Military veterans are unique people attracted to a unique career path. Like the military, driving a truck鈥檚 a distinctive career that attracts a similar group of people. The skills you obtained in the military will help you thrive as a truck driver, while also providing you the opportunity to see more of the country you protected.
Why Veterans Excel as Truckers
According to Transport Topic, trucking is a lucrative industry experiencing a growing need for more drivers. It鈥檚 a career that requires the discipline to drive over long distances and the reliability to make deliveries on time. The military teaches discipline and ingrains the importance of meeting one鈥檚 goals in an efficient and timely manner.
A soldier is never alone鈥攜ou鈥檙e part of a team. So are truck drivers. If you鈥檙e team driving, you鈥檙e partnered with another driver who you鈥檒l split your schedule with. You鈥檒l also work with your dispatcher to ensure the route you鈥檙e on is still the best way to deliver your goods.
While you鈥檙e on the road on using your CB radio, you鈥檒l encounter other drivers. You can exchange stories and tips on what weigh stations to use, roads to avoid, and the best places to stop for a meal.
As a veteran, you were taught to plan ahead. As a trucker, you鈥檒l need to figure out fast, cost-effective routes that also provide you with places to eat, rest, or clean up.
While you鈥檙e taught to plan, you also know how to adapt as situations change and make decisions quickly. The road is an unpredictable place. Accidents, construction, and weather changes will alter your plan. Your situational awareness will ensure you notice signage, react to sudden detours and road hazards.
The military makes leaders. Whether you鈥檙e team
driving or instructing new drivers, your guidance and experience is still
needed.
How to Become a Truck Driver
The federal government has . You鈥檒l also need a commercial driver鈥檚 license (CDL). Driving schools provide on the road and classroom instruction to help you prepare for the CDL test.
Having a prior criminal record won鈥檛 automatically exclude you. However, .
However, if you have at least two years of experience driving military trucks, . You鈥檒l only be responsible for passing the written test since your military driving experience translates to trucking. This will get you out on the road and providing for your family much faster.
As a Military Friendly School, we offer information and accredited courses for veterans interested in becoming truck drivers. For more on our veteran services, click here.
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