Exploring the Freedom Haulers Campaign: A Veteran’s Guide to Trucking Opportunities

Trump Administration Veteran Trucking Programs: Complete Guide 2026

The Trump administration has launched a major initiative called the “Freedom Haulers” campaign to recruit military veterans into the trucking industry . Announced on July 24, 2026, the program aims to replace tens of thousands of immigrant drivers who lost commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following a federal crackdown . Veterans who recently operated large military vehicles can skip the CDL skills test, and the GI Bill covers 100% of CDL training costs . The Transportation Department reports more than 40,000 veterans have already used military-to-CDL transition programs <span class=””>.

Quick Facts

What Are the Trump Administration Veteran Trucking Programs?

The Trump administration’s veteran trucking programs are a set of initiatives to recruit and fast-track military veterans into the commercial trucking industry . The centerpiece is the “Freedom Haulers” campaign, launched July 24, 2026 . The Transportation Department is working with the Pentagon, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Labor to promote trucking careers to service members transitioning to civilian life .

Why It Matters

The program addresses two national priorities :

• Highway safety: Removing unqualified foreign drivers who lack English proficiency

• Veteran employment: Creating good-paying jobs for those who served

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated: “We are removing more and more dangerous foreign drivers off our roads every day and restoring the integrity of America’s trucking industry. Our new Freedom Haulers campaign will help build on these successes and get the word out that there’s never been a better time for America’s former service members to get behind the wheel of a big rig.” 

Background: The CDL Crackdown on Immigrant Drivers

Enforcement of English Language Requirements

The Transportation Department began enforcing existing English language requirements for truckers in summer 2025 . The crackdown intensified after an August 2025 crash in Florida where a truck driver from India performed an illegal U-turn that killed three people . Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that driver should never have been licensed .

Scope of the Crackdown

Audits in every state found numerous non-domiciled CDLs that remained valid after work permits expired or were issued without verifying citizenship status . The administration has threatened to withhold highway funds from California, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and North Carolina for non-compliance .

New Rules for Immigrant Drivers

Under new restrictions, only immigrants with H-2A (agricultural workers), H-2B (temporary nonagricultural workers), or E-2 (investors) visas can qualify for a non-domiciled CDL . These rules are being challenged in court <span class=””>.

Eligibility: Who Qualifies for Veteran Trucking Programs?

Based on the July 2026 announcement, the following veterans and service members are eligible <span class=””>:

Active Duty (Last 6 Months)

Soldiers can attend a commercial driving school during their last six months of active duty <span class=””>.

Veterans With Military Driving Experience

Veterans who recently operated large military vehicles over 2.5 tons (2.25 metric tons) can skip the required skills test for a CDL . The president stated that “any American who’s driven a heavy truck for our military will automatically be eligible for a commercial driver’s license.” 

Qualifying Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) “Even Exchange Program” lists qualifying military positions :

Army:

• 88M: Motor transport operator

• 92F: Fueler

• 14T: Patriot launching station operator

Marine Corps:

• 3531: Motor vehicle operator

Navy:

• EO: Equipment operator

Air Force:

• 2TI: Vehicle operator

• 2FO: Fueler

• 3E2: Pavement and construction equipment operator

Currently, 56% of states have implemented the “Even Exchange Program,” with Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, and Wyoming adopting it .

How to Apply for Veteran Trucking Programs

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Check if you have qualifying military driving experience or an MOS listed above. Veterans who served for at least three years may also qualify for GI Bill funding .

Step 2: Get Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

If using the GI Bill, obtain your COE from the VA. The GI Bill pays for 100% of CDL training and may provide a housing allowance while in school .

Step 3: Pass the Written CDL Test

All veterans must still study the rules and pass the written test for a CDL . The skills test waiver does not eliminate the written exam.

Step 4: Apply Through Your State

CDL licenses are issued by states, not the federal government <span class=””>. Check with your state’s DMV about the “Even Exchange Program” for military-to-CDL conversion.

