Freedom Haulers: U.S. Trucking Companies Commit to Hiring More Than 13,000 Military Veterans

The U.S. Department of Transportation is expanding its Freedom Haulers initiative, securing more than 13,000 veteran hiring commitments and announcing $3.5 million in training grants to help former military personnel transition into professional truck driving careers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 12, 2026 — The United States is accelerating its efforts to recruit military veterans into the trucking industry through Freedom Haulers, a federal initiative designed to connect former service members with commercial driving opportunities.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy highlighted the initiative during a Veterans Day event held November 11, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), 12 trucking companies have committed to hiring more than 13,000 veterans, while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is investing $3.5 million in training providers across 21 states.

The announcements represent another step in a nationwide effort to strengthen the American trucking workforce while creating new civilian employment opportunities for those who have served in the military.

More Than 13,000 Veteran Hiring Commitments

One of the most significant developments announced by federal officials involves the participation of major trucking companies in the Freedom Haulers initiative.

According to USDOT, 12 carriers have made commitments representing more than 13,000 veteran hiring opportunities, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor.

These commitments demonstrate the growing interest among transportation companies in recruiting former military personnel.

However, hiring commitments should not be confused with completed hires. The announced figure represents future recruitment commitments rather than 13,000 veterans already employed.

Trucking companies recognize that many military veterans possess valuable experience in vehicle operations, logistics, equipment maintenance, transportation planning and safety procedures.

Those skills can provide a strong foundation for careers in commercial transportation.

$3.5 Million for Veteran Truck Driver Training

The FMCSA is also directing $3.5 million toward training providers in 21 states to expand services and training opportunities for veterans.

The funding is intended to improve access to commercial driver training and support the transition from military service to civilian employment.

Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) can represent a significant financial and administrative challenge for individuals entering the trucking industry.

Through Freedom Haulers, federal agencies are working to make existing programs easier to access and better coordinated.

The initiative also promotes education benefits that may help eligible veterans pay for approved CDL training programs.

Military Experience Can Accelerate CDL Licensing

One of the major components of Freedom Haulers involves recognizing the commercial vehicle operating experience gained during military service.

The FMCSA’s Military Skills Test Waiver Program allows qualified former military drivers to apply for an exemption from certain CDL skills testing requirements.

In 2026, the federal government expanded the application window from one year to two years following military service.

This change gives eligible veterans more time to use their military driving experience when applying for a civilian commercial driver’s license.

Another initiative, known as the Even Exchange Program, allows qualified military personnel with certain occupational specialties to obtain exemptions from both knowledge and skills testing requirements in participating states.

These programs do not automatically grant a CDL to every veteran. Applicants must meet applicable eligibility, documentation, licensing and safety requirements.

The objective is to eliminate unnecessary duplication while maintaining professional driver qualification standards.

Nearly 400 Veterans Have Already Used GI Bill Benefits

During the November 11 announcement, USDOT also reported that nearly 400 veterans had already used their GI Bill benefits in connection with the initiative.

The GI Bill can provide education and training assistance for eligible former service members.

Depending on eligibility and the approved program, benefits may cover a substantial portion of commercial driver training expenses.

Other available pathways include apprenticeships, on-the-job training and programs designed to assist veterans with service-connected disabilities.

These resources are especially important for individuals seeking a new career after leaving active military service.

Werner Enterprises Among the Companies Supporting Veterans

Several transportation companies have joined the Freedom Haulers effort.

Among them is Werner Enterprises, which previously announced a commitment to hire 1,400 military veterans and military spouses in 2027.

The company has emphasized the importance of military experience, leadership and discipline within its workforce.

Other transportation companies and industry partners featured through Freedom Haulers include Schneider, J.B. Hunt, Swift Transportation, Knight Transportation, FedEx, UPS, Roadrunner and additional carriers.

Their participation illustrates the range of employment possibilities available to veterans across the American transportation sector.

Opportunities may include long-haul trucking, regional transportation, dedicated routes, freight operations and other logistics-related positions.

Sean Duffy Highlights the Importance of Veterans in Trucking

Secretary Sean Duffy has repeatedly emphasized the connection between military service and professional truck driving.

In a recent social media announcement, he said honoring veterans involves more than expressing gratitude and should include opportunities to build financially rewarding civilian careers.

Through Freedom Haulers, federal officials are encouraging transportation companies to actively recruit military veterans and recognize the experience they bring to the industry.

The initiative also highlights the economic importance of trucking.

Commercial drivers play a critical role in transporting food, fuel, industrial products, consumer goods and essential supplies throughout the United States.

By expanding recruitment pathways, the government hopes to strengthen the workforce supporting national freight transportation.

A Recruitment Strategy for the American Trucking Industry

The Freedom Haulers program was initially launched in July 2026 as a coordinated federal recruitment campaign.

It brings together resources from several government departments, including Transportation, Veterans Affairs and Labor.

The campaign combines recruitment information, financial assistance, licensing resources and connections with participating employers.

Its official website also provides guidance for veterans who have operated military commercial vehicles and those who must complete a traditional civilian training program.

For transportation companies, the initiative offers another opportunity to recruit individuals with backgrounds in structured operations, teamwork and responsibility.

For veterans, it creates a more accessible pathway toward a profession that remains essential to the movement of goods across the United States.

What Does This Mean for the North American Trucking Industry?

Although Freedom Haulers is an American initiative, its development is relevant to the broader North American transportation industry.

Both the United States and Canada continue to face questions surrounding driver recruitment, professional training, workforce renewal and commercial transportation safety.

Programs recognizing relevant military experience may offer useful examples of how different professional backgrounds can be integrated into civilian trucking careers.

However, licensing requirements remain specific to each jurisdiction, and the American Freedom Haulers initiative does not automatically extend its benefits to Canadian military veterans or drivers.

Its long-term impact will depend on how many committed positions become actual hires, the quality of training provided and the ability of participating companies to retain qualified drivers.

How Veterans Can Apply for Freedom Haulers

Military veterans interested in exploring trucking careers can access information through the official Freedom Haulers website.

The platform provides information on:

* CDL licensing and military experience recognition.

* Federal education and training assistance.

* Military Skills Test Waiver eligibility.

* Participating trucking companies.

* Apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

* Resources for transitioning service members and military families.

Official website: https://freedomhaulers.dot.gov/

Veterans are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements for their individual circumstances and contact participating employers or training providers directly.

Conclusion

With more than 13,000 veteran hiring commitments, $3.5 million in training investments and expanded CDL licensing pathways, Freedom Haulers has become a significant federal initiative connecting military veterans with the American trucking industry.

The program reflects a broader effort to recognize military experience, improve access to professional training and support the transportation workforce.

The next important step will be measuring how these commitments translate into actual employment, successful training outcomes and long-term careers.

For the trucking industry, the initiative also reinforces an important principle: attracting qualified drivers requires accessible training, recognized professional experience and meaningful employment opportunities.

Sources: U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Freedom Haulers.

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