Introduced by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the bill addresses a critical issue multi-state trucking companies face. Currently, these businesses must secure individual approvals in each state to allow veterans to apply their VA education benefits to their apprenticeship programs. This exhaustive process can serve as a deterrent for companies, some of which decide against offering apprenticeship opportunities to veterans due to the regulatory complexity. The new legislation, if passed, would allow companies to gain a single nationwide VA approval, significantly reducing administrative barriers.

“Veterans deserve support,” stated Senator Cassidy. “Many struggle to find work when they come home. Having a commercial driver’s license opens many doors for them.”

The proposal is backed by numerous Veterans Service Organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Trucking Association (ATA). Senator Blumenthal also emphasized the bill’s mission: “Trucking apprenticeships offer meaningful employment and a fulfilling career pathway, and we owe it to our nation’s veterans to provide support as they seek next steps in their transition to civilian life. With the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act, we eliminate bureaucratic red tape hindering veterans from accessing trucking apprenticeships and ensure that veterans are able to access these programs through their VA education benefits.”

For many veterans, securing meaningful civilian employment can be a significant challenge. Trucking offers a viable pathway to stable, well-paid careers, particularly for those returning home with the skills and discipline honed through military service. ATA’s Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Henry Hanscom, underscored this point, noting, “Members of our military put their lives on the line to defend our nation and our freedom. When they return home, it is our responsibility to help them achieve the American Dream they fought to protect. By slashing bureaucratic red tape for VA education benefits, the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act would expand career paths in trucking and make it easier for veterans to find good-paying jobs behind the wheel.”

Addressing the Regulatory Hurdles in Trucking Apprenticeships

Under the current system, trucking companies operating across multiple states face significant hurdles. To allow veterans to use VA education benefits for apprenticeships, these companies must obtain individual program approvals from every state they operate in. Depending on the scale of operations, this can involve navigating over 20 separate applications and approval processes. Such compliance requirements not only complicate the process for companies but also limit opportunities for veterans interested in the logistics sector.

The proposed legislation removes the need for multi-state approvals by implementing a single program approval process for interstate trucking companies through the VA. This change would provide a smoother, faster path for veterans to access vital training and employment opportunities in the trucking industry.

Source: Truckers News

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Hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, alongside Kenworth Truck Company and Fastport, this award shines a spotlight on the unique skills and dedication veterans bring to the field. Voting is open until Veterans Day, Nov. 11, giving you a chance to support your top choice among these dedicated rookie military drivers.

According to a recent announcement, the selection process includes a rigorous nomination, thorough review by a panel, and a public voting phase to identify America’s standout rookie veteran driver. The winner will be revealed at a special ceremony on Dec. 13 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. This year’s grand prize is the cutting-edge Kenworth T680 with a 76-inch sleeper, PACCAR Powertrain, and premium components. The runner-up receives $10,000, and the remaining finalists each earn $5,000.

You can cast your vote on the Transition Trucking website (https://transitiontrucking.org/vote/), where you’ll find videos introducing each finalist. Your vote plays a significant role in helping the selection committee choose this year’s award recipient.

Meet the 2024 Finalists:

• Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport, Inc.
  Douglas served aboard the USS Nimitz CVN 68 as a Culinary Specialist 2nd Class from 2012-2016, overseeing a team that fed over 5,000 personnel. Since switching to trucking, he has driven more than 150,000 miles with an unwavering commitment to safety.
• Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC
  Serving from 1987 to 1991, Shawn provided security for Presidents Reagan and Bush. After running a successful business for two decades, he took on the challenge of becoming a regional truck driver, enjoying the sights of the country.
• Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises
  From Port Security to drug interdiction, Billy’s 20-year Coast Guard career was diverse. Since retiring, he drives for Werner Enterprises, contributing to the Anheuser-Busch account in Ohio, bringing the same dedication to his new role.
• Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport
  Born into a legacy of military service, Cory joined the Army in 2004. Despite being severely injured in 2009, he continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Following his family’s path, he now excels as a truck driver.

For more information, visit https://transitiontrucking.org/. Celebrate these outstanding veterans by casting your vote and supporting their journeys in the trucking industry.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Transition Trucking

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Why Trucking is a Great Fit for Veterans

Veterans often possess qualities such as punctuality, reliability, and the ability to handle challenging situations, making them ideal candidates for trucking. Additionally, the structured environment of the military mirrors the regimented nature of trucking schedules and regulations.

