A driver shortfall in the trucking industry could be a windfall for military veterans. As per FTR Transportation Intelligence the industry is facing a shortage of 300,000 competent drivers. Many trucking companies have increased the salaries in hope of attracting new drivers. The American Trucking Association (ATA) has made a decision of hiring 100,000 vets. It's great news for Veterans. Many trucking companies have embraced veteran hiring programs that provide additional resources and hiring preferences.
For instance, U.S. XPress offers apprenticeships and an advanced rate of pay program in which truck drivers with no experience can still earn up to $75000 if they have been honorably discharged.
12 Advantages for Veterans in Trucking in USA
Thomas Kirby used to drive trucks since he left the Marine Corps in 2006. He worked for various trucking companies for many years before he became an owner/operator of his business.Kirby said "Trucking sometimes gets a bad rap, but I love it," "Most of my hauls are within my state, but I take the occasional cross country job. I love seeing the country, and the freedom I have to take what jobs I want can't be beaten."
U.S DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BENEFITS
In this post by Utah Truck Driving School , we share some insights to significant reasons why you should consider a truck driving career as a military veteran or take up military apprenticeship program trucking in USA:
Military Skills
Military people are hard working and they have often worked with heavy duty vehicles. They have such qualities which many trucking companies seek in a truck driver. And if you already have a military CDL, many companies will consider that. They will count it as a Seniority and pay more. Military skills can be very beneficial for veteran truck drivers because soldiers are very disciplined. Soldiers possess many qualities like Leadership, financial responsibility, self-sufficiency, effective communication, integrity, technology skills, teamwork, ability to work under pressure, quick to adapt, problem solving, and being physically fit. They have active listening skills and the ability to follow instructions quickly. Enough patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Career Security
The trucking industry is facing a massive downfall of qualified drivers. Due to an increase in online shopping many companies like Amazon, Walmart are hiring more to drive their trucks and veterans express trucking interests here as they're paying good and have job security. The business of online shopping is expanding day by day. Check Forbes - Best employers for Veterans for more.
Steady Pay and Great Benefits
According to the American Trucking Association pay and benefits have risen by 8% to 12% in recent years. The national average increased 2% and the American trucking association predicts it will keep increasing. The driver employed by companies like Amazon and Walmart offer a median annual wage for a truck driver who works for a private fleet is $90000.
Soft Skills
Veterans possess soft skills like self-discipline, communication, adaptability, time management, and interpersonal skills that the trucking industry needs. These skills help truck veterans to rise through the ranks faster than their civilian counterparts.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
If you have a minimum 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty or if you are an honorably discharged truck veteran, or were discharged with a service-related injury or illness after 30 days, you may be eligible for this program. For approved programs, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of benefits.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
This program provides benefits for Veterans and service members who have a minimum two years of active duty service. Based on the type of career training, length of service, and other requirements eligible candidates may receive up to 36 months of benefits paid.
Special Vocational Training (SVT)
In case you are a veteran who has a VA disability rating and an employment handicap, you are eligible for counseling, training, education, and job placement under this program.
Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
This program provides educational and training opportunities to eligible veterans who are lifelong disabled due to service related conditions and those who died while on active duty or as a consequence of service related conditions.
Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
It offers education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, counting the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, Air National Guard. Eligibility for this program is decided by the Selected Reserve components and VA makes the payments.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
This program provides educational assistance to members of the Reserve components ordered to active duty in response to a war/national emergency declared either by President or Congress.
RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INCOME
This program provides educational assistance to members of the Reserve components ordered to active duty in response to a war/national emergency declared either by President or Congress.
Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program
This program pays Veterans up to $14,000 in addition to their regular earnings. These additional earnings are normally tax-free.
Veteran Tuition Reimbursement Program
Some carriers will compensate Veterans who have used VA benefits to pay for CDL training Reimbursement covers up to $7,500 CDL for Veterans training costs.