New Senate Bill Aims to Simplify Access to Trucking Apprenticeships for Veterans

Date Created: May 5, 2025

Veterans looking to transition to civilian careers may soon have an easier path to joining the trucking industry, thanks to a new bill introduced in the U.S. Senate. The Veterans Transition to Trucking Act, introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), seeks to streamline the process for veterans to use their VA education benefits to participate in trucking apprenticeship programs.

The bill, which has received strong support from both veterans’ advocacy groups and the American Trucking Associations, aims to eliminate the bureaucratic barriers that have historically made it difficult for veterans to access these career pathways. By reducing red tape, the bill hopes to make it easier for veterans to obtain the necessary training and eventually land well-paying jobs in the commercial trucking industry.

The Challenges Facing Veterans and Trucking Companies

Currently, veterans looking to use their VA education benefits for trucking apprenticeship programs face a significant hurdle: each state where an interstate commercial trucking company operates requires separate approval for the program. With more than 20 states involved, this process has proven to be burdensome for both the veterans and the trucking companies.

As a result, some trucking companies have opted not to offer apprenticeships to veterans, despite their strong interest in helping those who have served their country. The approval process, requiring compliance with different regulations in each state, has deterred many companies from participating in these programs.

About the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act

The Veterans Transition to Trucking Act aims to simplify this process by allowing interstate commercial trucking companies to receive one approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for their apprenticeship programs, regardless of how many states they operate in. This streamlined process would make it easier for veterans to use their VA education benefits, opening up more opportunities for those transitioning out of military service.

Senator Blumenthal emphasized the importance of easing this transition, noting that trucking apprenticeships offer meaningful employment and a clear career pathway for veterans. “We owe it to our nation’s veterans to provide support as they seek next steps in their transition to civilian life,” Blumenthal said.

Supporting Veterans’ Career Pathways

Senator Cassidy pointed out that many veterans struggle to find stable employment after returning home. He highlighted the benefits of earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which can open a wide range of career opportunities in the trucking industry. By simplifying the process for veterans to gain access to these programs, the bill could help thousands of veterans find rewarding, long-term employment in a high-demand field.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has also voiced its strong support for the bill, with Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Henry Hanscom, stressing that veterans’ sacrifices for the nation should be met with real opportunities when they return home. “The Veterans Transition to Trucking Act would expand career paths in trucking and make it easier for veterans to find good-paying jobs behind the wheel,” Hanscom said.

How Veterans Can Take Advantage of This Opportunity

If the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act passes, veterans looking to enter the trucking industry will have a more streamlined path to utilize their VA education benefits. Here’s what veterans can do to prepare:

Stay Informed – Keep up to date with the bill’s progress and its potential passage. Understanding how the new law can benefit you is crucial to taking advantage of this opportunity.
Explore Trucking Apprenticeship Programs – Start researching apprenticeship programs offered by interstate commercial trucking companies. Many programs may already be available, and some may be eager to partner with veterans once the approval process becomes easier.
Consider Getting Your CDL – Earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a great first step toward securing a career in trucking. Look into programs that can help you get started and make the most of your VA benefits.

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