WASHINGTON, DC – This past July, President Donald Trump announced a program that aims to prioritize veterans who are interested in entering the truck driving industry via the “Freedom Haulers” initiative, where participating states are offering fast-track programs for veterans seeking CDL certification.
On July 30th, President Trump spoke before members of the press outside of the White House regarding the Freedom Haulers initiative, making mention of the dangers associated with illegal aliens obtaining CDLs and how the aforementioned initiative intends to see said dangerous truck drivers replaced with American veterans.
“Thank you all for being here as we take action to get illegal alien truck drivers off the American roadways. We're doing a very strong movement - and we have had such support for this - and replace them with proud American veterans. And it's about time,” President Trump stated, later adding, “It's dangerous. It's horrible what's happening. Every day you see another story. We're not going to let that happen. And that won't happen with our great vets.”
According to the Freedom Haulers initiative, as outlined on the Department of Transportation website, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the application window for eligible veterans to two years post-service regarding the Military Skills Test Waiver, meaning would-be truckers can get on the road considerably faster.
Currently, 34 states are participating in the FMCSA's Even Exchange Program for eligible military veterans, thereby further expediting veterans with relevant MOS experience into the trucking field due to being able to also bypass both the written and driving exams for CDLs.
As for veterans who weren’t involved in an MOS where they operated a military vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle, President Trump said they too will be afforded means to fast track their trucking careers under the Freedom Haulers initiative.
“They're going to be given a very quick pass. We're going to teach them. They're going to learn, if they didn't drive a truck in the military, but were in, they're going to learn, and they're going to learn very quickly, and they'll be licensed in a matter of a few weeks,” President Trump emphasized during the press conference.
President Trump concluded the unveiling of the Freedom Haulers program by stating, “So, to end this very simply, the radical left wants more jobs for illegal aliens and more migrants in 18-wheelers. The Trump administration wants safer roads and more jobs for the American veteran.”
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