This is what American voters asked for.
President Donald Trump announced a new nationwide initiative Thursday aimed at helping U.S. military veterans build careers in the trucking industry while strengthening America’s transportation workforce.
The program, called Freedom Haulers, is designed to connect veterans with good-paying commercial trucking jobs and expand opportunities for those transitioning from military service to civilian life. The Trump administration says the effort will also help reduce reliance on non-citizen drivers by encouraging more American veterans to enter the trucking profession.
Trump unveiled the initiative alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling during an event at the White House, describing the program as a partnership between the federal government and private industry to support those who served the nation.
The Freedom Haulers initiative brings together the Departments of Transportation, Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs to simplify the hiring process for veterans seeking careers as professional truck drivers. Administration officials say the program is intended to address both veteran employment and the nationwide demand for qualified commercial drivers.
A key part of the initiative gives qualifying veterans a faster path to earning their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), allowing them to begin civilian trucking careers sooner. Those who gained experience operating heavy vehicles while serving in the military will also have an easier time applying those skills in the commercial trucking industry through a more streamlined licensing process.
For veterans who have never driven commercial trucks, the program also expands access to professional CDL training. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the GI Bill can cover up to 100 percent of tuition costs for approved commercial driving schools, allowing many former service members to earn their licenses with little or no out-of-pocket expense.
The private sector is already committing to the effort. Werner Enterprises, one of America’s largest transportation companies, announced plans to hire approximately 1,400 veterans and military spouses through the Freedom Haulers initiative, creating thousands of new employment opportunities for military families.
Several states—including Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Arkansas, Indiana, Alabama, and Wyoming—are also joining the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Even Exchange Program. The program allows military drivers to convert their military driving experience into civilian credentials more efficiently, reducing paperwork and speeding up the transition into commercial trucking careers.
Supporters say the initiative provides a practical way to honor military service while addressing ongoing labor shortages in the trucking industry. By reducing licensing barriers, expanding training opportunities, and encouraging private employers to hire veterans, the Trump administration says Freedom Haulers will help strengthen the American workforce and keep experienced, highly trained drivers on the nation’s highways.
For many veterans, the program represents another pathway to stable employment after military service. Administration officials say combining federal support, GI Bill education benefits, and commitments from major trucking companies could make Freedom Haulers one of the largest veteran employment initiatives focused on commercial transportation in recent years.