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

The post Peterbilt Earns 2026 Military Friendly Employer Recognition appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In 2007, a group of employees at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association decided that a care package program for service members overseas could make a real difference. Many of the employees had family members serving in conflict zones and knew firsthand how meaningful a package from home could be.

“I remember before we went on air with the first Truckers For Troops show on Land Line Now, that we all were guessing how much we might raise,” said Jami Jones, managing editor of Land Line. “We tossed around some numbers, and host Mark Reddig said he’d be thrilled with $5,000. So, that became the goal.”

The initial campaign far exceeded expectations. In its first week, Truckers For Troops raised $41,500. The overwhelming support showed that truckers across the country wanted to give back. After all, studies indicate that 33 to 40 percent of truck drivers are veterans themselves.

Every November, the OOIDA Truckers For Troops campaign raises funds for veteran organizations and sends care packages to active-duty U.S. troops stationed overseas. The 19th annual campaign started Monday, November 10, and will continue until the beginning of business Monday, November 17.

During the campaign, new and renewed OOIDA memberships are offered at a discounted rate of $35 per year. Ten percent of the membership fee goes directly to Truckers For Troops, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar. Unique to this program, every cent raised goes either to sending care packages or supporting Veterans Community Project sites nationwide. OOIDA does not take any administrative fees.

Truckers who want to participate outside of business hours can easily go online to OOIDA.com and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.

The campaign also collects names of military personnel currently serving on active duty. Truck drivers who know someone stationed overseas or at a domestic base with limited access can email the person’s name and mailing address to Troops@OOIDA.com.

Since its launch in 2007, OOIDA members have raised more than $800,000 for veterans and active-duty military. Those funds have delivered care packages to nearly 40,000 service members and sent aid to 65 facilities supporting wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans.

Truckers For Troops continues to show that when drivers come together, every dollar makes a difference and every mile traveled in support of our troops counts.

Source: Land Line Media

The post Truckers For Troops: Every Dollar Makes a Difference appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“We’ve had a partnership here with Salvation Army and the VA for a few years, and it’s very fulfilling for all of us,” shared Mike Stanton, senior vice president of operations and compliance at Lily Transportation and a veteran himself.

Since joining the effort in 2020, Lily Transportation has worked with the Salvation Army and VA Boston to address food insecurity among local veterans and their families during Thanksgiving. Initially delivering meals to over 100 households, this year the team tripled their effort, distributing meals over two days.

Lily played a pivotal logistical role in the event, as noted in the company’s press release. The week leading up to the turkey drive, they stationed two 18-wheeler freezer trucks to keep the turkeys and accompanying fixings fresh. With the additional help of veteran volunteers within the company, Stanton’s team ensured efficient pickup, sorting, and delivery of food to the designated distribution sites.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Lily Transportation 

The post How Lily Transportation Helped Deliver Thanksgiving Meals to Veterans in Need appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Since its inception in 2007, Truckers for Troops has become an integral part of OOIDA’s work, originally focusing on sending essential items to service members in combat zones. The program has expanded over the years to provide much-needed support to various veterans facilities, including those that assist wounded, disabled, or homeless veterans.

“Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000, sent more than 3,283 care packages, serving more than 39,396 members of the military,” states OOIDA, “The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state. Currently they have locations in Sioux Falls, SD; Longmont, CO: St. Louis, MO; and will be expanding to Oklahoma City, OK; Milwaukee, WI; and Glendale, AZ.”

How to Participate

During this week-long campaign, truckers can join or renew their membership for $35, with 10% allocated to funding care packages. OOIDA will match this contribution dollar for dollar.

• Phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours and mention Truckers for Troops. After hours, use the same number, press 1, and leave a voicemail.
• Online: Visit https://www.ooida.com/ and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.
• Mail: Send payments indicating “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only,” specifying “TROOPS.” Direct donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation.

For more information on donations, visit the Truckers for Troops website. The OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accepts individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund.

Spotlight on Veterans Community Project

The Veterans Community Project is an innovative initiative boasting a 60% success rate in aiding veterans’ transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The project provides veterans with “tiny homes” equipped with amenities and access to a community center for support. With several operational sites and plans for further expansion, VCP aims to make a positive impact nationwide.

Send Care Packages

If you have a family member or friend serving in the military and would like them to receive a care package, send their name and complete address to troops@ooida.com, including their projected stateside return date.

Show Appreciation

To send cards and letters of appreciation, address them to Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. You may include town or school names, but avoid last names or personal details. There’s no specific theme required, and they don’t need to be holiday related.

Source: The Trucker

Image: OOIDA

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