CVTA Members Highlighted at Freedom Haulers Event on Veterans Day in Washington
On Veterans Day, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Derek Barrs hosted veterans and trucking industry leaders on the National Mall to mark the progress of Freedom Haulers, an interagency campaign launched in July to help veterans move into trucking careers.
CVTA members Schneider and Werner Enterprises attended, along with Andrea Hanley Marathakis, of Troops Into Transportation, part of CVTA member The CDL Schools.
"FMCSA continues to address non-compliant training providers and remove unsafe drivers for our roads. Programs like Freedom Haulers and Troops Into Transportation help advance both safety and opportunity. The Veterans Day Freedom Haulers ceremony reaffirmed the commitment that our government and partner employers make to putting safe, qualified commercial drivers on America’s roads," said Andrea Marathakis. "Freedom Haulers promotes the Transportation Industry as a meaningful path to employment for our Military
community."
What Was Announced
According to the Department of Transportation:
FMCSA is investing $3.5 million (CMVOST Grants) in funding for training providers
12 trucking companies have committed to hiring more than 13,000 veterans, with help from the Department of Labor
Nearly 400 veterans have used their GI Bill benefits under the campaign, with help from the Department of Veterans Affairs
“Today is all about delivering results for the brave men and women who sacrificed so much in defense of our nation,” said Secretary Sean Duffy. “In just a few months, our Freedom Haulers campaign has raised awareness and helped hundreds of veterans pursue an exciting career in trucking. Today we are doubling down on that progress by investing millions in training programs across the country to support former service members and their families. To our veterans: today we pause to say thank you.”
“There is no better way for FMCSA and the Department to express their gratitude to our nation’s veterans than through Freedom Haulers,” Administrator Derek Barrs said. “We’re proud to continue supporting the brave men and women who have fought to defend our freedoms as they begin the new mission of keeping our supply chains secure and resilient.”
Training and Hiring Veterans
Schneider and Werner recruit veterans into driving careers. Through Troops Into Transportation, The CDL Schools and other dedicated CVTA members, veterans move from military service into successful truck driving careers.
Other ways CVTA has supported Freedom Haulers: CVTA Members Highlight Veteran Pathways into Professional Trucking
