(Updated March 21, 2024)
Many veterans return to civilian life and wonder what their next step will be. How will they earn an income and continue supporting their families? To many veterans, this is a genuine and worrisome thought. However, many military veterans are discovering a new career in trucking is something they can become very passionate about.
Why the Trucking Industry:
After retiring from the military, many veterans will have experience driving heavy military machinery. This can translate beautifully onto the open road when they become a truck driver. All 50 states and Washington, DC, have passed the Military Skills Test Waiver. The Military Skills Test Waiver allows a soldier who has at least two (2) years of experience driving heavy military equipment and has done so within the last year (12 months) to be exempt from the road test portion of their CDL education. This makes transitioning into a new career even faster for veterans coming home and looking for a job transition. Veterans can also use their GI Bill® to help pay for some or all of their CDL training at CDS Tractor Trailer Training.
Using Your Military Skills:
Many of the skills you learned in the military transfer to the trucking industry. To be successful as a truck driver, you must be self-motivated and disciplined, follow regulations on rest and driving time, and be on schedule. You must also be reliable and punctual so your carrier knows you will deliver the load on time every time, or communicate if something prevents you from doing so.
A Career that will Support You:
After completing your service to our country, you can rely on the trucking industry for a secure job in an in-demand field. Entry-level trucking jobs often start at $40,000+ annually, and some management positions can reach $80,000+. You will also get paid vacation time, full health care benefits, and a retirement package. Many companies also offer additional monetary incentives for reaching certain industry goals or performance standards.
Now that you are done serving our country, we hope that you will consider a job in the trucking industry. A secure job that will give you peace of mind and the ability to support your family is what you deserve! Now is your time to travel the country you fought so hard to protect.
For more information about why you should consider a career in trucking as a veteran, contact CDS Tractor Trailer Training. CDS provides both Class A CDL training and Class B CDL Training in four convenient locations throughout Virginia.