A bill in the U.S. Senate would make it easier for veterans to use their VA education benefits for trucking apprenticeship programs.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act.

If passed, it would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to approve programs operated by interstate commercial trucking companies — streamlining the approval process and cutting unnecessary red tape that make it difficult for veterans to participate in apprenticeships that operate across multiple states.

Trucking companies currently operating in more than one state must get approval from each state to allow veterans to use their VA education benefits for apprenticeship programs with their company. 

In some cases, these companies have opted out of offering apprenticeships for veterans due to the burdensome red tape required to get more than 20 different approvals.

The Veterans Transition to Trucking Act would allow interstate commercial carriers to get one approval for their apprenticeship programs from the VA.

Eliminating Red Tape for Veterans Wanting to Drive Trucks

“Trucking apprenticeships offer meaningful employment and a fulfilling career pathway, and we owe it to our nation’s veterans to provide support as they seek next steps in their transition to civilian life,” Blumenthal said.

“With the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act, we eliminate bureaucratic red tape hindering veterans from accessing trucking apprenticeships and ensure that veterans are able to access these programs through their VA education benefits.

Cassidy noted that many veterans struggle to find work when they come home. “Having a commercial driver’s license opens a lot of doors for them.”

The American Trucking Associations spoke out in support of the bill.

“Members of our military put their lives on the line to defend our nation and our freedom.  When they return home, it is our responsibility to help them achieve the American Dream they fought to protect,” said ATA Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. 

“By slashing bureaucratic red tape for VA education benefits, 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.”