A high starting CPM does not automatically mean the company is a good long-term fit. Some fleets offer better training, more stable freight, stronger dispatch communication, or schedules that work better for veterans adjusting to civilian life after years of military routines and deployments.

Several well-known carriers regularly recruit veterans because military experience often translates well into trucking operations.

• Schneider National
• Werner Enterprises
• Roehl Transport
• J.B. Hunt Transport Services
• TMC Transportation
• Maverick Transportation
• Melton Truck Lines

Some of those fleets focus heavily on structured onboarding and apprenticeship programs. Others attract veterans because of flatbed freight, dedicated operations, specialized hauling, or long-term advancement opportunities after the first year behind the wheel.

The First Year Usually Shapes Long-Term Retention

Many new drivers leave their first carrier faster than expected because the day-to-day reality of the job does not match recruiting conversations.

Veterans entering trucking often adjust better when companies clearly explain freight expectations, home time, dispatch procedures, equipment policies, and pay structure before orientation even begins. Operations that constantly change schedules or communicate poorly can become frustrating quickly for drivers used to organized systems and accountability.

The first several months also tend to expose issues that recruiting ads never mention. Long wait times at shippers, weak maintenance support, inconsistent miles, or unclear dispatcher communication usually matter more long-term than sign-on bonuses.

Some veterans prefer large carriers during the first year because bigger fleets often provide more freight consistency and established training systems. Others eventually move toward smaller operations where communication feels more direct and schedules become easier to predict.

Freight Type Matters More Than Many Drivers Expect

Not every veteran wants the same type of trucking job after leaving military service.

Some drivers intentionally avoid over-the-road freight because they want more time at home after years spent traveling or deployed away from family. Others prefer the independence of long-haul trucking and enjoy spending extended time on the road.

Flatbed and specialized freight often attract veterans because the work stays more physically active and involves cargo securement, planning, and technical responsibility beyond simply backing into docks. Drivers looking for tanker, heavy haul, or dedicated freight operations may also find that those environments feel more structured than standard dry van freight.

The best carrier usually depends less on reputation alone and more on whether the freight, schedule, and operational style actually fit the life the driver wants to build after military service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can veterans use GI Bill benefits for CDL training?

Some CDL schools and apprenticeship programs participate in GI Bill-eligible training pathways.

Do trucking companies give veterans hiring preference?

Some fleets actively recruit veterans because military experience often translates well into trucking operations and safety-focused work environments.

Why do many veterans choose flatbed trucking?

Flatbed operations often involve more physical work, cargo securement, and procedural consistency compared to standard dry van freight.

Are smaller trucking companies better for veterans?

Some veterans prefer smaller fleets because communication can feel more direct and personal compared to larger operations.

Should first-year drivers switch companies quickly if problems start?

Many experienced drivers recommend paying close attention to communication, freight consistency, equipment quality, and home time during the first year before deciding whether a carrier is the right long-term fit.

Veterans usually succeed most in trucking when they focus on how the operation actually runs once orientation ends. Stable freight, organized communication, realistic scheduling, and strong maintenance support tend to shape long-term job satisfaction far more than recruiting promises alone.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 15, 2026

The post How Veterans Can Find the Right Trucking Company After Military Service appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data confirms that heavy truck drivers average 2,200 miles weekly, while optimized CDL tanker jobs pros consistently exceed 2,500 through better HOS planning. Tanker jobs reward drivers who master federal flexibility while staying 100% compliant.

How You Can Master the 30-Minute Break Window Perfectly

FMCSA permits starting your mandatory 30-minute break precisely when pulling into shipper racks for petroleum offloads. Typical 45-minute terminal delays pause your ELD driving clock legally while you wait. American Transportation Research Institute confirms this timing eliminates 20-30 minutes daily deadhead time. You can stack one additional short-haul weekly, converting unavoidable delays into paid miles instead of lost clock cycles.

