Freedom Haulers: Military to CDL Career Pipeline

About Freedom Haulers: Military to CDL Career Pipeline

The Freedom Haulers is a federal program designed to help veterans transition into careers as commercial truck drivers. The program has 6 pathways:

1. For Veterans without experience, the GI Bill can cover up to 100% of CDL training costs at state- and agency-approved schools.
2. For Veterans with a service-connected disability, Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) fully funds CDL training and helps secure a job.
3. For Veterans with experience operating a military commercial motor vehicle within the last year, the CDL skills (road) test can be waived in every state.
4. The Even Exchange Program: Veterans with approved military occupational driving classifications can immediately exchange their military license for a CDL, completely bypassing both the skills and knowledge tests. New Jersey is among the states that have committed to implementing this program.
5. SkillBridge Program: Transitioning service members can use up to their final 6 months of active duty to participate in civilian trucking training, allowing them to start a career the day they separate.
6. OJT Program: Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to receive a monthly educational housing allowance check in addition to their weekly truck driving salary.

For application details and more information regarding each individual program, visit the website at the top of the listing and navigate to the “Get Equipped” section.