Expansion of Veteran Programs in Trucking Advocated by American Trucking Associations
Washington – During a recent hearing by the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) called on Congress members to broaden essential programs that assist veterans in transitioning to trucking careers. This marks the eighth occasion this year that ATA has participated in discussions on Capitol Hill.
Veterans’ Contribution to Supply Chain
Greg Hamm, Vice President of Field and Government Recruiting at Werner Enterprises and a U.S. Army veteran, represented ATA and highlighted the significant impact veterans have on enhancing America’s supply chains. “Veterans bring the values that make workplaces—and supply chains—stronger,” Hamm stated, emphasizing that employing veterans is a strategic business move rather than merely an act of goodwill.
Military to Trucking Career Transition
Each year, nearly 200,000 service members transition from military service, many of whom have the discipline, technical skills, and leadership qualities essential for successful careers in transportation. Werner, a member of ATA, is a leading employer for veterans and military families, with around 20% of its workforce of 13,000 having military connections and aiming to increase this number to 25%.
Support for Veterans at Werner
Hamm noted that Werner’s veteran recruiting team shares a common background with the individuals they assist. He mentioned the diverse career paths available to veterans at Werner, including driving, maintenance, safety, operations, and logistics management. The company offers educational support, tuition assistance, and military community resources to help veterans and their families succeed.
Success Story: Sgt. Eric Macedo
He shared inspiring success stories like that of Sgt. Eric Macedo, an Army mechanic who utilized his GI Bill benefits to obtain his CDL through Werner’s registered apprenticeship program. Macedo progressed rapidly, eventually becoming a Road Team Captain and a mentor.
Call for Legislative Support
Hamm appealed to lawmakers to back initiatives that would enhance training opportunities and remove bureaucratic obstacles hindering veterans from entering lucrative trucking careers. His recommendations included:
- Increasing funding for the CMV Operator Safety Training Grant Program to improve access to quality CDL training.
- Passing the Warriors to Workforce Act to alleviate housing challenges for veterans in job training programs.
- Enacting the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act to simplify VA oversight of apprenticeship programs.
- Passing the TRANSPORT Jobs Act to ease job finding for veterans and their spouses within the supply chain.
Encouraging Bipartisan Efforts
Hamm expressed gratitude for the bipartisan leadership on the Subcommittee, especially Chairman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) and Ranking Member Chris Pappas (D-NH), for their efforts in passing the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act last year, which reduces bureaucratic obstacles and aids in the swift transition of servicemembers to new careers.
Future Empowerment of Veterans
“I am confident that this Subcommittee will continue building on that progress to empower veterans, their families, businesses, and our broader economy in the future,” Hamm predicted. “By working together, policymakers and employers can create more opportunities for those who have served. We are dedicated to helping veterans forge meaningful, long-lasting careers in trucking.”