Step 5: Consider Apprenticeship Programs

The “Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act” allows veterans to use VA benefits to participate in trucking apprenticeship programs .

Financial Benefits

GI Bill Coverage

• 100% of CDL training costs paid by the GI Bill

• Housing allowance for eligible veterans while in school

• Available to veterans who served at least three years 

Average Truck Driver Salary

The Transportation Department reports truck drivers currently make an average of $70,000 per year as the truck market has tightened and rates increased .

Cost Savings

The traditional CDL training process typically takes 3 to 8 weeks and costs between $3,000 and $6,000 . The veteran programs can waive the skills test and reduce training time to just a few weeks .

Industry Support

Trucking Companies Endorse the Program

Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises, stated: “Veterans make up 15% of our workforce and bring the highest levels of leadership, discipline and technical skills that are essential to our success. We are dedicated to providing them with meaningful careers and a supportive environment where they can thrive.” 

Cole Stevens, chief strategy officer at Stevens Trucking, added: “Some of the best drivers and industry leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with are military veterans. Their integrity, accountability, and mission-first mindset make them an incredible asset.” 

Common Questions

1. What is the Freedom Haulers campaign?

The Freedom Haulers campaign is a Trump administration initiative launched July 24, 2026, to recruit military veterans into the trucking industry . It promotes programs that allow veterans to skip the CDL skills test and use GI Bill benefits for training .

2. Can veterans skip the CDL skills test?

Yes, veterans who recently operated large military vehicles over 2.5 tons can skip the CDL skills test . They still must pass the written test and meet all other requirements .

3. Does the GI Bill pay for CDL training?

Yes. Veterans who served at least three years can use the GI Bill to pay for 100% of CDL training costs and may qualify for a housing allowance while in school .

4. How many immigrant truckers lost their licenses?

About 26,000 drivers have been pulled off the road for failing English proficiency requirements, and the Transportation Department says 30,000 commercial licenses were canceled because they were issued illegally .

5. What MOS qualify for the CDL skills test waiver?

Qualifying MOS include Army 88M (Motor transport operator), 92F (Fueler), and 14T (Patriot launching station operator); Marine Corps 3531 (Motor vehicle operator); Navy EO (Equipment operator); and Air Force 2TI, 2FO, and 3E2 .

6. How much do truck drivers make?

The Transportation Department reports truck drivers average $70,000 per year . More than 40,000 veterans have already used military-to-CDL transition programs <span class=””>.

7. What states have implemented the Even Exchange Program?

Currently, 56% of states have implemented the program. Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, and Wyoming are adopting it .

8. What is the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act?

This bill allows veterans to use VA benefits to participate in trucking apprenticeship programs . It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senators Blumenthal and Cassidy .

9. Who can get a non-domiciled CDL under new rules?

Only holders of H-2A (agricultural), H-2B (temporary nonagricultural), or E-2 (investor) visas can qualify for a non-domiciled CDL . These rules are being challenged in court .

10. How do I apply for veteran trucking programs?

Determine your eligibility, obtain your GI Bill COE if applicable, pass the written CDL test, and apply through your state DMV for the military skills test waiver .

Key Takeaways

• The Freedom Haulers campaign launched July 24, 2026, to recruit veterans into trucking .

• Veterans with heavy military vehicle experience can skip the CDL skills test .

• The GI Bill covers 100% of CDL training costs for veterans who served at least three years .

• About 26,000 immigrant drivers lost licenses for failing English requirements; 30,000 licenses were canceled as illegally issued .

• Truck drivers average $70,000 per year .

• Qualifying MOS include Army 88M, Marine Corps 3531, and others .

• The program has broad industry support<span class=””> from major trucking companies .

• Veterans still must pass the written CDL test—only the skills test is waived .

• The “Even Exchange Program” is available in 56% of states .

Official Resources

• Department of Transportation: DOT.gov

• FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver: FMCSA.dot.gov

• VA GI Bill Benefits: VA.gov/education

• Find a Veterans Service Organization (VSO): VA.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation