President Donald Trump announced the launch of the "Freedom Haulers Initiative" on Thursday, a White House program designed to expedite the process for military veterans to obtain commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and enter the trucking industry. The initiative also coincides with an ongoing administration effort to remove commercial drivers who are in the country illegally or do not meet federal English-language requirements.
Speaking at the White House with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, Trump stated the initiative will "get illegal alien truck drivers off the American roadways and replace them with proud American veterans." He argued the program would enhance highway safety and create new career paths for former service members.
Under the Freedom Haulers Initiative, veterans with heavy vehicle operating experience gained during their military service may be eligible to waive the CDL road-skills test. Some veterans in participating states may also be exempt from the written knowledge test. For veterans without prior truck-driving experience, the administration highlighted expedited training programs that officials said can be completed in a matter of weeks. The Department of Veterans Affairs will also expand access to CDL training by allowing eligible veterans to use GI Bill benefits and by accelerating enrollment in existing programs.
Thirty-four states have joined or are in the process of implementing the initiative, according to Trump, who urged remaining states to participate. This effort is paired with the administration's intensified crackdown on commercial drivers deemed unqualified, including those who do not meet federal English-language proficiency standards or who obtained licenses while undocumented.
Secretary Duffy noted that the trucking industry offers substantial earning potential, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to over $100,000 annually, and stated, "illegals are out. American patriots are in."
Administration officials reported that over 24,000 non-English-speaking commercial drivers have been removed from driving positions, and more than 28,000 commercial driver's licenses allegedly issued unlawfully to undocumented immigrants have been canceled in coordination with states. Trump cited several fatal accidents he attributed to drivers in the country illegally as a reason for the policy changes.
Industry leaders voiced support for the initiative. Nathan Meisgeier, President of Werner Enterprises, announced the company's commitment to hiring 1,400 veterans within the next year, emphasizing that military veterans are well-suited for the demands of the trucking profession.
Army veteran Ricky Washington shared his perspective, stating that the trucking industry provides a pathway for former service members to continue serving the nation and find purpose and community in civilian life. He described the industry as "the backbone of our commerce."