Veterans face several unique hurdles when transitioning to civilian life that make finding work challenging.

 

Each person faces a unique combination of different factors that range from lower higher education rates to not understanding how their experience translates into future employment.

 

Those challenges don’t include the other concerns veterans face each day, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

The unemployment rate for veterans between the ages of 18 to 65 is typically higher than for those who never participated in military service. When you choose to obtain your CDL to be a truck driver, you can have a career where your experiences can directly contribute to the next paycheck you earn.

 

Steps to Take to Become a Veteran Truck Driver

 

Commercial truck drivers are in high demand today. Veterans and service members with military driving experience are excellent candidates for transitioning to a civilian career as an owner-operator.

 

You’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate most trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers a military driver program that helps you bypass the training portion that civilians must pass to become truck drivers.

 

Several options are available to make it faster, easier, or less expensive for experienced veterans who want to obtain a CDL.

 

Here’s a closer look at the available programs.

 

1. Even Exchange Program

This option is also called the “Knowledge Test Waiver.” It allows a qualified military driver to be exempt from the knowledge test when obtaining a commercial driver’s license.

 

A growing number of states are participating in this program, but it isn’t a nationwide opportunity. You’ll need to check on the current Even Exchange Program state implementation status before applying to a CDL school to know what requirements you’ll need to meet. [[1]]

 

Here are the occupational classifications that qualify for this program.

 

Military Branches	Occupational Classifications
Army	·       88M – Motor Transport Operator ·       92F – Fueler ·       14T – Patriot Launching Station Operator
Navy	·       EO – Equipment Operator
Air Force	·       2T1 – Vehicle Operator ·       2F0 – Fueler ·       3E2 – Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator
Marines	·       3531 – Motor Vehicle Operator

 

2. Under 21 CDL Pilot Program

A total of 49 states issue CDLs with intrastate restrictions to drivers between the ages of 18 to 20. That means a driver cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle for interstate commerce purposes.

 

A pilot program is available for qualified military drivers under the age of 21 that bypasses that restriction. It may not be a permanent solution, but it could allow young veterans to launch a business right away.

 

3. Military Skills Test Waiver

This program allows service members and veterans with two years of experience safely operating a heavy military vehicle to obtain their commercial driver’s license without a test. [[2]]

 

Veterans can access this CDL option in every state. Over 26,000 drivers have taken advantage of this waiver program so far.

 

Additional qualifications are necessary to meet the terms and conditions of this waiver.

 

• You must have a permanent resident card or present evidence of U.S. citizenship.
• Veterans must be 21 years old at a minimum with a valid non-commercial driver’s license.
• A copy of your military license must be provided.
• Verified employment with the military in the past year is required.
• Drivers cannot have any convictions in any motor vehicle that would disqualify them from obtaining a CDL.

 

Several violations may qualify for CDL disqualification, ranging from excessive speeding to DUI. Anything classified as a serious traffic violation could be problematic. If you have something on your record, you’ll want to speak with a qualified attorney to see if you can still receive this waiver. [[3]]

 

4. Safety Grants

The FMCSA offers funds to various educational institutions that provide driver training. These grants help institutions recruit and train military members, veterans, and their families to pursue careers in the truck driving industry.

These grants go to vocational schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. Some of the money goes to state and local governments.

 

For more information about this option, you’ll need to contact your assigned FMCSA Field Office.

 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being an Owner-Operator?

 

The transition to civilian life isn’t always smooth or straightforward when looking for a job. That’s why starting your own business could be the right choice after retiring from the military.

 

Most jobs don’t offer a lot of freedom beyond the ability to make decisions for yourself. When you invest in being an owner-operator truck driver, you get to see the country while providing an essential service.

 

Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of truck driving from the perspective of being a veteran owner-operator.

 

Pros of Being a Veteran Owner Operator	Cons of Being a Veteran Owner Operator
The truck is yours, the business is under your control, and you can create your own schedule to a certain extent. You make the executive decisions, which means you can be particular about the clients you serve.	Compliance is all on you as a truck driver. Everything from the dock schedules to your driving log requires direct supervision.
You don’t need to work your way up from the bottom to get the best routes and schedules. Your role as an owner-operator ensures that you decide who works with you.	You’re assuming all the costs of owning and operating the truck. That means your pricing might be higher than companies that provide similar services. [[4]]
You’re setting yourself up to make more money than a company driver. Each load gives you a more significant share of the profits.	Most owner-operators must work longer hours than a company driver with a dispatcher to stay competitive. You’re handing everything from truck maintenance to contract development.
The truck and other assets you need to be an owner-operator provide a boost to your net worth.	Until you’ve established a positive reputation, it can be difficult to get jobs as an owner-operator. You’re constantly building a brand, networking, and proving your value in handling freight.
You can embrace a travel lifestyle that fits whatever level of independence you prefer. It’s even possible to live and work from the truck if you want to wander while earning a check.	The startup costs of being an owner-operator are often higher than being a company driver or getting involved in other veteran-owned businesses. [[5]]
The benefits of earning a CDL to be a veteran owner-operator can take you into other career paths. That means you can diversify your job orders or employment opportunities when you’re ready to make a change.	The only way to spend most of the day with your family is to take them with you in the truck. That’s not always easy to do when you have small children at home.

 

How to Maximize Your Income as an Owner-Operator

 

When you work as an owner-operator, it is up to you to maximize your income-earning opportunities.

 

The first step toward success is to offer the best freight matching tools to the highest-paying loads. That means investing in the right load board for your business structure.

 

Load boards are how brokers communicate with owner-operators about job opportunities. Find one you trust, but don’t limit yourself to a single platform.

 

You’ll want to perform your due diligence with each broker. Don’t take someone’s word for their reputation because you never know that their definition of “good” matches yours. You’ll want to see the data on the average days to pay and their overall rating to ensure you can plan for cash-flow needs.

 

It helps to work smarter instead of harder as an owner-operator. You can increase your hours to get paid more, but you can also negotiate a better rate. That allows you to plan routes in advance to maximize your profits.

 

Then don’t forget about the people. When you transport cargo, it can be easy to think of everything as a commodity. If you can form long-lasting relationships with the best brokers, they’ll call you first when a great job comes along and ensure you get paid on time to stay happy.

 

Cutting Fuel Costs Can Push Profits Higher

One of the biggest expenses you’ll face as a veteran owner-operator is fuel. It makes sense to reduce these costs whenever you can.

 

Many drivers join fuel card programs. It can be a loyalty program, cash-back offer, or rebate that gives you a portion of your purchases back.

 

Every mile out of your way reduces profits. Plan the most efficient route between each city to get your costs down.

 

It also helps to choose fuel stops wisely. You’ll find significantly cheaper rates between two stations, especially when they’re separated by state lines. A few extra pennies off the per-gallon rate can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

 

When you want to find a job that fits your experience and run a business, becoming an owner-operator makes a lot of sense. If you don’t qualify for waiver programs, it won’t take long to earn your CDL and begin your next career.

 

[[1]] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/even-exchange-program

[[2]] https://www.ccjdigital.com/regulations/article/15287396/fmcsa-establishes-apprenticeship-pilot-program-for-under21-truck-drivers

[[3]] https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlsuspensions.html

[[4]] https://www.thetruckersreport.com/infographics/cost-of-trucking/

[[5]] https://freightliner.com/blog-and-newsletters/how-to-estimate-a-new-semi-truck-s-price/