USDOT pushes policy changes to create veteran-to-trucker pipeline
Federal transportation authorities are cutting red tape in hopes of attracting more military veterans to enter the trucking industry.
At a July 30 White House event, President Trump joined Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to roll out the Freedom Haulers campaign.
🚨WOW: Trucking companies across the country are calling in to hire our military heroes🚨
Through FREEDOM HAULERS, President Trump is putting safety first, taking illegal drivers off our highways, and getting veterans into great-paying jobs pic.twitter.com/3HLunToMeP
— USDOT Rapid Response (@USDOTRapid) July 30, 2026
The Freedom Haulers campaign is an interagency push to recruit more service members into trucking. It was created in response to a call from the White House to reduce the number of unqualified foreign truck drivers on U.S. roadways.
Major policy changes announced on July 30 as part of the Freedom Haulers initiative include:
- Extending the FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver window from one to two years post-service. This program is available in every state and allows veterans with two years’ experience operating heavy military vehicles to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) without taking the driving test (skills test).
- Adding Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, and Wyoming to the Even Exchange Program. The program allows those who worked as military drivers to be exempt from the CDL knowledge test. When combined with the FMCSA Military Skills waiver, it allows a driver to “exchange a military license for a CDL.” Thirty-four states now participate in this program.
- Active-duty service members are now permitted to apply and test for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or CDL in the state where they are currently stationed, rather than traveling back to their home state.
In addition to these policy changes, officials said that trucking company Werner has pledged to hire 1,400 military veterans and military spouses in 2027.
“Illegal immigrants who can’t speak our language have no business getting behind the wheel of a big rig. Veterans – who have already demonstrated the grit, discipline, and skills to take on this vital task – are the right people for the job,” said Duffy. “Now through our Freedom Haulers campaign, we are cutting the red tape so these patriots can get their licenses even faster and start making real money in record time. Thanks to President Trump, there has never been a better time to be a truck driver and keep America moving.”
“Having spent 35 years in law enforcement and raising an active-duty soldier, this mission is personal. Secretary Duffy has led the charge to restore integrity to our roadways. Now, the focus shifts to celebrating what makes American trucking great,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “Veterans embody the exact duty, grit, and precision this essential industry relies on. Through Freedom Haulers, we’re welcoming our military heroes behind the wheel to secure our roads and strengthen the backbone of our economy.”
The Freedom Haulers campaign is endorsed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).
“With nearly 40 percent of our membership having served in the U.S. Armed Forces, OOIDA’s members bring a unique dedication to both national security and road safety. Military veterans have the skills to succeed in trucking and that’s what makes them the safest operators of the 80,000-pound commercial vehicles that traverse America’s roadways. OOIDA strongly applauds the Trump Administration for launching the Freedom Haulers initiative to ensure the most well-trained, professional men and women are operating large trucks on our nation’s roadways and keeping our supply chain secure,” said Todd Spencer, President of the OOIDA.