The Trump administration unveiled the "Freedom Haulers" initiative on July 30, aimed at moving military veterans into commercial trucking careers as the industry faces a persistent driver shortage. The multi-agency program spans the Departments of Transportation, Labor, Veterans Affairs and War, according to information provided by the White House and reported by LEX18.
Under the initiative, veterans with heavy-vehicle experience in the military can bypass redundant road tests to obtain a commercial driver's license, while the Department of Transportation is expanding eligibility for expedited CDL waivers, extending the qualifying window to 24 months after active duty, up from 12 months. Indiana and Wyoming will join the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's "Even Exchange" program, which streamlines the transfer of military driving experience into civilian commercial credentials, with other states expected to follow.
The Department of Veterans Affairs said truck-driving schools already qualify for GI Bill and Veterans Readiness and Employment benefits, with more than 2,800 veterans currently enrolled in related training programs, and plans a nationwide outreach campaign aimed at roughly 19 million veterans. The Department of Labor will use its Employment Navigator Program to connect transitioning service members with trucking employers.
Werner Enterprises, a national carrier with roughly 14,000 drivers, said it plans to hire 1,400 veteran drivers over the coming year in connection with the program. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the initiative is intended to strengthen supply chains while helping veterans secure jobs after their service.
Source: LEX18 (Scripps News) - https://www.lex18.com/news/national-news/trump-launches-freedom-haulers-initiative-to-expand-trucking-jobs-for-veterans