Believe it or not, military veterans may benefit from the driver shortage in the trucking industry.
There is a shortage of qualified drivers of at least 30,000 in the industry according to FTR Transportation Intelligence, and numerous trucking firms entice truck drivers and owner-operators through competitive compensation programs and bonuses.
That is fantastic news for veterans. The American Trucking Association has pledged to hire 100,000 veterans, and several trucking businesses have implemented veteran recruiting initiatives that offer hiring favors and additional resources.
Take, for example, US Xpress. According to its website, it provides apprenticeships as well as an advanced rate-of-pay program in which truck drivers with no experience can earn up to $75,000 if they have been honorably discharged.
Since leaving the Marine Corps in 2006, Thomas Kirby has been driving trucks. He stated that he worked for many trucking companies for almost a decade before becoming the owner/operator of his own company.
According to Kirby: “Trucking sometimes gets a bad rap, but I love it. 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.”
Here are some of the main reasons why a truck driving career as a military veteran should be considered:
1. Military Skill Duplication
Most military people are technically competent, hard workers who are driven and have regularly worked with heavy equipment. Even individuals who have never worked with heavy machinery have the tenacity and work ethic that many trucking businesses look for in an employee.
Furthermore, if you already have a commercial driver’s license, many employers will consider that period to be seniority and will start you at a higher rate of pay. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Military Skills Test Waiver program can expedite a CDL for veterans who meet specific qualifications.
2. Training Is Covered Under The GI Bill
There are many Post-9/11 GI Bill-approved trucking schools where you can obtain valuable experience and credentials.
3. Career Safety
There is a severe shortage of skilled drivers and support employees in the trucking and logistics industry. With increased delivery due to internet buyers, corporations such as Amazon and Walmart are competing for veterans to drive their trucks.
4. Consistent Pay And Excellent Benefits
According to the American Trucking Association’s website, pay and benefits have increased by 8% to 12% in recent years. This increase exceeds the national average of 2%, and the ATA anticipates that it will continue to rise. A trucker who works for a private fleet, such as Amazon or Walmart, earns $90,000 per year on average.
5. Veterans Have The Soft Skills That The Industry Requires.
Veterans provide grit, teamwork, and self-discipline, as well as a mission-driven attitude. These characteristics enable veterans to advance through the ranks faster than civilians.
Were you a veteran working as a truck driver? How was your experience? We’d love to hear them in the comment box below!
