Freedom Haulers Adds New Hiring and CDL Benefits for Veterans

Freedom Haulers Expands CDL Path for Military Veterans

The Freedom Haulers campaign is moving beyond its original launch with new CDL licensing changes, additional state participation, and a large hiring commitment from a national trucking carrier.

President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy hosted veterans at the White House on July 30 to promote the federal initiative. During the event, officials announced several measures intended to shorten the path from military service to a civilian trucking career.

The updates include a longer application window for a CDL skills test waiver, seven more states joining a military licensing program, and expanded flexibility for service members seeking a CDL outside their home state. Werner Enterprises also pledged to hire 1,400 veterans and military spouses in 2027.

Freedom Haulers Adds New CDL Policy Changes

The federal government launched Freedom Haulers as a joint effort involving the White House and the departments of Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Labor, and War.

The campaign brings together CDL training information, federal education benefits, licensing programs, apprenticeships, and job opportunities for veterans. It is also being promoted through radio advertisements, digital advertising, and a federal website.

When the campaign was first announced, officials said additional policy measures would be released during a later kickoff event. The White House gathering provided the first details about those changes.

The most important updates affect veterans and service members with experience operating heavy military vehicles. However, the programs do not provide an automatic CDL. Applicants must still qualify under the applicable federal and state requirements.

Skills Test Waiver Window Expands to Two Years

One of the largest Freedom Haulers changes involves the FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver.

Under the previous timeline, eligible veterans generally had to apply within one year after leaving a military position that required the operation of a commercial-type vehicle. The administration is expanding that window from one year to two years after service.

The waiver can allow qualified applicants to avoid taking the road skills portion of the civilian CDL examination. Applicants must provide proof of relevant military driving experience and meet other eligibility standards.

Federal officials said more than 40,000 veterans have used the waiver so far. Doubling the application window could help former service members who do not immediately begin the CDL process after leaving the military.

The waiver does not necessarily remove every licensing requirement. Applicants may still need to pass written knowledge tests, meet medical qualification rules, and obtain the correct license class and endorsements.

States also remain responsible for reviewing applications and issuing commercial licenses.

Seven States Join the Even Exchange Program

The Freedom Haulers announcement also added seven states to FMCSA’s Even Exchange Program.

The new participating states are:

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, and Wyoming.

Their participation brings the total number of states in the program to 34, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Even Exchange goes further than the basic military skills test waiver. Qualified applicants may be allowed to bypass both the written knowledge test and the road skills test when applying for a civilian CDL.

Eligibility is generally tied to specific military occupational specialties and heavy-vehicle experience that federal and state officials consider comparable to civilian commercial driving.

The program could make the transition faster for qualified veterans living in the seven newly participating states. However, applicants will still need to meet medical, identification, residency, and other licensing requirements.

They must also obtain any endorsements required for the equipment or cargo they intend to operate or haul.

Service Members Gain More Licensing Flexibility

Another newly announced change affects where active-duty service members may apply for a commercial learner’s permit or CDL.

Service members may now apply and test in the state where they are stationed instead of returning to their official home state. The benefit will also remain available for two years after military service.

Military families often move between states because of duty assignments. Requiring a service member to return to a home state for CDL testing could add travel, delays, and additional expenses to the licensing process.

The new flexibility is intended to remove that barrier. It could also allow service members to begin preparing for a civilian trucking career before their military transition is complete.

State licensing agencies will still handle the applications. Availability and procedures may therefore vary as states implement the policy.

Werner Pledges 1,400 Military Hires

Freedom Haulers is also adding a clearer employment component.

Werner Enterprises pledged to hire 1,400 military veterans and military spouses during 2027. DOT described the commitment as a 67% increase in the company’s veteran workforce.

The announcement did not state that all 1,400 positions would be truck-driving jobs. Large carriers also employ workers in maintenance, logistics, safety, recruiting, dispatch, and other operations.

Still, the commitment connects the licensing and training campaign with potential job opportunities after military service.

Private trucking companies may play an important role in determining how many veterans ultimately enter the industry through Freedom Haulers. Government programs can provide training assistance and licensing options, but applicants will still need access to suitable jobs after earning a CDL.

Federal Programs Can Help Cover CDL Training

Veterans who do not qualify for a military test waiver or Even Exchange may still be able to use federal benefits for regular CDL training.

The Department of Veterans Affairs says GI Bill benefits may cover up to 100% of tuition at CDL schools approved by the appropriate state agency.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may also qualify for training and job-placement assistance through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program.

Transitioning service members can use the Department of War’s SkillBridge program to receive civilian career training during their final 180 days of active duty. Department of Labor apprenticeship programs may also allow eligible veterans to receive an educational housing payment while earning wages from a trucking employer.

Coverage and eligibility can vary. Veterans may need to confirm that a school, employer, or training program is approved before enrolling.

What the Freedom Haulers Expansion Means

The new Freedom Haulers measures provide more detail than the original campaign announcement.

The longer waiver window gives eligible veterans additional time to convert military driving experience into a civilian license. The seven new Even Exchange states extend a faster CDL option to more parts of the country. The change for active-duty service members may also reduce delays caused by state residency rules.

Werner’s hiring pledge adds a measurable private-sector commitment, although the results of the broader campaign will depend on how many veterans use the available programs and how many employers participate.

For now, Freedom Haulers remains a combination of existing federal resources and newly expanded licensing policies. The July 30 announcements give the campaign a clearer role in moving qualified military drivers toward civilian trucking careers.