Throughout Military Appreciation Month we held interviews with military veterans working in transportation and gathered information on organizations in the industry that honor and support veterans. It’s no secret that many military veterans are working in the transportation and trucking industries. In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 673,950 military veterans were employed in the private transportation and utilities sector, which represents one in every 12 veterans. In other words, 10 percent of the 9 million military vets who are employed work in transportation. Several trucking and transportation companies actively recruit military veterans, which we highlight in this blog.
CRST
CRST has nationwide career opportunities for military vets and also offers a VA Apprenticeship program for truckers with less than 12 months of trucking experience. Through the apprenticeship program, veterans, National Guard members and reservists can receive weekly CRST wages and monthly VA educational benefits tax free on top of a Military Service Pay Credit. If you have at least two years of trucking experience from your time in the military, you may be eligible for a CDL waiver with CRST. As a veteran, you’ll also have at least 25 percent of your service time credited toward your pay if you’ve been honorably discharged. If you’re serving overseas, CRST will provide benefits to your family and you’ll maintain job security with the company.
CRST participates in Wreaths Across America’s National Wreaths Across America Day and offers relocation assistance to military veterans. PTO for veterans also is available from the day you start working at CRST. CRST has veterans working across its operations, including in its offices. If you’re an active military reservist or an honorably discharged veteran, as a new driver you’ll receive a $500 bonus for your service in addition to other bonuses that CRST may be offering.
Learn more about CRST’s veteran and active duty military recruitment program.
C.R. England
C.R. England’s military program allows GI Bill eligible veterans to receive a tax-free monthly stipend on top of regular pay from C.R. England. The company has a proud history of employing veterans who have helped build the transportation industry. C.R. England’s team includes veterans of all ranks in recruiting, operations and ownership. C.R. England’s Honored Veteran Program was started by Gene and Bill England, brothers who served in World War II. Gene England earned a bronze star for his service in WW II and at 102, still works in his office and meets with drivers and staff on a regular basis.
Along with a fleet of customized military wrapped trucks, the organization has a long history of employing veterans and each year continues to deploy customized military wrapped trucks to honor veterans. Veteran drivers are celebrated and honored through robust internal recognition programs and when you start your career at C.R. England, you’ll become part of the company’s Honored Veteran Program. C.R. England participates in the VA’s apprenticeship program for truckers and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS).
Learn more about CR England’s Veteran Program.
Schneider
Schneider is one of the nation’s largest and most decorated employers of current and former military personnel – approximately 14 percent of its associates have military backgrounds.
Schneider operates a Military Apprenticeship Program to veterans, National Guard members and reservists through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As a military vet working at Schneider, you’re eligible to earn the VA’s monthly educational benefit check – up to $1,431 per month – as well as a paycheck from Schneider. If you have trucking experience from the military, you’ll also be credited for that driving experience when you start driving for Schneider. The company guarantees home time for Guard and Reserve members for weekend drill and annual training without needing to use sick or vacation days.
Schneider works to ease the transition into civilian life. Veterans feel at home with Schneider’s core values of safety, integrity, respect and excellence. Military associates have the mind-set and experience to be successful transportation professionals, with experience taking care of equipment, excellent communication skills and the discipline to achieve team goals. Associates also have ample opportunities to continue their careers in many different roles across Schneider’s vast operation.
The fleet of military themed Ride of Pride trucks is Schneider’s rolling tribute to recognize military veterans and active duty military personnel. Veterans who work for Schneider also participate in Wreaths Across America’s annual Wreaths Across America day, which recognizes the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers in cemeteries across the globe.
Learn more about Schneider’s Military Apprenticeship Program.
Werner Enterprises
Werner Enterprises actively recruits people with military backgrounds, as well. Approximately 20 percent of Werner’s workforce is comprised of military veterans. Werner’s Operation Freedom program is led by veterans working at Werner and provides a central point of contact for military-related issues and support. Werner actively recruits vets to work in its trucking, maintenance, office and management positions. Werner created the industry’s first Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program approved by the Department of Labor and the VA. The company also offers a diesel mechanic apprenticeship and transportation manager apprenticeship.
Werner is a sponsor of Remember Everyone Deployed (RED), a non-profit that raises awareness and provides support to deployed military service personnel and their families. The Military Times named Werner a Best for Vets Employer in 2020. Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet honors veterans and their service and features drivers with diverse military backgrounds.
Learn more about Werner Enterprises’ opportunities for veterans.
Read “Celebrating Military Appreciation Month: Lease Operator John DeCillo, U.S. Air Force Veteran.”
