WASHINGTON — At a hearing by the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, the American Trucking Associations urged Members of Congress to expand key programs that support veterans’ transition into trucking careers.
This was the eighth time ATA has been invited to speak on Capitol Hill this year.
Testifying on behalf of ATA was Greg Hamm, vice president of field and government recruiting at Werner Enterprises and a U.S. Army veteran, who underscored the vital role veterans play in strengthening America’s supply chain.
“Veterans bring the values that make workplaces—and supply chains—stronger,” Hamm said. “Hiring them is not charity; it is smart business.”
Transitioning to Trucking
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. Werner, an ATA member company, is among the nation’s leading employers of veterans and military families, with approximately 20% of its 13,000 associates connected to the military and a goal of reaching 25%, according to the ATA.
“Our team of veteran recruiters has walked the same path as the men and women we serve,” Hamm said. “Veterans entering Werner can pursue careers ranging from professional driving and maintenance to safety roles, operations, and logistics management. We extend educational support, tuition assistance, and military community resource groups to ensure veterans and spouses have the tools they need to thrive.”
Success Story
Hamm highlighted success stories such as that of Sgt. Eric Macedo, an Army mechanic who used his GI Bill benefits to earn his CDL through Werner’s registered apprenticeship program. Macedo quickly advanced and now serves as a Road Team Captain and mentor.
Hamm urged lawmakers to support policies that would expand training access and eliminate bureaucratic barriers that prevent veterans from embarking on good-paying trucking careers. His recommendations included:
- Increasing funding for the CMV Operator Safety Training Grant Program to expand access to high-quality CDL instruction.
- Passing the Warriors to Workforce Act to ease housing burdens for veterans enrolled in job training programs;.
- Enacting the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act to streamline VA oversight of apprenticeship programs.
- Passing the TRANSPORT Jobs Act to make it easier for veterans and their spouses to find jobs in the supply chain.
Hamm applauded bipartisan leadership on the Subcommittee—particularly Chairman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) and Ranking Member Chris Pappas (D-NH)—for their work to pass the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act last year, which cuts red tape and helps former service members accelerate their transition to their next career.
“I am confident that this Subcommittee will build on that progress to empower veterans, their families, businesses, and our broader economy in the months ahead,” Hamm said. “Together, policymakers and employers can open more doors for the men and women who have served. We are committed to helping veterans build meaningful, long-term careers in trucking.”
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.
