13% Of truckers are veterans
$0 CDL training with GI Bill
$65K+ Average starting salary
48 states Honor military CDL skills test waiver
Military Skills That Transfer to Trucking
You have more relevant experience than you think. Carriers know this — many actively recruit veterans because military drivers outperform civilian-trained drivers in safety and reliability.
Vehicle Operation
LMTV, HEMTT, M915, M1070 — you\u0027ve driven vehicles bigger and more complex than most commercial trucks. That experience directly translates. Many states waive CDL skills tests for military drivers.
Pre-Trip Inspections
PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services) is the military version of DOT pre-trip inspections. Same concept, different checklist. See our pre-trip guide.
Discipline Under Pressure
Long hours, demanding schedules, staying alert when exhausted — the military trained you for exactly what OTR trucking demands. You\u0027ve operated in worse conditions than any highway.
Logistics Knowledge
Military supply chain experience is directly relevant to freight operations. Understanding routes, timing, cargo management, and documentation makes the transition smoother.
Hazmat Experience
Military HAZMAT training often satisfies civilian hazmat endorsement requirements. If you handled Class 1 (explosives) or other hazmat, you\u0027re ahead of most civilian CDL candidates.
Adaptability
Different locations every day, changing conditions, problem-solving on the fly — trucking is the civilian equivalent of deployment life, minus the combat.
Getting Your CDL as a Veteran
Veterans have multiple fast-track and funded options for CDL training that civilians don\u0027t.
Military Skills Test Waiver
If you operated military vehicles equivalent to CMVs in the past year, you may qualify to waive the CDL skills test (driving portion). You still take the written knowledge test. Available in 48 states.
Requirements:
- Two or more years of military vehicle operation experience
- Clean driving record (no DUI, reckless driving, or serious violations)
- DD-214 or military documentation showing vehicle operation MOS
- Must apply within 1 year of discharge (some states allow 2 years)
GI Bill CDL Training
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers CDL school at VA-approved training programs. Many programs are 3-6 weeks and completely funded. Housing allowance (BAH) also applies during training.
How to use it:
- Find VA-approved CDL schools at WEAMS (VA Institution Search)
- Apply for GI Bill benefits through VA.gov
- Enroll in the program — VA pays tuition directly to the school
- You receive monthly housing allowance during training
VET TEC & Workforce Programs
If you\u0027ve used your GI Bill, other programs exist. State veteran workforce programs, Helmets to Hardhats, and carrier-sponsored training (carriers like Werner, Knight, and Schneider have veteran programs).
Other funding sources:
- Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) — for service-connected disabilities
- State veteran workforce development grants
- Carrier-paid CDL training (typically 1-year commitment)
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
MOS codes that qualify for skills test waiver: 88M (Motor Transport Operator), 88H (Cargo Specialist), 92A (Automated Logistics Specialist), and equivalents from other branches. Check with your state DMV — qualification criteria vary.
Career Paths: Company Driver vs. Owner-Operator
Veterans have a decision to make: drive for someone or drive for yourself. Both have merit. Here\u0027s the honest comparison.
Company Driver
Lower risk, steady pay
Advantages
- No truck payment or maintenance costs
- Insurance provided by carrier
- Consistent paycheck (CPM or salary)
- Benefits (health, dental, 401K at large carriers)
- Less business complexity
Drawbacks
- Lower earning ceiling ($55K-$80K typical)
- Less route/schedule control
- Carrier dictates when and where you go
- Limited equipment choice
Best for: First 1-2 years after getting CDL. Build experience, learn the industry, save money.
Owner-Operator
Higher risk, higher ceiling
Advantages
- Higher earning potential ($100K-$200K+ gross)
- Choose your routes and schedule
- Build a business and equity
- VA business loans available
- Tax deductions for business expenses
Drawbacks
- All costs on you (truck, insurance, fuel, maintenance)
- Insurance costs $12K-$20K+/year
- Income varies with freight market
- Business management responsibilities
Best for: After 2+ years of experience. With $15K-$30K saved. See our startup costs guide.
VA Benefits That Help Trucking Careers
VA Home Loan
Zero down payment mortgage. If you\u0027re establishing a home base for your trucking business, the VA loan makes homeownership possible without a large down payment — freeing cash for your business.
VA Health Care
Health insurance is expensive for self-employed truckers. VA health care covers you regardless. If you have service-connected disabilities, it\u0027s free. This saves O/Os $500-$1,500/month vs. civilian health insurance.
SBA Veteran Loans
The SBA offers veteran-specific loan programs for business startups. The Veterans Advantage program reduces SBA guarantee fees. Can be used for truck purchases, operating capital, or business expansion.
Vocational Rehab (Chapter 31)
If you have a service-connected disability, Vocational Rehabilitation can fund CDL training, equipment modifications, and even a truck purchase if trucking is your approved career goal.
