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DOT Expands Veterans Trucking Pipeline With Freedom Haulers Initiative

The Department of Transportation unveiled Freedom Haulers, an expanded veterans recruitment campaign. The White House announced multiple policy changes aimed at accelerating military transitions into commercial driving roles. The initiative extends the Military Skills Test Waiver window from one year to two years post-separation, allowing qualified veterans to bypass CDL skills examinations. Seven additional states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland and Wyoming — joined the Even Exchange Program, bringing total participation to 34 states. Active-duty service members can now test for commercial learner's permits and CDLs in their current duty stations rather than returning home. Werner Enterprises committed to hiring 1,400 military veterans and spouses in 2027. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association endorsed the campaign, noting nearly 40 percent of its membership served in the armed forces.