How to Find Military Friendly Trucking Companies

Veterans thrive on the road. Learn how to find military friendly trucking companies and find your next civilian job behind the wheel.

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ABCO Transportation
September 1, 2021
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Maybe you were an 88M in the Army and are seeking civilian driving opportunities. Maybe you are a vet looking for a whole new career. Regardless of your reasoning, there are many military-friendly trucking companies who not only appreciate your service but are also enthusiastic about hiring veterans.

Wondering how to find military friendly trucking companies? You’ll find that many of the big names on the road today love hiring current and former military personnel. ABCO Transportation Inc., R+L Carriers, CRST Trucking, Schneider National, and other major ground transport companies have strong track records of hiring veterans. 

In many cases, veterans come with class, distinction, and a can-do attitude. Military friendly trucking companies appreciated what sets service men and women apart from other candidates. Learn more about how to find an employer that values your military experience, how to reap VA benefits, and much more.

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What Does Military Friendly Mean?

what does military friendly mean

Terms like “military-friendly” or “veteran-friendly” can be confusing. When applied to job postings, these terms mean that the employer takes special care in the recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of former and current military service members.

Many military-friendly trucking companies prefer to hire veterans. These companies will help employees translate their military skills and MOS career skills into their civilian trucking industry job. Many military-friendly companies also offer scheduling that can accommodate deployments and training for active-duty military members. 

You’ll find military-friendly employers across the United States and in every industry. There are a large number of military-friendly trucking companies on the roads today. In fact, statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that 1 out of every 10 truck drivers is a veteran. This is double the rate of most other occupations.

Our article on the best trucking companies to drive for will show you what to look for from an employer.

List of Miltary Friendly Trucking Companies Hiring Now

There are many military-friendly trucking and logistics companies on the roads today. Some of these veteran-friendly logistics and trucking companies include:

  • ABCO Transportation, Inc.
  • R+L Carriers
  • CRST Trucking
  • J.B. Hunt
  • Schneider National
  • C.H. Robinson
  • Knight Transportation, Inc.
  • Carroll Fulmer
  • McLane
  • Averitt
  • Crete Carrier Corporation

What are the Best Jobs for Veterans?

what are the best jobs for veterans

Those with military experience can thrive in any occupation. This is because ex-military members come with many transferable skills that can help them win success in a variety of civilian settings. These skills include:

  • Leadership
  • Self-sufficiency
  • Teamwork
  • Effective communication
  • Ability to perform under pressure

It all boils down to the fact that the military provides valuable skills that are easy to transfer to a civilian career.

The military might also give you hands-on job training. For example, a MOS 31 might perform well in a civilian law enforcement career. A soldier in MOS 92G could transfer the skills he or she gained as an Opahey behind the grill to a career in a fine-dining kitchen.

Is Truck Driving the Best Job for Veterans?

But what are the best jobs for veterans? The answer might be behind the wheel. In fact, almost all veterans leave the military with skills perfectly honed for a career over the roads. If trucking is the backbone of American supply chains, veterans might be the muscles that keep them strong.

Why is trucking a great career for veterans? Well, it takes grit and stamina to pilot a big rig. Truckers often work independently but need to maintain a team-oriented frame of mind. Truck drivers traveling regional or over the road lanes might be working away from home for days at a time. Many kinds of military service can adequately prepare you to handle these challenges, even without driving experience.

Truck Driving Jobs for Military Veterans

truck driving jobs for military veterans

Former and current service members can thrive behind the wheel. This means truck driving jobs for military veterans are a great option for those looking for civilian work. 

You’ll find military-friendly trucking companies actively seeking veterans around the country. From CDL jobs in Atlanta to team truck driving jobs in Tucson, you are sure to find an opportunity near you.

Why are there so many opportunities for veterans with military-friendly trucking companies? This question is easy to answer. The trucking industry gives veterans an easy way to transition into civilian life while continuing to serve their country in a whole new way.

Veteran Truck Drivers By The Numbers

Numbers from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics indicate that veterans rule the road. Out of 9 million employed U.S. veterans, 10.3% percent (roughly 926,000) were working jobs directly related to transportation.

Many veterans turn to the transportation and trucking industries simply because they excel. Veterans have proven themselves to be both hard workers and safe drivers. Just look at the numbers from one recent study:

  • Veteran drivers covered 98% more miles than non-military counterparts
  • Veteran drivers were involved in 44% fewer accidents than non-military counterparts
  • Veteran drivers have 62% fewer involuntary terminations than non-military counterparts

ABCO Transportation, Inc., a family-owned refrigerated trucking company, is just one of many military-friendly trucking companies. You’ll find that ABCO offers many truck driving jobs for military veterans. In fact, ABCO is noted as a top company for veterans, thanks to the expansive benefits package and competitive salary.