Employment Opportunities

1. Programs and Initiatives:
   • Troops Into Transportation: This program partners with various trucking companies to provide CDL training and job placement services for veterans. It offers a streamlined path from training to employment, with many graduates finding jobs immediately after completing their courses.
   • Hiring Our Heroes: Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this initiative includes a fellowship program that helps veterans gain experience in the trucking industry through paid internships.
2. Financial Incentives:
   • VA Benefits: Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to cover the cost of CDL training. This makes transitioning to a trucking career financially feasible without upfront costs.
3. Company Programs:
   • Schneider National: Schneider has a robust military program offering apprenticeship opportunities and tuition reimbursement for veterans. They have a dedicated military recruiter to assist veterans in finding the right fit within the company.
   • Swift Transportation: Swift offers a military apprenticeship program that allows veterans to earn an income while learning the trade. They also provide ongoing support and career development opportunities.

Support and Resources

1. Training Programs:
   • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training: Many community colleges and private schools offer CDL training programs that are approved for VA benefits. These programs provide both theoretical and practical training, ensuring veterans are well-prepared for the road.
2. Networking and Mentorship:
   • Veteran Trucker Networks: Organizations like the Veterans in Trucking Association offer networking opportunities, mentorship, and community support for veterans entering the trucking industry.
3. Health and Wellness:
   • Veteran-Specific Health Resources: The VA offers various health programs tailored to veterans, including those who are truck drivers. These programs address both physical and mental health needs, ensuring veterans have the support they need on and off the road.

The trucking industry offers a promising career path for veterans, supported by numerous resources and opportunities. From financial incentives and specialized training programs to dedicated support networks, veterans can find a fulfilling career in trucking that leverages their unique skills and experiences.

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This bill has bipartisan support from House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL), Senate counterpart Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT), and ranking member Jerry Moran (R-KS). HR 8371 aims to consolidate various bipartisan proposals to make it easier to deliver services through Veterans Affairs (VA).

One key provision relevant to the trucking industry would enable veterans to use their GI Bill benefits for commercial driver’s license (CDL) training at a new facility if its primary location is VA-approved. Currently, veterans must wait two years to use these benefits at a new training facility.

David Pike, NFI’s recruiting director, notes that this bill would provide immediate benefits to newly separated veterans.

Pike conducted a survey among veterans working at NFI and discovered their main concern is transitioning from military to civilian life.

“A servicemember separating from active duty faces many initial hurdles with re-entry to civilian life, like securing meaningful and financially suitable employment. This bill should help that transition,” Pike said.

Overall, the bill covers various aspects of veteran life, including healthcare (both current and nursing home care), economic issues like job training, home loans, homelessness, and recordkeeping.

Both houses of Congress are working to quickly pass the bill and get it to the president this week. The NMFTA supports its passage.

Source: The Trucker

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On Dec. 15, at the American Trucking Associations headquarters, Meredith was presented with the keys to a brand-new silver Kenworth T680 Signature Edition truck. This honor was part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, in collaboration with Fastport and Kenworth Truck Co. The T680 was equipped with a 76-inch sleeper, a 455-horsepower Paccar MX-13 engine, and a Paccar TX-12 automatic transmission. This marked the eighth year of the initiative, which aims to support military veterans in transitioning to civilian employment.

Meredith, now a tank truck driver at Slay Transportation in St. Louis, plans to foster an owner-operator relationship with the company. In addition to the truck, he was awarded a full tuition scholarship to National University. Meredith intends to use this opportunity to complete his college education, having transferred his GI Bill benefits to his daughters.

“I’m amazed at how this could happen. It’s overwhelming and unbelievable. This changes my entire life, and I can’t wait to pay it forward and help the next veteran,” Meredith said.

At the event, four other outstanding drivers were recognized as finalists, each receiving cash prizes. The first runner-up, Marine Corps Master Sgt. Ondrae Meyers (CRST The Transportation Solution), was awarded $10,000. The winners of $5,000 each were retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. LaTravis Wilcox (Prime Inc.), retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Todd Kraus (Werner Enterprises), and retired Army Sgt. Jessica White (Stevens Transport).

Fastport, a Boston-based technology company specializing in workforce development and veterans hiring initiatives, has been instrumental in training and placing numerous veterans in transportation-related jobs through the Chamber’s program. The number of candidates for this award has steadily grown, reaching 74 this year, a significant increase from 55 candidates in the previous year. As the ceremony approached, Brandon Meredith and his wife couldn’t help but envision the possibilities, pondering the impact of his potential win announced by Master of Ceremonies and Medal of Honor Recipient retired Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha.

“It’s really about being able to celebrate the community and showcase what our military community is doing, both in service and after they hang up their uniforms,” said Hiring Our Heroes President Eric Eversole. “To see what the veterans are doing every day for the trucking industry and how they give back to our communities and how they help move America forward is really something. The trucking, logistics and transportation industry is an industry that is very forward-thinking. When we look at the workforce of the future and the technology that the future workforce will use, the Kenworth T680 is really a flashing billboard of what this industry looks like in the future, and highlighting those technologies that show the industry is committed to safety and technology will help us recruit the next generation of drivers.”

Source: Transport Topics

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