Disability Compensation
Service-connected disability pay is tax-free income. Combined with trucking income, it provides a financial safety net. Disability doesn\u0027t automatically disqualify you from a CDL — it depends on the condition.
Veteran-Owned Business Status
Registering as a veteran-owned small business (VOSB) or service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB) opens access to government contracts. Federal agencies have mandatory veteran contracting goals.
DOT Physical & Service-Connected Disabilities
Many veterans have service-connected conditions. Here\u0027s how common ones affect your ability to get a CDL medical card.
| Condition | CDL Impact | Path Forward |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Case by case | Must be stable and managed. Medication matters — some disqualify. Psychiatric clearance letter needed. |
| TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) | Case by case | Neurological evaluation required. Must demonstrate no seizure risk. Cognitive function testing. |
| Hearing loss | Usually OK | Must hear forced whisper at 5 feet. Hearing aids allowed. Audiologist testing available. |
| Vision loss (one eye) | Exemption needed | Federal Vision Exemption program. 3+ years driving experience required. |
| Limb loss / prosthetic | SPE certificate | Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate. Must demonstrate ability to safely operate CMV. |
| Chronic pain (managed) | Depends on meds | Non-sedating medications OK. Opioids and muscle relaxants generally disqualify. See first aid guide medication section. |
| Sleep apnea | Manageable | CPAP compliance data required at DOT physical. Very common among veterans and truckers. |
Don\u0027t assume you\u0027re disqualified. Many veterans with significant service-connected disabilities drive commercially. The key is proper documentation, compliant treatment, and working with a DOT examiner who understands veteran health issues. Check the FMCSA National Registry for examiners near you.
Insurance for Veteran-Owned Trucking Operations
New Authority Rates
Military experience alone doesn\u0027t lower new authority insurance rates — carriers care about commercial driving experience. But your discipline, safety record, and clean MVR help. Expect $12K-$20K/year initially. See our new authority page.
VA Health = Insurance Savings
If you use VA health care, you don\u0027t need to buy expensive commercial health insurance. That\u0027s $6K-$18K/year saved. This makes the O/O financial picture much more viable for veterans.
Occupational Accident vs. Workers Comp
As a solo O/O, you\u0027re not required to carry workers\u0027 comp in most states. But an occupational accident policy ($150-$300/month) covers you if you\u0027re injured. VA coverage supplements but may not cover commercial driving injuries.
Deductible Strategy
Higher deductibles lower premiums. With disability pay providing a steady income floor, veterans can often handle higher deductibles more comfortably than non-veteran O/Os. Match your deductible to your emergency fund.
Realistic Transition Timeline
6-12 Mo Before Discharge
Start researching CDL schools. Apply for GI Bill benefits. Get copies of military driving records. Begin financial planning for transition period.
3-6 Mo Before
Enroll in VA-approved CDL program. Complete any pending medical documentation. Set up civilian bank accounts. Research carriers or O/O startup costs.
Month 1-2 After
Complete CDL training (3-6 weeks). Pass CDL tests. Apply to carriers or begin O/O setup. Complete DOT physical and drug test.
Month 3-6
Start driving. First months as company driver: learn the civilian side. If going O/O: purchase truck, get insurance, file for authority.
Year 1-2
Build experience and driving record. Save money. After 1-2 years, you have options: better carriers, owner-operator, or starting your own fleet.
Veteran Starting a Trucking Business?
RMS works with veteran-owned carriers every day. We understand new authority insurance, the timeline, and how to get you on the road. Thank you for your service — let us help you build your next career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does military driving experience count toward CDL requirements?
Yes, in most states. The Military Skills Test Waiver allows veterans with qualifying military vehicle experience to skip the CDL skills (driving) test. You still need to pass the written knowledge tests. Requirements include 2+ years of military driving experience and applying within 1-2 years of discharge (varies by state).
Can I use the GI Bill for CDL school?
Yes. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition at VA-approved CDL training programs, plus you receive a monthly housing allowance during training. Programs are typically 3-6 weeks. Search for approved programs on the VA\u0027s WEAMS institution locator. Some programs offer accelerated tracks for veterans with military driving experience.
Will my PTSD disqualify me from getting a CDL?
Not automatically. The DOT medical examiner evaluates whether your condition is well-managed and whether your medications are safe for driving. Stable PTSD with non-sedating medication is often approved. The key is transparency — bring your treatment records and a letter from your treating provider confirming you\u0027re fit to drive.
Do veteran-owned carriers get better insurance rates?
Veteran status alone doesn\u0027t change insurance pricing — what matters is your commercial driving experience, safety record, and operations. However, veterans often have advantages: clean driving records, discipline, safety training, and VA health care that reduces overhead costs. After 2+ years of clean commercial driving, your rates improve significantly regardless of veteran status.