After military service, it can be difficult to transition into the civilian workforce. Many employers don’t recognize the unique and valuable skill set that veterans have. Trucking can be a great option to use the skills you already have and to start a career where your employer values what you bring to the table. This industry has one of the highest rates of veteran employment and as the truck driver shortage continues, there’s no better time to get started.
Here are just a few reasons why trucking is a great job for veterans:
Use Skills You Already Have
Trucking uses many of the same skills you’ve developed over the course of your military service.
Some examples include:
- Mental Stamina/Focus
- Teamwork
- Dependability
- Leadership
- Situational Awareness
- Self-discipline
- Problem solving
In some cases, you may have even driven a truck during your service. You may be able to get an exemption from the road test and earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) sooner in this case, or at the very least you’ll be more prepared than most new drivers.
Serve Your Country
As a member of the armed forces, you served your country and may want to continue this service as you transition out of active duty. Trucking is a great opportunity to do this.
70% of freight in the United States travels via semi-truck. Without semi-trucks and the men and women who drive them, there would be shortages of food, gas, medicine, and more across the country. Trucking is essential to our nation’s economy and truckers can take pride in knowing the valuable contribution they make.
Take Advantage of Job Security and High Pay
As we mentioned above, truckers are essential, and this translates into excellent job security. There is a shortage of qualified drivers in our country, which further increases the demand. Motor carriers are eager to hire CDL school graduates and there is an abundance of job openings for over-the-road (OTR) truckers.
The high demand also translates into high pay. Truck drivers can earn more than $69,000 per year.* Many companies also offer sign-on bonuses and excellent benefits. Additionally, as a veteran, you may be able to take advantage of unique programs and bonuses that motor carriers offer.
Funding Your Trucking Education
If you qualify for GI Bill®** benefits, you can use these funds for tuition assistance. This makes it even easier to get the necessary education to start your trucking career.
If you already have your CDL, some motor carriers offer apprenticeship or job training programs that are eligible for GI Bill® funding.
Earn Your CDL After Military Service
Yuma Truck Driving School is proud to have been selected for the 2021 – 2022 G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Schools list. We can help you transition into the civilian workforce and you can earn your CDL in as little as four weeks with our accelerated program.
To learn more about becoming a truck driver after serving in the military, contact us today.
*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $47,130 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $69,480 per year according to 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics.
**GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
