PMTA was proud to be represented at the White House last week for the launch of Freedom Haulers, a new federal workforce initiative designed to connect America's veterans with rewarding careers in the trucking industry.

PMTA President & CEO Rebecca Oyler attended the event alongside PMTA Chairman Tom Jacques and PMTA member Don Sample. Also representing Pennsylvania was longtime PMTA member Werner Enterprises, whose President & Chief Legal Officer, Nathan Meisgeier, spoke during the event about the company's longstanding commitment to hiring and supporting veterans.

Freedom Haulers is a collaborative effort led by the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Labor, and Veterans Affairs that brings together government agencies, employers, workforce organizations, and veteran advocates to strengthen the pipeline from military service to trucking careers.

Rather than creating a new career path, the initiative removes barriers that have prevented many qualified veterans from entering the industry by:

• Extending eligibility for the Military Skills Test Waiver, allowing veterans to obtain an expedited CDL for up to 24 months after leaving active duty (previously 12 months).
• Expanding CDL training opportunities for veterans whose military experience did not include operating heavy commercial vehicles.
• Growing FMCSA's Even Exchange program, which now includes 32 participating states and allows qualified veterans to exchange military driving credentials for a CDL where eligible.

Each year, approximately 200,000 service members transition from the military to civilian life, bringing with them leadership, discipline, teamwork, and mission-focused experience that translates exceptionally well to careers in trucking.

Veterans have long been an integral part of the trucking workforce, and many PMTA members actively recruit former service members into careers as drivers, technicians, safety professionals, and leaders. Companies like Werner Enterprises have built robust veteran hiring, mentorship, and training programs, with military-connected employees making up approximately 15% of its workforce.

PMTA applauds this initiative and the efforts to reduce unnecessary barriers for veterans seeking meaningful careers while helping address workforce needs across the trucking industry. By creating a smoother transition from military service to commercial driving, Freedom Haulers helps ensure that those who have served our country can continue serving our communities by keeping America's supply chain moving.

Watch the full press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/live/coFYdHAjdXs

Visit the Freedom Haulers website here: https://freedomhaulers.dot.gov/