The American Trucking Associations leadership thanked military veterans for their service, encouraging the millions of men and women who served to consider joining the trucking industry.

“Serving our nation’s armed forces is one of the highest callings an American can have,” says Bill Graves, president and CEO of ATA. “Today we thank all of them for their sacrifices.”

The ATA has recently supported changes to make it easier for veterans to transition into civilian jobs as truck drivers, says Graves. Veterans with driving experience can waive the skills test for a CDL and take the test where they are stationed rather than in their home state.

“Fleets have found that veterans are good, dedicated employees who have demonstrated the skills necessary to safely drive large trucks,” says Graves. “It is less complicated than ever for veterans to get jobs in our industry.”

While veterans can use the GI Bill to pay for CDL school, the ATA would like the government to allow more options for those looking into a trucking industry job.

“Other veterans educational grant programs from the Department of Education, Department of Labor or the VA are closed off to driving schools,” said Duane Long, ATA chairman. “We should open those grant programs up to make it easier for veterans who want to learn to drive a truck to qualify.”

To view a video message from ATA president Bill Graves, click here.