Class A Drivers has long advocated that truck driving jobs are a great fit for veterans. Veterans have the skills and personality traits that make for successful truck drivers.

And apparently, the FMCSA agrees. A new rule allows state agencies to waives the requirement for veterans  to get their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or even their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) as long as they’ve had relevant and equivalent experience within a year. 

The FMCSA Rule for Veterans

Veterans can even waive tests required for various endorsements, including HAZMAT, tanker, and passenger, as long as they provide the proof of training and experience.

Ordinarily, a CLP requires a successful knowledge test, and the CDL requires a driving and skills test.

The new rule for veteran waivers works for current and former servicemembers, and it covers the National Guard and reservists as well. While the Military Skills Waiver already existed, this new rule makes it easier for state licensing agencies to participate.

Why Veterans make Great Truck Drivers

Truck driving requires a certain set of skills. Drivers must be punctual, able to adapt to changing conditions on the road, independent, yet also able to follow directions.

Truckers must be willing to travel long distances and make the sleeper berth their home. Even meal-planning and eating on the road are essential aspects to being successful as a commercial truck driver.

Fortunately, these are all skills and personality traits that veterans thrive with. Veterans are a special breed that can handle conditions that others would look at as hardships. In fact, many enjoy these challenges.

And for veterans who recently arrived back in the United States, truck driving gives them a job instantly (with a waiver) or with a minimal amount of training. And best of all, they can travel and view the country that they swore to protect.

Veterans Are the Solution to the Shortage

It’s also no secret that the trucking industry is going through a driver shortage. More drivers are needed, and this means that the entire economy is at risk when products and consumer goods can’t reach their destination. (70% of everything American consumers buy does touch a truck at some point.)

Veterans can come to the rescue once again. They can rescue an aging workforce in trucking and save the US economy.