits through va.gov to cover the costs of CDL training at a VA-approved school. The process involves obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, enrolling in an approved CDL program, and presenting your COE to the school to pay for tuition, materials, and, in some cases, housing. There are numerous resources online, or you can call the Education Call Center at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) (inside the U.S.) or 001-918-781-5678 (outside the U.S.).

Military Skills Test Waiver Program

This program allows drivers with two years' experience safely operating heavy military vehicles to obtain a CDL without taking the driving test (skills test). This program is available in every state. To date, more than 40,000 service members and veterans have taken advantage of this waiver program. Military personnel can use the skills test waiver if they are currently licensed and were employed within the past year (12 months) in a military position that required the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle.

Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver)

In participating states, veterans can use this program to gain exemption from the knowledge test portion of the CDL process. When used with the Military Skills Test Waiver, this allows a driver to exchange a military license for a CDL. Military personnel can use this skills test waiver if they are currently licensed and are/were employed within the past year (12 months) in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle.

Already a Trucker? Connect with Other Vets

If you’re looking to build your veteran network within the industry, there are several organizations explicitly designed to do just that. For example, veteransintrucking.com offers a single portal to find veteran-friendly fleets, participate in special honor trips, access employment coaching and articles, apply for awards, and read other veterans’ real-world stories. 

Similarly, the American Trucking Associations Workforce Heroes Program sponsors outreach to new drivers and support of existing ones, as well as an eye-catching camo truck that travels around the U.S. to promote careers in trucking for veterans. Tapping into groups like this offers a chance for camaraderie around the military experience in the trucking industry. 

Just as they were unsung heroes during their time in service, veterans are comfortable taking on the responsibility of keeping our society functioning from the cab of a truck. Commercial trucking offers both freedom and structure that appeal to many veterans, and by leveraging available tools and resources, the process of starting and continuing a successful career in trucking can be as efficient as possible.