Freedom Haulers: How Veterans Can Get CDL and Start a Trucking Career

Sleeping inside a truck cab may seem worlds apart from serving in the military, but the Trump Administration believes the transition is more natural than many veterans realize. Through a new initiative called Freedom Haulers, the federal government aims to help thousands of former service members build careers in one of America’s most essential industries: commercial trucking.

The program was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who described it as a coordinated federal effort to help veterans move from military service into civilian careers while strengthening the nation’s freight transportation workforce.

Freedom Haulers is led by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Labor (DOhttps://www.dol.gov/L).

At the center of the initiative is the new Freedom Haulers website, where veterans can learn how to qualify for CDL training, explore education benefits, review military driving waivers, connect with employers and access federal resources designed to speed up their transition into the trucking industry.

A One-Stop Resource for Veterans

Rather than searching multiple government websites, veterans can now find key information in one place.

The Freedom Haulers portal explains how military experience can translate into commercial driving careers, outlines available federal programs and provides direct guidance on obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). It also connects visitors with participating employers and training opportunities.

The campaign is supported by digital advertising, public outreach and educational materials intended for active-duty personnel preparing to leave the military, veterans and trucking companies looking to hire experienced professionals.

Why Trucking Needs More Drivers

The trucking industry remains one of the largest employers in the United States and serves as the backbone of the nation’s supply chain.

Every day, commercial trucks move food, fuel, medicine, manufacturing equipment, retail products and countless other goods across the country. Despite improvements in technology and logistics, carriers continue to recruit new drivers to replace retirees, support fleet growth and meet increasing freight demand.

Federal officials believe veterans represent one of the strongest talent pools available because many already possess the discipline, responsibility and operational experience required for commercial driving.

Military Experience Fits the Profession

According to the administration, many of the qualities developed during military service align naturally with the trucking profession.

Veterans are accustomed to following safety procedures, operating under pressure, managing complex equipment and making sound decisions in demanding environments. Those same skills are highly valued by trucking companies across the country.

Many former service members also have experience operating heavy military vehicles, making the transition to commercial trucks significantly easier than starting from scratch.

GI Bill Benefits Can Help Pay for CDL Training

One of the most attractive features highlighted by Freedom Haulers is access to education benefits that may cover the cost of CDL training.

Eligible veterans can use GI Bill education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs to help pay for approved Commercial Driver’s License training programs.

Depending on individual eligibility and the training provider, these benefits can substantially reduce or even eliminate out-of-pocket training costs, allowing veterans to begin a new civilian career with less financial burden.

Military Drivers May Qualify for CDL Waivers

Veterans who operated heavy military vehicles may also qualify for special exemptions administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Through the Military Skills Test Waiver Program, qualified applicants may be allowed to skip portions of the CDL skills test if they can document sufficient military driving experience.

These waivers can shorten the licensing process and help veterans enter the workforce more quickly.

Stable Careers Across the Industry

Freedom Haulers also highlights the variety of opportunities available throughout the trucking sector.

New CDL holders can pursue long-haul freight, regional routes, local delivery operations, specialized freight, tanker transportation, flatbed hauling and many other career paths depending on their interests and lifestyle.

Demand for qualified commercial drivers remains strong throughout the country, giving veterans access to a broad range of employers and career options.

Federal Officials Highlight Veterans’ Value

Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the administration wants to strengthen America’s trucking workforce by encouraging more veterans to pursue commercial driving careers.

He noted that the discipline, precision, independence and commitment developed through military service closely match the qualities needed to operate commercial vehicles safely and professionally.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said thousands of veterans already make this transition every year and that Freedom Haulers is designed to make the process even easier by improving coordination among federal agencies and private employers.

Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling added that the initiative supports broader efforts to strengthen the American workforce while helping industries facing persistent labor shortages.

Strengthening America’s Supply Chain

Beyond creating employment opportunities for veterans, Freedom Haulers is intended to reinforce one of the country’s most critical industries.

Nearly every product Americans use depends on trucking at some point in the supply chain. Reliable commercial drivers help move essential goods from ports and factories to warehouses, retailers, hospitals and homes nationwide.

By helping veterans access CDL training, education benefits and faster licensing pathways, the Trump Administration hopes Freedom Haulers will both expand career opportunities for former service members and strengthen the workforce that keeps America’s economy moving.