How You Can Secure Advance Log Reviews from Dispatch

You can text your projected Hours of Service remaining immediately after drop-off. Request two-hour advance electronic log reviews before accepting the next dispatch. This prevents momentum-killing mid-week 70-hour resets that wipe out weekend earnings. ATRI studies prove proactive coordination delivers 12% higher driver utilization across tanker fleets. Carriers reward planners who maximize veteran uptime with preferred load assignments.

How You Can Benchmark Your Performance Weekly

You can email simple miles-per-hour reports every Friday against ATRI liquid bulk standards. Industry average sits at 55 mph for 9,000-gallon petroleum haulers in CDL tanker jobs. Consistently beating this benchmark justifies express loading lane requests during volume spikes. Truckload Carriers Association research shows drivers who document superior efficiency secure 10% faster terminal turnarounds monthly.

How You Can Capitalize on Seasonal Volume Surges

You can track weekly totals against fuel prices and predictable summer petroleum surges affecting tanker jobs. Optimized HOS lets you chain runs others must reset, converting efficiency gains into $1,200 monthly increases at standard $0.60 per mile rates. FMCSA compliance audits favor strategic electronic logs, reducing pull-over risk by 25% according to their violation statistics.

How You Can Track Results and Build Your Reputation

You can maintain weekly mile totals in any simple spreadsheet. Note which HOS adjustments delivered the biggest gains alongside seasonal patterns you already recognize. Share one successful tactic monthly during safety meetings. Fleet managers promote drivers who consistently maximize utilization while maintaining perfect compliance. Your dispatch position improves immediately.

You can start tomorrow by timing your first rack arrival perfectly. Next week’s board position reflects your initiative. These steps work because tanker jobs and CDL tanker jobs veterans apply them daily against real FMCSA regulations and terminal realities.

Search “tanker jobs near me”, “CDL tanker jobs near me”, and “tanker companies near me” to find carriers who reward HOS masters with premium pay and priority dispatch.

The post How You Can Maximize Weekly Tanker Miles Through Smart HOS Planning appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The company announced the expansion Dec. 18, noting that the new tanker capability allows distilleries to move spirits in bulk rather than relying solely on packaged or barrelized shipments.

Why Tanker Transportation Is Being Added

As bourbon production continues to scale, distilleries are handling larger volumes of product moving in and out of facilities that are often located in tight or high-traffic areas. Averitt says tanker transportation helps address those challenges by streamlining how spirits are moved between production stages.

“Transporting spirits in bulk improves operational flow, reduces congestion in dense areas and enhances safety as production grows,” said Todd Harrett, Averitt’s director of corporate business development. He said the addition reflects the company’s effort to address operational needs through flexible transportation options.

For drivers, tanker operations bring a different skill set and safety focus compared to dry van or flatbed work, particularly when operating around active production facilities.

Built on Existing Distillery Work

The tanker expansion is not a standalone move. Averitt has worked with bourbon distilleries for years, supporting production through barrel movements, dedicated transportation, and just in time delivery of glass and other materials.

According to the company, these services have evolved into what it describes as multiphase customer relationships, with transportation solutions adapting as production demands increase.

Bulk spirit transportation now represents the next phase of that relationship, giving distilleries another option as output continues to rise.

Safety and Long-Term Operations Focus

Averitt leadership says the tanker addition aligns with its broader operational approach across dedicated services.

“We continue to leverage Averitt’s Power of One concept to provide solutions to the bourbon and spirits industry,” said Brett Sloan, senior operations manager of dedicated operations at Averitt. “Our dedication to excellence and safety sets the foundation for a strong and successful future.”

For drivers interested in dedicated work, tanker operations tied to distillery production can offer consistent lanes, repeat customers, and a strong emphasis on safety procedures.

Source: Transport Topics

The post Averitt Adds Tanker Work to Support Growing Bourbon Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

About the Heil Trophy & Safety Contest

The NTTC Competitive Safety Contest is open exclusively to its for-hire tank truck carrier members and private fleet members in good standing. Participants are grouped into mileage-based class categories to ensure fair competition based on organizational size.

