We’re proud to support President Trumps’s new interagency Freedom Haulers initiative, a national campaign to recruit more veterans to drive big rigs. This coordinated effort brings together the Department of Transportation, Veterans’ Administration, Department of Labor, Department of War, and other federal partners to strengthen America’s supply chain and expand access to jobs for those who served.
America’s supply chain depends on skilled drivers, and veterans have the discipline, technical skill, and experience to keep the country moving. The Freedom Haulers initiative makes it easier than ever for service members, including National Guardsmen and Reservists, and veterans to get behind the wheel.
CDL Skills Waiver: Skip the road test! Military personnel can use the commercial driver’s license skills test waiver if they are currently licensed and were employed within the past 12 months operating a military equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle. This program is available in every state. To date, more than 40,000 service members and veterans have taken advantage of this waiver program.
Even Exchange Program: Trade your military license for a civilian CDL. When used with the military skills test waiver, drivers can exchange a military license for a CDL. Certain military occupational specialty or occupational classifications qualify.
SkillBridge Trucking Training: Train during your final 180 days of service. The DOW SkillBridge program allows service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. Use the Skillbridge Opportunity Finder to search for openings.
Registered Apprenticeship: Earn while you learn through paid, structured training that leads to an industry‑recognized credential. Use the SkillBridge Opportunity Finder and the Registered Apprenticeship Job Finder to search for openings.
Accommodating Truck Drivers with Motor Impairments: Motor-related limitations such as back pain while sitting, lifting restrictions, and difficulty reaching and bending can make job tasks harder to perform without effective accommodation. Learn about accommodation solutions for truck drivers with motor impairments.
Explore the new Freedom Haulers website to learn more.
Marshall J. Usher is the Chief of Staff of the department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service. Follow VETS on LinkedIn and X for updates, resources, and opportunities.