Trump Launches Freedom Haulers Program for Veteran Truckers

The White House announced the initiative on Wednesday, bringing together the Departments of Transportation, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, along with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the American Trucking Associations.

Under the program, veterans with military driving experience can receive expedited commercial driver's license testing and waivers for certain written tests. The goal is to place 10,000 veterans in trucking jobs within the next two years.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said the program addresses the industry's shortage of about 50,000 drivers while offering new career paths for those leaving the military. Veterans will also have access to apprenticeship programs and job placement services through a dedicated online portal.

The initiative builds on existing military skills translation programs, but officials say it consolidates them under a single federal framework for the first time. The first group of veterans is expected to begin training within 60 days.