The recognition is awarded by Military Friendly, an independent ratings organization that evaluates how employers recruit, retain, and support veterans through workplace policies and career development programs.

What the Recognition Means

Peterbilt earned the Military Friendly Employer designation based on its approach to veteran recruitment, career development, and long-term advancement opportunities. The evaluation looks beyond hiring numbers and considers how well organizations create environments where veterans can grow and build sustainable careers.

For individuals with military backgrounds entering manufacturing, engineering, technical, or leadership roles, the designation signals that Peterbilt has systems in place to recognize transferable skills and support professional transitions.

Leadership Perspective

Peterbilt leadership says the recognition reflects a broader commitment to its workforce, particularly those who have served.

“We are proud to earn the Military Friendly Employer designation,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “It affirms our ongoing commitment to maintain a work environment that supports the growth and development of all employees, especially veterans and their unique contributions.”

Ongoing Support for Veterans

Peterbilt’s support for veterans and active-duty service members extends beyond hiring. The company operates a Veterans Employee Resource Group designed to help former service members connect, share experiences, and build internal networks.

Peterbilt also partners with organizations that support and recognize the military community, including Wreaths Across America and RecruitMilitary. These partnerships focus on honoring service members and helping veterans connect with civilian career opportunities.

Why It Matters Across the Industry

Military experience often translates well into manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and operational roles, where discipline, technical aptitude, and teamwork are essential. Employer recognition like the Military Friendly designation helps signal which companies are prepared to support those transitions.

For veterans considering careers within the trucking and transportation manufacturing sector, Peterbilt’s recognition highlights an employer that actively values military experience and invests in long-term employee development.

Source: The Trucker

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The American Legion presents the honor each year to employers who go beyond words to actively support veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce.

A Workplace That Supports Veterans at Every Step

Averitt’s efforts are built on a foundation of firsthand understanding. The company’s chairman and CEO, Gary Sasser, served in the U.S. Marine Reserves and continues to champion veterans inside the organization.

“Our nation’s veterans bring a unique level of dedication, teamwork, and leadership to the workforce,” Sasser said. “We’re proud to stand beside them—not only in recognition, but through action that supports their careers and futures at Averitt.”

That support takes many forms—from hiring policies to training programs and flexible pathways for advancement. According to Averitt, nearly 15% of its current workforce consists of U.S. military veterans.

Building Career Paths from Military Experience

Veterans coming to Averitt benefit from structured transition support. The company provides CDL skills waiver assistance to applicants with military driving experience, helping streamline the certification process. They also offer dock-to-driver and driver-to-leadership programs that allow for clear professional growth within the company.

The company also extends support to spouses of service members, offering flexibility to transfer between locations and roles to accommodate active-duty relocations and family needs.

In addition to that, Averitt has a military pay differential policy: if an associate is called to active duty or training, the company provides up to 30 days of pay coverage and makes up the difference between military pay and Averitt wages when applicable.

Industry Recognition That Reflects Long-Term Action

The American Legion’s recognition adds to a growing list of acknowledgments for Averitt’s veteran programs. What sets them apart, though, is the consistency behind their promises.

Whether it’s through supportive policies, leadership that understands military service, or career programs tailored for veterans, Averitt’s approach is long-term and actionable.

For those interested in seeing what veteran employment looks like when it’s backed by a genuine commitment, Averitt’s programs provide a strong example.

To learn more about Averitt’s veteran hiring initiatives, visit averittcareers.com/military.

Image Source: Averitt
Source: The Trucker

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“At Werner, we honor the dedication and leadership of those who have served by creating meaningful opportunities allowing veterans and their families to thrive,” said Derek Leathers, Werner’s chairman and CEO. “Being named a 5 Star Employer for a second year in a row reinforces our mission to empower these individuals as they transition to civilian careers.”

This remarkable honor reflects Werner’s unwavering dedication to welcoming veterans and members of the military-connected community into their workforce. By prioritizing innovative programs and career pathways, Werner continues solidifying its role as a leader in creating opportunities within the transportation and logistics industry.

Setting the Standard in Veteran Support

For the second year running, Werner remains the only transportation and logistics company to receive the coveted 5 Star designation from the VETS Indexes Employer Awards. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to fostering veteran-friendly workplaces and enhancing career opportunities for those who have served.

“Werner employs a workforce made up of approximately 20% veterans and offers a robust suite of programs tailored to the military community,” the company shared. These initiatives include:

• Military Skills Test Waiver Program
• SkillBridge/Career Skills Program
• VA Educational Benefits
• Operation Freedom Fleet
• ‘WEVets’ Veteran Resource Group
• Deployment Support Initiatives

A Rigorous Selection Process

The 2025 VETS Indexes Employer Awards competition was fierce, with a record-breaking 349 organizations submitting entries. Of these, only 294 were recognized across various levels, including 5 Star Employer, 4 Star Employer, 3 Star Employer, and Recognized Employer categories.

Each organization underwent a rigorous evaluation based on five key factors:

1. Recruitment and hiring of veteran job candidates.
2. Retention and development of veteran employees.
3. A culture and policies inclusive of veterans.
4. Support for National Guard and Reserve members.
5. Advocacy for military spouses and family members.

A Benchmark for Excellence

President of VETS Indexes, George Altman, praised Werner for setting a high standard in veteran support. “Werner has demonstrated exceptional support for veterans and the military-connected community, earning one of the most prestigious awards possible in the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program,” Altman said. “Even as more organizations recognize the unique value veterans bring, Werner’s efforts continue to set the bar.”

