President Trump on Thursday announced a new campaign to recruit more veterans to drive commercial trucks, calling the initiative “Freedom Haulers.”

“The initiative builds on President Trump’s efforts to clean up America’s roadways, crack down on dangerous foreign drivers, and support American truckers. Under President Trump, trucker earnings have surged 7.42% and traffic fatalities are at a historic low,” the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) stated.

Alongside the president, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Veteran Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins, and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling hosted veterans at the White House to kick off the campaign.

“America’s brave veterans answered the call to defend our freedom. We want those same strong values of duty, grit, and discipline on America’s roads for another mission: TRUCKING,” Duffy said.

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On a larger scale, the administration has been enforcing a crackdown on commercial truck drivers who fail federal English-language requirements or whose licenses were improperly issued.

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With the new program in place, a large number of veterans could be affected because trucking is one of the country’s biggest occupations and employs millions of drivers nationwide.

Veterans could easily possess skills that directly translate to trucking careers, including experience operating large vehicles, transportation planning, and logistics management, officials said.

In an announcement on Thursday, President Donald Trump said his administration has removed more than 20,000 undocumented immigrants from the roads. He’s likely referring to those 26,000 drivers who lost their CDLs after failing an English proficiency test, which was part of a Trump executive order to ensure truck drivers are fit for service.

In their place, Trump said he will replace them with “highly qualified American veterans.”

“Illegal immigrants who can’t speak our language have no business getting behind the wheel of a big rig. Veterans – who have already demonstrated the grit, discipline, and skills to take on this vital task – are the right people for the job,” Duffy said.

“Now through our Freedom Haulers campaign, we are cutting the red tape so these patriots can get their licenses even faster and start making real money in record time. Thanks to President Trump, there has never been a better time to be a truck driver and keep America moving,” he continued.

“President Trump’s Freedom Haulers initiative is another victory for common sense. Instead of putting dangerous illegal immigrants on the road, we should be putting trust in our Veterans who have the discipline, determination and work ethic to succeed in this rewarding career path,” said Collins.

“VA already helps thousands of Veterans make this transition every year, and we stand ready to help thousands more,” he added.

“Our Veterans have the grit and work ethic that employers across America are searching for, and Freedom Haulers has the potential to bridge that gap,” said Sonderling.

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“The Department of Labor is proud to connect transitioning service members and Veteran communities with opportunities in the trucking industry through Freedom Haulers,” he added.

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Heavy Duty Trucking has more:

The administration has expanded the FMCSA’s Military Skills Test Waiver for veterans with heavy vehicle military experience. It has temporarily increased the time frame after service during which veterans can apply for an expedited trucking license, from 1 year to 2 years.

In addition, there are now 34 states committed to participating in the Even Exchange. With this program, Veterans with approved military occupational driving classifications can immediately exchange their military license for a civilian CDL, bypassing the skills and knowledge tests.

Active-duty service members can now apply and test for a Commercial Learner’s Permit or CDL in the state where they are currently stationed, rather than traveling back to their home state. This benefit is also available for two years post-service.

Through the Skill Bridge program, transitioning service members can spend their final 180 days of active duty in civilian trucking training, allowing them to start a full-time career the day they separate.

The Labor Department’s Apprenticeship Program allows veterans to draw a monthly educational housing stipend on top of their full trucking paycheck while training.

 

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