One of the Best Career Options for Veterans
Military veterans have to make several difficult decisions while serving. Yet, one of the most complex decisions many veterans face is what to do when they return home from active service. The choice is difficult because, for many, they are not only affecting themselves but the lives of their families as well. Many veterans look for careers that can promise a stable work environment and pay. Trucking is one of the jobs that can weather most economic changes as communities rely on it. Trucking can be the most logical shift for many military veterans.
Why Choose a Career in Trucking?
Trucking is a backbone of the US’s economy. 70% of all goods are transported by semi-truck at some point during their delivery. This makes a job in trucking one of the more stable jobs one can have at the moment. Job stability has even greater importance now that the truck driver shortage is growing. Companies do not want to lose the drivers they currently have. For returning veterans, this is the perfect time to join the trucking industry. The continued job stability will help veterans transition back to civilian life while still supporting their families. Currently, with the truck driver shortage, the industry is seeing better benefits and pay, while drivers can have more control over who they work for.
Military Skills Lead to Trucking with Ease
Becoming a great truck driver requires a specific set of skills to succeed in the trucking industry. Great truck drivers all have several skills in common. They are great communicators, extremely reliable, and always disciplined to ensure nothing goes wrong with their truck or the shipment they are hauling. While on the road, truck drivers have to be motivated, self-sufficient, and accountable. Drivers are the only ones responsible for their trucks when on the road. These skills are critical factors in many veterans’ military training as well. The individuals that succeed are the ones who are self-sufficient, motivated to succeed, and accountable.
Benefits to a Trucking Career
There are many incentives for veterans to go through the training process to become professional truck drivers. Truck driving schools have offered military benefits to help ease the financial commitment of the training process. The Post 9/11 GI bill® is available to help military members start their civilian lives by learning a new career. While the GI bill is nationwide, be aware that individual schools may also have their own veteran benefits they offer.
Additionally, veterans who were trained to operate heavy equipment while serving may be able to have the driving portion of their CDL exam waived through the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver. The Nebraska DMV states that any service member who either had a license within the last 12 months or are currently licensed to operate military machinery may be eligible for the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver.
Another great bonus for transitioning veterans is the eligibility for the Transition Trucking Award. This award is given to one veteran every year who has successfully transitioned into trucking and deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication. The winner each year receives a fully-loaded Kenworth T-680 to help them launch their career and inspire other veterans.
To begin your journey from active service member to a successful truck driver, contact us at JTL Truck Driver Training today to learn about our veteran assistance programs and get your CDL in as little as 4 weeks!
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