The competition spans two rounds. Round 1—focused on identifying the top carriers in various mileage categories—closed on January 29, 2024, with winners being revealed today, February 19. These winners progress to Round 2, taking place February 20 through March 5.

During Round 1, carriers received accolades in three categories—Grand, Honor, and Merit—within their respective mileage classes. Round 2 will determine the ultimate Heil Trophy winners across three divisions:

• Harvison Division (Over 15 million miles)

• Sutherland Division (Under 15 million miles)

• Private Fleet Division

The final Heil Trophy recipients will be unveiled during NTTC’s Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida, scheduled for April 21–24, 2025.

Private Fleet Division: Round 1 Highlights

Class 5

• Grand Award – Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

• Grand Award – Cato, Inc.

• Honor Award – Kuehne Chemical Company

Class 4

• Grand Award – LSP Transport LLC

• Honor Award – R B Stewart Petroleum Products Inc.

• Merit Award – Poolsure

Class 3

• Grand Award – Casey’s Services Company

• Honor Award – Irving Oil Limited

• Merit Award – SWTO, LLC

Class 2

• Grand Award – CLI Transport, LP

• Honor Award – ADM Trucking

Class 1

• Grand Award – Gemini Motor Transport

• Honor Award – Pilot Travel Centers LLC

Sutherland Division Winners (Under 15 Million Miles): Round 1

Class 10

• Grand Award – Glendenning Brothers Inc.

• Grand Award – Lacy’s Express, Inc.

• Grand Award – Ventura Transfer Company

• Honor Award – J&S Transport Co., Inc.

• Merit Award – Weaver Bros., Inc.

Class 9

• Grand Award – Ee-Jay Motor Transports, Inc.

• Grand Award – MBH Trucking, LLC

• Honor Award – Dibble Trucking Inc.

• Merit Award – PAR Trucking, Inc.

Class 8

• Grand Award – Newman Carriers

• Honor Award – Liquid Cargo Group

• Merit Award – Alaska West Express Inc.

Class 7

• Grand Award – Wynne Transport Service, Inc.

• Honor Award – G&D Trucking Inc. / Hoffman Transportation LLC

• Merit Award – Hazmat Environmental Group, Inc.

Class 6

• Grand Award – Crossett Inc.

• Honor Award – Associated Petroleum Carriers, Inc.

• Merit Award – Commercial Transport, Inc.

Harvison Division Winners (Over 15 Million Miles): Round 1

Class 5

• Grand Award – Modern Transportation LLC

• Honor Award – AJ Weigand / Harmac Transportation

• Merit Award – Tandet Group

Class 4

• Grand Award – GenOx Transportation Inc.

• Honor Award – Service Transport Company

• Merit Award – Bulkmatic LLC

Class 3

• Grand Award – Ergon Trucking

• Honor Award – Slay Transportation

• Merit Award – Schneider National Bulk Carriers

Class 2

• Grand Award – Western Dairy Transport

• Honor Award – Groendyke Transport, Inc.

• Merit Award – Oakley Transport Inc.

Class 1

• Grand Award – Trimac Transportation

• Honor Award – Kenan Advantage Group

• Merit Award – Foodliner, Inc. / Quest Liner

Source: Truckers News

Image: National Tank Truck Carriers

The post Top Carriers Recognized in NTTC’s Initial Round of 2024 Heil Trophy Safety Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Types of Tanker Trucking Jobs:

Fuel Tanker Truck Drivers

Fuel tanker truck drivers are responsible for transporting various types of fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, or aviation fuel. They ensure the safe delivery of fuel to gas stations, airports, and other fueling facilities. These drivers need a CDL with a tanker endorsement, which allows them to operate vehicles carrying liquid cargo. Fuel tanker truck drivers often work long hours and may have regional or long-haul routes. While this role offers competitive pay, it also comes with the responsibility of handling hazardous materials and complying with strict safety regulations.

