WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is congratulating Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) on the House passing the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act, legislation they authored that would cut red tape for veteran truckers seeking to build careers in the trucking industry.
“Members of our military put their lives on the line to defend our nation and our freedom,” said Henry Hanscom, ATA chief advocacy & public affairs officer. “When they return home, it is our responsibility to help them achieve the American Dream they fought to protect. By slashing bureaucratic red tape for VA education benefits, the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act would expand career paths in trucking. ATA commends Representatives Pappas and Kiggans for their bipartisan leadership on this commonsense bill that would make it easier for veterans to find good-paying jobs behind the wheel.”
Expanding Opportunities and Eliminating Barriers
In December, Greg Hamm, vice president of field and government recruiting for ATA member Werner Enterprises, testified before a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee. He expressed support for policies—including the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act—that would expand training access and eliminate bureaucratic barriers that arbitrarily limit veterans’ career prospects in trucking. A U.S. Army veteran himself, Hamm underscored the vital role veterans play in strengthening America’s supply chain.
Nearly 200,000 service members separate from the military each year, and many possess the discipline, technical expertise, and leadership qualities that translate seamlessly into transportation careers.
Streamlining the Path to Trucking
Current federal policy requires interstate trucking companies to secure approval from every state in which they operate before veterans can use their VA education benefits to participate in company-sponsored apprenticeship programs. This could mean that a company needs dozens of approvals to bring veterans into their apprenticeship program, which has discouraged some motor carriers from offering these opportunities.
The Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act would streamline this process by allowing interstate trucking companies to obtain a single approval from the VA for all apprenticeship programs nationwide. By cutting unnecessary red tape and simplifying oversight, the legislation would make it easier for motor carriers to expand apprenticeship offerings and help more veterans transition into rewarding careers as professional truck drivers.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
