Trucking For Military Veterans: A Complete Career Guide

There is a large quantity of former military veterans who have turned to a career in trucking after their military service ends. Trucking serves as a versatile but stable and lucrative career choice that requires only basic training; this is a great choice for many people, but veterans specifically due to their skill set. 

There are a few steps to take before becoming a trucker, but they are fairly straightforward. There are dedicated programs within many trucking companies for veterans specifically. This guide highlights an overview of these programs and the training required to start a career in trucking.

Why Veterans Are Turning to Trucking

Approximately one in ten truckers are actually veterans. In some ways, the jobs require similar skills such as discipline, safety, and precision. The career also skews older in terms of worker age; veterans will typically have a few years under the belt after spending some time in the military.

Existing Skills

As touched on previously, the military teaches recruits to have strong situational analysis skills to identify the safest procedures and outcomes. These skills are necessary for truck driving as well; driving a large truck requires safe and defensive driving. Additional shared skills include discipline, physical strength, stamina, flexibility, adaptability, and more.

Great Starting Pay and Benefits

Compared to other careers that don’t require a college degree, truck driving pays quite well. Even new truck drivers can make over $60,000 annually. This is a great way to support a family after a military career ends. Typically, benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans are available for those who need them.

Low-Cost Training

Obtaining a commercial license and enrolling in commercial license and truck driving classes are not expensive at all. Optional classes can cost a few hundred to a few thousand at most, and licenses can be obtained for just a small fee, typically under $100. This is much more ideal than lengthy, costly additional college degrees for many veterans. 

Veteran’s Programs

Many trucking companies, recruiters, training classes, and jobs have specific programs dedicated to supporting veterans. They range from lower-cost training classes to specific hiring programs for veterans. This creates a welcoming and encouraging environment for a veteran’s transition to civilian life.

Trucking Safety

While veterans are typically skilled in navigating out of hazardous driving conditions, it is important to utilize safety skills and be aware of the dangers of reckless driving while trucking. Truck accidents can be very common in the trucking industry, due to reckless third-party drivers or long hours contributing to fatigue. 

There are both local and long-distance trucking careers available. Local trucking requires less distance, but cities such as New York City, Chicago, San Diego, and others have very busy roads that can lead to an increased risk of accidents. Long-distance truckers typically avoid large cities for this reason and others (quicker delivery time), but they still drive through smaller states such as the Carolinas, Alabama, and Tennessee; the risk is still high in these areas for reckless driving, even in smaller counties. There were 208 truck accidents in Sumner County in 2023, proving that no matter the location, defensive driving skills are indispensable.

Starting a Trucking Career

Begin Training

If you’ve never operated commercial trucks before, training is a good idea. There are many optional classes and programs dedicated to truck drivers, particularly veteran drivers. Cost ranges vary, but are typically very affordable. You can use your military benefits to find a veteran-specific training program as well. 

Get Qualified

On most occasions, you’ll need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, license test, and sometimes log driving hours. Some states require vehicle inspection training to obtain a commercial license. 

Obtain a Commercial License

You’ll need to pass driving skills tests to obtain a commercial license. Specific tests vary by state, but will typically always include getting behind the wheel. Licenses are obtained at a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you’ll have to verify your identity and address as well. Your valid military ID typically counts as a form of identity verification, but check your local DMV requirements to confirm.

Finding the Right Trucking Job

There are many great trucking companies and freight brokers to work for, but it’s all about finding the right fit. Types include long-distance truckers, local truckers, hazmat hauling, moving trucks, shipping and fulfillment trucks, and more. Hours can be long depending on the role. You’ll want to research veteran programs for any trucking company you are looking into. There is high demand for these roles, guaranteeing plenty of choice in terms of specific roles as well as job security.

Conclusion

Truckers are in high demand, presenting both job security and variety for anyone interested. Veterans make up a good percentage of truck drivers due to their applicable skills and a plethora of veteran-specific training and hiring programs available. Training is recommended, as well as brushing up on defensive driving skills. Overall, it is a promising and simple career choice with great starting pay and benefits.