Trump Launches Freedom Haulers Program for Veteran Truckers

The White House announced the Freedom Haulers Initiative on Wednesday, bringing together the Department of Transportation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Labor to streamline the path from military service to commercial driver's license (CDL) certification.

Under the program, veterans with relevant military driving experience can waive the standard skills test requirement, cutting the time to obtain a CDL by up to 30 days. The initiative also provides dedicated funding for training and testing fees, and connects veterans with participating trucking companies that have committed to hiring them.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the program addresses both a critical shortage of truck drivers and the need for stable civilian careers for veterans. 'These men and women have the discipline and skills to move goods safely across America,' he said. 'We're removing the red tape that stands between them and the open road.'

The program is set to launch a pilot phase in Texas, Florida, and Ohio, with a national rollout expected within a year. Interested veterans can apply through the Department of Veterans Affairs website or at participating VA career centers.