The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program is regarded as one of the most comprehensive evaluations of veteran-focused employer practices. Its rankings are widely acknowledged by major media outlets such as CNBC, Fox Business, Military Times, and Stars & Stripes.

Interested in the complete list of 2025 awardees? Visit VETS Indexes Awards. To explore Werner’s extensive military support programs and initiatives, click here.

Source: The Trucker

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“We are honored that these leading organizations have recognized the workplace environment J.B. Hunt strives to create for our veterans,” stated Brad Hicks, the president of highway services and executive vice president of people at J.B. Hunt. “Supporting our veterans ties in with our culture and legacy, providing a much deeper meaning. We continue to enhance our workplace so that service members feel valued for their service, experience and expertise as well as the excellence, commitment and honor they represent.”

According to the company release, J.B. Hunt has maintained its Military Friendly® Employer status for 18 consecutive years, making the Top 10 for the second time. It’s also their first recognition by Military Times as Best for Vets and inclusion in Newsweek’s selection of America’s Best Workplaces for Veterans. Earlier in the year, the Arkansas Veterans of Foreign Wars acknowledged J.B. Hunt as Employer of the Year. Details about the award criteria and methodologies can be found on the respective organizations’ websites.

“As a company founded by both a veteran and driver, J.B. Hunt understands that the skills and expertise gained through military service can lead to a successful career in transportation and logistics,” the company said in the release. “Nearly one in every nine J.B. Hunt employees is a veteran, and the company is committed to adding approximately 1,600 veterans to its organization each year.”

From Military Service to Professional Success

J.B. Hunt’s commitment to veterans goes beyond hiring; it includes comprehensive programs designed to facilitate the transition from military to civilian careers. These initiatives include:

• Military Leave Benefits: Offering extensive support for employees at all career stages, including up to 26 weeks annually for family members of active-duty personnel needing care due to injury or illness.

• Active-Duty Support: Providing active-duty employees with a deployment and re-entry guide and differential pay policies to support dual military and civilian careers.

• Military Leave Concierge Service: Tailored aid for National Guard and Reserve members and their families, provided by a Gold Star family member.

• SkillBridge Program: Enabled through the Department of Defense, this program allows service members and their spouses, within 180 days of release from active duty, to gain civilian work experience. The company’s Apprenticeship Program is available for those interested in driver positions.

• Veterans Employee Resource Group: A supportive community aimed at empowering and engaging veteran employees professionally and personally.

In addition, J.B. Hunt annually observes Memorial Day and Veterans Day company-wide and has hosted the Arkansas Run for the Fallen Traveling Memorial since 2017. They also actively participate in Wreaths Across America, ensuring the delivery of thousands of wreaths to national cemeteries to honor fallen veterans during the holiday season.

Source: The Trucker

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“We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Greg Hamm, vice president of Field and Government Recruiting. “We are committed to providing meaningful employment opportunities and a supportive work environment for veterans.”

Since its establishment in 1969, the Veterans Employment and Education Commission’s Employer Awards Program has recognized companies demonstrating exceptional dedication to veteran employment and support.

With veterans comprising approximately 20% of its workforce, Werner is proud to offer specialized programs and benefits designed for the military community. According to a company press release, “Werner offers uniquely designed programs and benefits tailored toward the military community, reflecting a long-standing commitment to aiding veterans in their transition to civilian careers.”

Key Programs Include:

• Veteran Hiring Initiatives: Focused recruitment strategies aimed at attracting qualified veterans.

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing veterans with seasoned mentors for guidance and support.

• Skills Training and Development: Offering veterans pathways to enhance their skills and career growth.

“Our commitment to the military community is unwavering,” said Nathan Meisgeier, president and chief legal officer. “We’re proud of our team’s work to support our nation’s heroes. These awards reflect our dedication to creating a thriving environment for veterans and their families.”

Source: The Trucker

Image: Werner

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The newly passed Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023, which gained Senate approval last year, received a nod from the House through a voice vote on Wednesday. This bill is now en route to the White House, with the president anticipated to endorse it.

“Our veterans deserve every opportunity to participate in the American dream they’ve fought to protect,” emphasized Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., who spearheaded the legislation. “But when their service is over, many veterans face unfair roadblocks when they look for jobs. My legislation makes it easier for veterans to get their CDL licenses and earn a good living.”

The legislation, championed by the American Trucking Associations and the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, aims to eliminate the existing two-year waiting period that affects certain CDL training schools veterans might wish to attend using their GI Bill benefits.

Presently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cannot approve CDL courses at new branches of educational institutions unless those branches have been operational for at least two years. This bill seeks to change that by allowing the VA to approve programs at new sites, provided they are state-licensed and align with the curricula of already approved primary institutions.

Originally, House members sought to modify the bill’s language to ensure safeguards against enrolling veterans in substandard truck driving schools. “I do wish to point out that our committee has been working on this bill for months, and we reached a bipartisan agreement on improved language that would empower state agencies to conduct proper oversight and limit automatic approval of these programs if they’re opening in states without existing CDL programs,” stated Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., during the House discussions.

Despite the bill’s current wording mirroring the Senate’s version and overlooking the House’s efforts, there is a promise of support from Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., to introduce enhanced protections in future legislation.

Source: Freightwaves

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