Is trucking a good career for veterans? Seven reasons to consider

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

You may not realize it, but truck driving is an extremely popular career option for veterans.

At Schneider, we know first-hand how their disciplined approach and strong work ethic make them especially valued. Those qualities are why we offer a wide variety of truck driving jobs and a number of benefits to military personnel.

But what exactly makes professional truck driving such a great career for those with military experience? Keep reading to find out, and hear about the experience of Brian Johnson, who transitioned from the military to Schneider.  

Seven reasons truck driving is a great career for veterans

Brian Johnson is an Air Force veteran who became a truck driver after retiring from his prior career. After driving for Schneider for six months, he became a Training Engineer. This role allowed him to train new driving students and prepare them for life on the road.

Brian said students with military experience tend to excel during orientation.

“They listen, work hard and really want to do this job,” Brian said. “When I have someone like that, it makes training so much easier for everyone.”

With that in mind, here are some of the top reasons why veterans succeed as professional truck drivers:

1. Hard skills that carry over.

Many veterans leave the military with hands-on experience driving heavy equipment and trucks. This practical knowledge makes the transition to professional truck driving smoother.  

At Schneider, service members even receive credit for their military driving experience, which can lead to higher starting pay.

2. Values and experiences that set you apart.

On top of technical abilities, veterans build valuable soft skills during their military service that translate well to truck driving:

• Leadership: Veterans manage challenges independently and make smart decisions on the road.
• Teamwork: Veterans build strong relationships within the trucking community and with their colleagues.
• Discipline: Veterans have consistent, safe driving habits and manage their schedule well.
• Resilience: Veterans handle unexpected obstacles with a positive attitude.

Each of these soft skills is a major asset in the trucking industry, helping veterans adapt quickly and succeed in their new careers.

3. A commitment to doing the job the right way.

Truck driving offers veterans a strong sense of purpose and responsibility, much like their roles in the military. Integrity, a core value of both Schneider and the military, is essential for safe and successful driving.

“I think military people take a lot of pride in their job,” Brian said. “There is a dedication to do the job the best you can. That’s what the military trains you to do.”

Clear expectations and structured work are additional reasons why truck driving is great fit for veterans who have high standards and take pride in their job. Brian said he’s seen this commitment first-hand in the drivers he works with every day.

“There are checklists, inspections and steps drivers take to make sure their trucks are safe,” Brian said. “The structure is there, and I think military veterans are so good at the job because they are wired to check everything off the list.”  

4. A strong team atmosphere.

Another reason truck driving is a good fit for veterans is the sense of community that exists. Even though most drivers spend much of their time alone in their truck, they often form close friendships with fellow drivers and have a strong support network from the company they drive for.

Being part of this community can make the transition from military to civilian life easier. It offers veterans a familiar sense of teamwork and shared purpose.  

Brian said he appreciates the community at Schneider, where 19% of associates have military experience.

“There are several guys on our team that are former military, and one of them has been with Schneider for 28 years,” Brian said. “There’s more to it than just being military, it’s about Schneider pride too.”

5. The ability to travel the country.

Veterans are often drawn to truck driving because it gives them the chance to see new places and feel the freedom of the open road. This is often a familiar feeling after completing their military service.  

During his time in the Air Force, Brian flew planes, drove trucks and saw the world. Over the years, he spent time in Texas, Colorado, Alaska and even spent four years in Germany. Brian decided to become a truck driver after retiring from the military because it allowed him to continue traveling and helping others.

6. Safety in every action.

Truck drivers prioritize safety. Whether it’s completing a pre-trip inspection or backing into a dock, a driver’s focus on safety keeps themselves and others safe. This mindset comes naturally to veterans, as the military instills the discipline needed to act in a way that provides the safest outcome.  

7. Freedom and independence.

Although there are plenty of similarities between the military and truck driving, Brian said there is one major difference.

“It’s the independence,” he said. “The independence truck drivers get is a nice break from the over-the-shoulder supervision you experience within the military.”

From a day-to-day standpoint, truck drivers are the captains of their own ships. While they receive support and assistance from the company they drive for, they are ultimately in a position where they have to make a lot of decisions on their own.

From a career perspective, truck drivers have the freedom to pick a job that fits their lifestyle. Some drivers enjoy being on the road for weeks at a time, while others prefer being home more often.  

At Schneider, for example, drivers can choose to get home daily, multiple-times-per-week, weekly, every three weeks or even less frequent. Truck drivers also have a wide selection of freight options available, including dry van, tanker, intermodal and dedicated.  

All this flexibility means that veterans get the chance to pick an opportunity that's truly right for them.