New Delhi: United States President Donald Trump has finally found a solution to America’s migrant truck driver problem—military veterans. On 30 July, Trump unveiled his latest campaign, “Freedom Haulers.”
The initiative aims to employ former US soldiers as cross-country and long-haul truck and lorry drivers. Following Trump’s increased crackdown on immigration policies and several truckers losing their licenses after the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has faced a severe shortage of truck drivers.
Trump’s plan, therefore, aims to kill two birds with one stone. Military veterans often struggle to find jobs, with many becoming homeless; the latest initiative was announced alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling.
The US Department of Transportation website introduces the programme with the tagline: “NEW MISSION, SAME DEDICATION.”
The website further stresses the importance of truck drivers in the supply chain, adding “If the trucks stop, America stops.”
“Keeping our farmers in business, our store shelves stocked, our gas stations full, and our supply chains secure is an essential mission. This isn’t a desk job–it requires the precision, independence, and level-headed mindset that you forged in the military. We want veterans to take the wheel of big rigs and secure the economic supply lines of the country you swore to defend,” the website reads.
The department further claims an average of $70,000 annual earnings for truckers, as well as 25 per cent veteran truck drivers under the Trump administration.
What are Freedom Haulers?
As per the initiative, the transport department will expedite commercial licenses for eligible veterans. The programme also makes provisions for veterans who do not have the required experience by giving CDL training.
The Hill reported that according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the GI Bill will cover all the costs of the training.
States such as Indiana, Wyoming, Florida, and others have already agreed to offer their support in helping veterans build their new careers.
The American Trucking Association (ATA) also welcomes the initiative and “stands ready to support its success.” It went on to add that they actively recruit former service members.
Nathan Meisgeier, president of Werner Enterprises, an old American transportation company, was also present at the White House. Meisgeier spoke about the company’s programmes for military families, adding that almost 15 per cent of the company’s 14,000 associates are military-connected.
“Veterans who join the industry continue serving a mission larger than themselves: helping keep the American economy strong and the supply chain running,” the ATA website read.