Truckers for Troops: the trucking industry supports veterans

During Veterans Day, the trucking industry shows its support for active-duty service members and veterans.

On November 11, we honor those who have served the United States. During Veterans Day, the trucking industry demonstrates its appreciation for both active-duty military personnel and retired veterans through the Truckers for Troops campaign, organized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).

Through this campaign, funds are raised to support various veterans’ organizations and to send care packages to U.S. troops stationed overseas. Now in its 19th year, Truckers for Troops takes place from November 10 to 17, making it a week in which the trucking industry places America’s troops at the forefront.

Truckers for Troops is made possible through an OOIDA donation program in which new and renewed memberships are offered at a reduced rate of $35 per year, with 10% of the total amount going directly to the campaign. In addition, OOIDA matches every contribution dollar-for-dollar.

Truckers for Troops: supporting U.S. service members and veterans

Since its inception in 2007, OOIDA members have raised more than $800,000 to support veterans and active-duty military personnel, sending nearly 40,000 care packages to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Truckers for Troops campaign also contributes by sending care packages to 65 different centers that serve wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans.

Organizations like the Veterans Community Project (VCP), based in Kansas City, Missouri, are among the biggest beneficiaries of Truckers for Troops’ support. This organization aims to combat veteran homelessness, provide support resources, offer meals to those in need, and address many other challenges veterans face once they complete their service.

In addition to its original location in Kansas City, VCP has community villages in Glendale, Arizona; Longmont, Colorado; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; St. Louis, Missouri; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In September, Truckers for Troops visited the VCP community in Longmont, delivering 250 backpacks filled with supplies and a $10,000 donation.

Veterans in the trucking industry

With more than 18 million veterans in the United States, the importance of this program is increasingly evident. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 10% of truck drivers in the country are veterans, meaning that roughly one in four veterans works in the trucking industry. This statistic highlights the importance of offering programs and resources that support both former service members and those still in uniform who may be considering a future in trucking.

Veterans operate a significant portion of the trucks on U.S. roads, and there are no signs that this community will be stepping away from the industry anytime soon. Furthermore, according to data from the US Military website, transportation studies have shown that veteran truck drivers:

Have had 42% fewer accidents in recent years.
Have driven 98% more miles than non-veteran drivers.
Have experienced 68% fewer involuntary terminations.

Moreover, since veterans are already accustomed to spending long periods away from their families, the lifestyle of a truck driver doesn’t pose a significant challenge for them.

The trucking industry is deeply connected to the veteran community in many ways, which is why OOIDA has spent 19 years providing this essential support. To become part of Truckers for Troops, you can call 816-229-5791 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, or visit OOIDA.com to join or renew your membership.

Thank you, veterans, for your service to our nation — both in the military and in the trucking industry.