For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life is challenging. Civilian companies don’t always know how to take advantage of their unique values and skill set. If you are nervous about making the switch from active duty, consider a career in trucking. Not only are drivers in high demand, but this is also a great career for veterans because the two industries share a few characteristics.
A few of the many benefits of truck driving as a career for veterans are:
Provides Job Security
Job security is one of the many benefits of the trucking industry. When veterans join a career in trucking, they will not have to worry about going through the job application process over and over again. Once a company hires you, there are many opportunities to advance and a high possibility that you will stay with them for a long period of time. The industry is growing and companies are always hiring, so if you choose to pursue a career in trucking, there will always be a job available for you.
Continued Service
Veterans understand the value of service. As a member of the armed forces, they took pride in serving their country and may be looking for a job that will allow them to continue contributing. Like Americans depend on the military for security and protection, we also depend on truck drivers to keep the economy running. A career in trucking can offer veterans a similar feeling of serving their country as their time in the military did.
Easy to Adapt
Military service often allows you to travel and see the world. Similarly, truck driving lets you continue to see the beauty of the United States from the convenience of your vehicle. The transition between the military and trucking is smooth because they are both jobs that typically take place outside of an office. When you come from a military background, truck driver training also feels easy to complete.
Affordable
Working as a truck driver will give veterans the pay they deserve. Truck drivers can earn more than $72,000 a year.* Trucking companies also often give signing bonuses to new employees. In addition, military veterans have access to funding opportunities to make their new career more affordable. Qualified veterans can receive tuition assistance from the G.I. Bill®** to put toward earning their commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Transferable Skills
A successful career in the military requires veterans to develop a certain skill set that sets them up to excel in other job paths as well. Some of the traits that carry over from the military to trucking are dependability, situational awareness, leadership, organization, and self-discipline. The minimal supervision and ability to do your own thing as a trucker may differ from service in the military, but many veterans find that aspect of the trucking industry to be refreshing.
Truck Driver Education for Veterans
If you are ready to transition into a career in trucking, Phoenix Truck Driving School is a great place to start. Our program offers benefits for veterans, as well as national guard and reserve members. Additionally, our Fort Bliss campus specifically serves active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. Veterans can earn their CDL in as little as four weeks.
To learn more about our benefits for veterans, contact us today.
*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $48,310. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $72,730 per year according to the 2021 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.
