ATA Pushes for Better Veteran Access in Trucking Jobs

ATA Calls on Congress to Improve Veteran Pathways Into Trucking

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) told Congress that it wants better support for veteran access to trucking careers. ATA leaders spoke during a Capitol Hill hearing and said many former service members have skills that match well with commercial driving jobs. They also said that federal rules may slow or block a ex-military from moving into trucking after service.

ATA hopes that new steps in Congress could help more former military enter the industry and fill driving jobs across the country.

Veterans Training and Licensing Changes ATA Wants

ATA listed several areas where it believes Congress could help a veteran move more easily into trucking. These include:

• Expanding access to CDL training programs that accept GI Bill benefits, which may help get licensed faster.
• Reducing long wait times before new training branches can accept VA education benefits, since these delays may prevent a former military driver from starting on time.
• Supporting policies that use a veteran’s skills — like discipline, equipment experience, and safety awareness — for trucking jobs.

ATA says these steps may improve the transition from military service to a driving career.

Why Trucking May Fit Veteran Skill Sets

Many former service members have experience with heavy equipment, tight schedules, and long periods away from home. These skills can match the daily work of long-haul trucking.

ATA argues that improving access for Ex-military workers could help both carriers and the supply chain. A smoother path into the industry may also offer stable work after service.

Current Veteran Support and Ongoing Legislation

Congress has already taken steps in the past years to help former service members use VA benefits for CDL training. This includes earlier bills that reduced some training barriers.

There are also industry partnerships that support Former military drivers access to trucking and diesel technician programs. ATA and other groups work with national veteran organizations to guide new drivers toward training and job placement.

These efforts show a long-standing industry interest in hiring ex-military workers for both driving and technical roles.

What These Efforts Could Mean for Trucking

If Congress acts on ATA’s requests, more ex-military workers may enter the driving workforce. This could give carriers more hiring options.

For the individual, easier access to training and licensing may lower costs, shorten wait times, and help them start a new career sooner. Better pathways may also support long-term job stability, which many veterans look for after returning to civilian life.

What Still Remains Unknown for Veteran Support

ATA’s proposals are not guaranteed. Congress must still review them, debate them, and decide which ideas move forward.

It is also unclear how quickly any changes could take effect, how they would be funded, and how training schools and states would adjust. They may still face limits based on school capacity, local job markets, or personal training needs.

Why Veterans Access Matters to the Industry

Trucking depends on a strong workforce, and many former service members seek new careers after their service time ends. Helping Ex-military workers enter the industry may strengthen the overall supply chain while offering stable work to those who have served.

If barriers fall and training improves, veterans could become an even larger part of the next generation of commercial drivers.