4.) Safety
If the desire to keep themselves and their comrades safe isn’t incentive enough to follow safety protocols, service members know that safety mishaps are guaranteed to unleash a wave of soul-crushing safety briefings upon the command. The result is that veterans know exactly how to memorize and enact a safety plan. This is an ideal skill for drivers of hazardous materials. While civilian truck drivers generally don’t need to worry about hostile fire on the road, hauling of dangerous materials can certainly put a damper in the day of anyone who is unable to comply with the proper handling instructions of hazardous materials.
5.) Attention to Detail
Much like being on time, the veteran who fails to grasp the importance of attention to detail is likely to have that lesson vigorously and repeatedly imparted upon them by a supervisor until the problem resolves itself. The frequently dangerous nature of military environments means that attention to detail is an absolutely crucial skill to learn. Employees who are able to attend to the little things, whether they be latching the trailer door, ensuring that cargo is properly signed for, or not leaving the keys in the ignition at a rest stop, have a strong value for trucking companies.
6.) Education Benefits
While most truck driving jobs don’t require significant educational requirements, some companies require prospective employees to have completed a truck driving school to be considered for employment. The cost of such a school pales in comparison to spending four years in a university, but can still be prohibitively expensive for workers looking for a career change. Luckily, veterans have access to a number of VA programs that can help cover those costs.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used to pay for non-degree programs such as trucking school, and is potentially an avenue to help veterans break into the field or compete for better paying jobs. Other programs, such as Vocational Rehab, may be available for some veterans, so always make sure to check with the VA to see what you qualify for!
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