Special Endorsement/Training: CDL with a tanker endorsement, hazmat endorsement will likely also be required

Pros: Competitive pay, consistent demand, and potential for regional or long-haul routes.

Cons: Exposure to hazardous materials, strict safety regulations, and long hours on the road.

Chemical Tanker Truck Drivers

Chemical tanker truck drivers specialize in transporting chemicals, including hazardous materials. They require a CDL with a hazardous materials (Hazmat) endorsement to ensure they have the necessary training to handle and transport these substances safely. Chemical tanker drivers may transport industrial chemicals, corrosive materials, or flammable liquids. This role offers higher pay due to the specialized nature of transporting chemicals. However, drivers must strictly adhere to safety protocols, as they are exposed to potential risks associated with handling hazardous materials.

Special Endorsement/Training: CDL with a hazardous materials (Hazmat) endorsement and tanker endorsement

Pros: Higher pay due to the specialized nature of transporting chemicals, potential for local or regional routes, and job stability.

Cons: Strict adherence to safety protocols, increased risk due to handling hazardous materials, and potential exposure to toxic substances.

Food-Grade Tanker Truck Drivers

Food-grade tanker truck drivers are responsible for transporting liquids that are essential to the food industry, such as milk, juice, or liquid ingredients. These drivers need a CDL with a food-grade tanker endorsement, which ensures they have the knowledge and skills to maintain sanitary conditions during transportation. Food-grade tanker drivers may have opportunities for shorter routes and more home time compared to other tanker trucking roles. They must adhere to strict food safety regulations to ensure the integrity and quality of the transported goods.

Special Endorsement/Training: CDL with a food-grade tanker endorsement.

Pros: Opportunities to work with reputable companies, potential for shorter routes and more home time, and the satisfaction of transporting goods essential to the food industry.

Cons: Responsibility for maintaining sanitary conditions, potential for time-sensitive deliveries, and the need to adhere to strict food safety regulations.

Liquid Bulk Tanker Truck Drivers

Liquid bulk tanker truck drivers transport a variety of liquids, such as chemicals, petroleum, or non-food-grade liquids. These drivers require a CDL with a tanker endorsement to operate the vehicles safely. Liquid bulk tanker drivers may have regional or long-haul routes, and they often earn higher pay due to the specialized nature of liquid bulk transport. However, they face challenges related to loading and unloading different types of liquids, maintaining cargo stability, and potential mechanical issues due to the weight of the cargo.

Special Endorsement/Training: CDL with a tanker endorsement.

Pros: Variety in cargo, potential for regional or long-haul routes, and higher pay due to the specialized nature of liquid bulk transport.

Cons: Safety risks associated with transporting different types of liquids, loading and unloading challenges, and potential for mechanical issues due to cargo weight.

Each type of tanker trucking job plays a crucial role in the transportation industry, requiring specialized training and endorsements to ensure safety and compliance with industry regulations.

Tanker trucking jobs offer a range of opportunities for truckers in the transportation industry. Each type of tanker trucking job requires specific endorsements or training to ensure the safe handling and transport of liquids and hazardous materials. Fuel tanker drivers, chemical tanker drivers, food-grade tanker drivers, and liquid bulk tanker drivers all play vital roles in meeting the diverse needs of various industries.

While these jobs come with their own set of challenges, they also offer attractive benefits such as competitive pay, job stability, and potential for regional or long-haul routes. Truckers must carefully consider the risks associated with each type of tanker trucking job, including exposure to hazardous materials and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced nature of fuel tanker trucking or the satisfaction of transporting food-grade liquids, tanker trucking jobs provide an array of options to suit different preferences and skills.

Remember, obtaining the necessary endorsements and undergoing proper training is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with industry regulations. So, weigh the pros and cons, choose a type of tanker trucking job that aligns with your interests, and embark on a rewarding career in the tanker trucking industry.

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