What To Look For in a Military Friendly Trucking Company

As a veteran, you’ve risked everything to serve and protect your country. You likely value loyalty and should demand to be treated well for your experience.

This means you should look for military-friendly trucking companies that are as dedicated to you as you are to them. ABCO Transportation is just one example of a trucking company that truly respects its drivers -- especially those who have served our country. 

ABCO Transportation shows respect to drivers by offering great benefits and great compensation. You may choose to be paid per mile with practically unlimited earning potential or a flat salary to keep your budget and income consistent. Benefits include a flexible rider policy, resort access, great health benefits, retirement, and more.

Things to Look For in a Veteran Friendly Trucking Company

But what else should you look for when considering military-friendly trucking companies? If you’re a driver, important things to consider might include:

  • Home time: Some drivers want to be home every night for dinner. Others like to spend their weekends at home. Others crave the open road and don’t mind being gone for long stretches. With local, regional, and even OTR jobs, you’ll find that ABCO Transportation truly ranks among military friendly trucking companies with something for everyone.
  • Equipment: A driver’s truck is his palace. Comfort is king behind the wheel. ABCO Transportation provides drivers with late-model trucks. Each is equipped with a fridge to store healthy snacks. If you’re a sound hound, you can even choose a truck with a music system and satellite radio to keep you entertained on the road. 
  • Pet and rider policies: Ride with someone who has your six. Consider veteran-friendly trucking companies that have generous rider policies. For example, ABCO Transportation will allow you to travel with a teen or adult ride -- or even your dog. Humans and pets are welcome.
  • Reputation: Your reputation is what sets you apart from the rest. Look for veteran friendly trucking companies that have high approval ratings. For example, ABCO CEO Sam Scott has a 100% approval rating on Glassdoor.
  • Freight lanes: Go where you want. Many military friendly trucking companies offer lanes that let you stay on track. Find local, regional, and even over-the-road freight lanes.

ABCO Transportation is a great choice for those seeking out the best trucking companies for veterans. 

Will the VA Pay for Truck Driving School?

will the military pay for truck driving school

It’s a fact: there is a serious truck driver shortage and capacity crunch happening in the U.S. today. Experienced drivers are in demand and many former military members are turning to truck driving schools and other training programs to meet industry needs.

Will the VA pay for truck driving school? In most cases, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Veterans can transition from the military to civilian life by using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits to pay for truck driving school.

There are a number of VA programs you can use to help pay for your CDL training. From GI Bill benefits to the Military Apprenticeship Program, you can gain the skills needed to hit the highways with government help. 

A few programs former military members can use to pay for truck driving school include:

  • Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill
  • Chapter 31 - Special Vocational Training (SVT)
  • Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • Chapter 35 - Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program
  • Chapter 1606 - Selected Reserve
  • Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program

Other programs that can help veterans earn income and pay for training programs include the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program and veteran tuition reimbursement programs.

You can use these veteran bills, programs, and funds to pay for a variety of CDL training programs. You might opt to get the training needed for a Class A CDL, which will let you drive tractor-trailers, big-rigs, flatbeds, and other combinations. You might choose to earn a Class B CDL that will let you drive straight trucks and box trucks. You could even earn a Class C CDL, granting you access behind the wheel of tank trucks and HazMat vehicles.

Letting the VA pay for truck driving school is a great way to transition back into civilian life. 

ABCO Appreciates Your Service

Looking for a military-friendly trucking company that truly appreciates your service and the sacrifice you made to our country? Look to ABCO.

You’ll find that ABCO Transportation, Inc., truly values veteran drivers. How does ABCO show appreciation? By offering industry-leading starting pay and a host of benefits you won’t find anywhere else.

ABCO Ranks Among the Most Military Friendly Trucking Companies

Why drive for ABCO? Advantages of getting a job behind the wheel of an ABCO reefer include:

  • 401(k) with employer contributions
  • Paid time off, as well as guaranteed time at home
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
  • Pet-friendly (check out our post about trucker dogs to learn more)
  • Competitive salary in addition to per-mile pay
  • Instant access to exclusive driver resorts in North Carolina and Florida
  • Career development and training programs

No matter what calls you to the open road, let ABCO guide you there. Fill out our simple trucking job application and get ready to enjoy the ride of a lifetime.

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