Many veterans have trouble finding occupations for which they are qualified. To assist our heroes in beginning the next chapter of their lives, the Biden administration launched the Trucking Action Plan To Strengthen America’s Workforce. 

This effort also aims to solve the critical lack of truck drivers. The trucking industry is starving for new drivers, and military veterans have all of the attributes needed to launch a successful CDL career. 

Does Military Driving Experience Count As Actual Driving Experience?

Veterans with two years of experience safely operating large military vehicles can acquire a CDL without completing the driving test (skills test) under the Military Skills Test Waiver Program. However, a written test is still required. Critical thinking, physical concentration, situational awareness, courage and resolve, adaptability, leadership, and teamwork are also useful in the trucking sector.

5 Reasons Why Veterans Should Consider A Career In Trucking:

Job Security

Truck drivers are scarce in the transportation industry. Shipping prices rise year after year as a result of online purchases. As a result, for retired warriors looking for a new chapter in their lives, a truck-driving career can be an ideal choice. All veterans have to do is choose a trucking company that is a good fit for them. 

Financial Assistance Benefits

Veterans and service members may be eligible for financial assistance through GI Bill programs to help pay for CDL driving school training. 

Compensation And Benefits

The average truck driver wage in the United States is $60,326 per year, according to Zippia.com. Of course, remuneration varies from state to state. In Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, truck drivers earn the most. Over the road or OTR, truck drivers are well-known for earning the highest pay. 

According to Indeed.com, OTR truck drivers who work for a private fleet such as Amazon or Walmart can earn up to $90,000 per year. However, revenue is determined by a variety of factors such as experience, driving record, kind of truck and trailer, trucking company you work for, types of freight, distance, and so on. Many trucking businesses also provide their employees with amenities such as health insurance and paid time off. 

But wait, there’s more! You can become an independent contractor and start your own business with a few years of trucking experience. According to Indeed, the average annual compensation for an owner-operator driver is $146,697. Of course, this will vary depending on how much they make and how much they spend. It is a fantastic opportunity to make a solid career, but it is critical to work with reputable logistics businesses.  

Qualifications

Many military veterans already have the soft qualities required for a career in the trucking industry, such as situational awareness, self-discipline, mission focus, leadership, and team effort. Furthermore, they may have driven heavy equipment and vehicles while serving in the military. 

Travel Opportunity

Every day, being a truck driver allows you to enjoy the beauty of the open road. And, of course, liberty. Many veterans do not want to spend the entire day in the office. Furthermore, truckers require independence after being subjected to over-the-shoulder supervision in the military. 

Programs For Military Drivers

There are numerous federal programs and services available to assist service members and veterans in beginning their careers in the trucking sector. The complete list may be seen here. The most common are:

Skills Test Waiver 

When applying for a CDL, eligible military people and veterans may have the Commercial Driver License (CDL) skills examinations waived.

Education (GI Bill Benefits) Program 

Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to pay for their educational programs, such as college, graduate school, and training programs. To learn more about GI Bills and other necessary details, you can check here.

Even the Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) is available. 

For qualifying military personnel, states may waive both CDL skills and knowledge examinations (available in CA, GA, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, MO, NC, ND, NM, SC, VA, VT, WI, and WV).

Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Grant Program 

Trains service personnel, veterans, and military spouses in the safe operation of commercial vehicles.

As a result, the trucking sector is an excellent location for war veterans to apply their talents and attributes to find success in their new employment. 

Are you a veteran interested in this kind of opportunity? If yes, we’d love to have you here at Advanced Trucking. Learn about our requirements here. You may also start your application by clicking this link.