Hiring veterans in trucking is like a cheat code in a video game. According to FreightWaves, carriers are always searching for the best drivers. In the process, they tend to target specific groups of people. Some go for women, some go for young adults, while others target veterans. Veterans are the group that stands out the most on the list. They always tend to be the best option. Their work ethic and experience are a big plus for the carriers. The industry has been facing a shortage of drivers for quite some time now. The veterans would be a solid option to help ease the shortage that never seems to disappear. 

Why the Veterans? 

Most traits that describe a good soldier are not far from what you expect from a good truck driver. They both must possess a good work ethic. They both must be able to work under pressure and firmly commit to safety. Military training enables soldiers to have the highest levels of discipline. They also tend to have a keen eye for details. They are also easy to train since their whole career revolves around thorough training.  

Improved safety is a bonus that comes with hiring veterans. Stats can back up the fact that they are safer. They have 42% fewer accidents compared to other drivers. Safer drivers mean fewer accidents. Fewer accidents mean fewer insurance claims and even fewer repairs. A dependable driver base is the result of it all. The veterans are also known for their loyalty. Currently, veterans are only 10% of the truck drivers. The number can only get bigger. More and more companies are integrating more and more veterans into trucking. 

Tenstreet 

Tenstreet is committed to helping veterans transition into trucking. They provide a channel that makes recruitment easy for veterans and trucking companies. They intend to make the transition as smooth as possible. Once the veterans start truck driving training, they get onto such platforms. Tenstreet offers a platform allowing veterans to connect with carriers looking for skill sets they possess. Such a platform makes it a little more manageable for the veterans to get into trucking. 

The Veteran Ready Summit 

Tenstreet keeps looking for ways to support the veterans. The annual veteran-ready summit is one of the initiatives that supports veterans. The event is an opportunity for veterans to join the trucking companies. The veterans entirely guide the summit's content. It includes those who have made it to the industry and those aspiring to. In the process, they exchange ideas on how to make it. It is quite a good networking opportunity. It is not as easy as just saying we hire veterans. Carriers must put in place all they need to get it working. 

Hiring veterans is a win-win situation for both the carriers and the veterans. It is a straightforward way of tapping into a good workforce. Carriers and veterans are a match made in heaven. They come with bags of experience. At the same time, it is a way of reintegrating veterans back into society after serving the country. It is a great avenue that all carriers must look to explore. 

‍