Carriers are always on the hunt for skilled drivers. This effort often leads to recruiting initiatives focused on winning over specific groups of people, including women, young adults and veterans. Veterans, in particular, stand out as promising potential drivers thanks to their dedication, work ethic and valuable life experiences.
The trucking industry’s perpetually high turnover rates – coupled with the freight recession coming to an end – have created an energetic recruiting environment. With their varied skill sets and unique perspectives, veterans are an increasingly important workforce in an industry facing a labor shortage.
Why do veterans make ideal truck drivers?
Many of the characteristics that describe good soldiers – a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety and the ability to thrive under pressure – also describe good truck drivers. From their military training, veterans develop an enhanced level of discipline and attention to detail that translates directly into safe, efficient driving on the road.
“Veterans are trainable because they have built their whole lives around training,” Tenstreet Industry Relations Manager Bryon Wiebold said. “This means that you get improved safety as a bonus when hiring veterans.”
In fact, studies show that veterans are significantly safer behind the wheel. Veterans have 42% fewer accidents than their non-veteran counterparts. A safer driving force can be a game-changer for trucking companies. Fewer accidents mean lower insurance costs, fewer repair bills and a more dependable driver base.
Veterans also tend to be loyal employees. These men and women have dedicated years to serving their country, and they are motivated by mission-driven work. Veterans appreciate opportunities for advancement, making them more likely to stay with companies that offer clear career paths and growth potential. This mindset makes veterans easier to retain, which is a win for carriers looking to reduce turnover and build a long-term, reliable workforce.
Currently, veterans make up about 10% of truck drivers, and that number is poised to grow. Organizations across the industry are committed to helping veterans transition into the trucking industry and increase their representation among drivers.
Tenstreet’s commitment to veterans
Tenstreet is dedicated to supporting veterans’ transition into the trucking industry, with a focus on providing tools and resources that simplify the recruiting process for both veterans and trucking companies.
The company’s commitment goes beyond just helping veterans find jobs, however. Tenstreet aims to make the entire transition process seamless and supportive.
“Veterans will submit themselves to a process as long as that process gets them from A to B in an efficient way.” Wiebold said. “If you offer them a streamlined process, they’re going to be fiercely loyal.”
Many veterans start using Tenstreet’s services as soon as they enter a truck driving training program through the company’s many school partnerships. Tenstreet offers a suite of solutions that helps veterans connect with carriers who prioritize military recruitment and understand the unique skills veterans bring to the job.
Tenstreet’s tools, which aid drivers in searching for companies that match their skills and priorities, help veterans seamlessly bridge the gap from military life to civilian careers by offering access to training and employment opportunities designed with veterans in mind.
About the Veteran Ready Summit
One of Tenstreet’s key initiatives in supporting veterans is its annual participation in the annual Veteran Ready Summit. This event – which is scheduled for next month in Washington D.C. – provides an opportunity for veterans and trucking companies to come together.
The Veteran Ready Summit is unique in that its content is guided by veterans themselves, offering insights from those who have navigated the transition from military to civilian careers. Additionally, attendees have the chance to hear from organizations that specialize in supporting military transitions.
The summit also offers a fantastic networking opportunity, bringing together organizations focused on supporting veterans. Carriers can learn the “nuts and bolts” of building a strong military recruitment pipeline, enhancing their own businesses while ensuring that more veterans can find rewarding careers in trucking.
“You need an entire process. It’s not just about hanging a, ‘We hire veterans,’ sign on your gate,” Wiebold said. “More and more carriers are learning to prioritize veterans.”
At the culmination of the summit, Kenworth even presents one veteran with a brand new truck, helping them launch a career as an owner-operator. This powerful gesture sets the selected veteran on a path toward business ownership within the trucking industry.
“There’s not a dry eye in the place,” Wiebold said.
A win-win for veterans and carriers
Hiring veterans isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also the smart move for carriers. Veterans bring a wealth of experience to the industry, setting both themselves and their carriers up for success. By hiring veterans, trucking companies can tap into a workforce that is not only skilled but also dedicated, loyal and mission-driven.
With organizations like Tenstreet helping veterans transition into the workforce, both drivers and carriers are poised to thrive.
Click here to learn more about Tenstreet.
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