U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly announced “Freedom Haulers” initiative has received rousing support from army veterans and trucking industry leaders.
The initiative aims to fill the skill gap in the trucking business by fast-tracking veterans into the trucking arena. It cuts out duplicated training for veterans who are already adept at handling heavy machinery.
Army veteran Tom Jacques said the proposal could help fill long-standing gaps in the trucking workforce
Army veteran and trucking executive Tom Jacques praised the initiative, calling it a great solution to help Army veterans transitioning into civilian jobs. Jacques, who serves as Director of Department of Transportation Compliance at Waste Management and chairs the Pennsylvania Motor Trucking Association, said the trucking industry is in constant need of disciplined workers.
“It’s wonderful to get skilled workers who are disciplined [and] dedicated into an industry that requires discipline and dedication,” he said, adding that operating an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer requires a strong commitment to safety.
According to Fox News, the initiative allows Army veterans skilled in handling heavy vehicles to waive the commercial driver’s license (CDL) road-skills test. The 34 participating states may also receive waivers on the written knowledge test. Those without driving experience will have to attend a fast-track training course that can be wrapped up in a few weeks.
Trump has also noted that having veterans behind the wheel will reduce accidents. Additionally, it is a good way to make veterans employable and improve highway security.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also supported the decision, declaring that trucking can pay between $80,000 and $100,000. He also questioned why trained military veterans have to undergo civilian training once again. The initiative will contribute to safer highways by placing experienced, military-trained drivers behind the wheel.
He also envisions the initiative creating more jobs for U.S. Army veterans while upholding highway safety by placing trust in their abilities.
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