Can anybody tell me about being a truck driver and using the post 9/11 gi bill for truck driver school?

2016-07-27T11:42:46-04:00

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 27 at 2016 11:54 AM

2016-07-27T11:54:26-04:00

I'm not a driver myself but my brother is. He says that while it's still good money, it's not as good as it used to be. Shorter routes, longer waits, less fuel allowance, etc. If you're sitting waiting for your next load you don't get paid, that kind of thing. But he still loves driving.

As to using your Post 9/11 GI Bill, I do remember from my own TAP Class that it will cover tuition and other costs.

Response by Sgt Chris Lima made Jul 27 at 2016 12:20 PM

2016-07-27T12:20:32-04:00

http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do

Use this link to find out if your institution is approved by the VA. As far as what they cover, I have no idea.

WEAMS Public

GI Bill Information

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 27 at 2016 2:01 PM

2016-07-27T14:01:02-04:00

I work in the logistics/supply chain industry and can tell you that truck drivers are in high demand all across the country. There is a significant shortage of truckers because there hasn't been enough new drivers coming in to replace the retiring ones, and the demand continues to increase. With that demand comes higher pay and bonuses. Even more so for special qualifications like HAZMAT, oversized/special loads, etc. Yes, if you go to a institution approved by the VA, the GI Bill can pay for it. I would advise that you get as many special qualifications as you can get besides the basic driving.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jul 27 at 2016 2:35 PM

2016-07-27T14:35:20-04:00

SPC Dominque Lee I would suggest contacting a commercial driving school in the area where you will be after release from active duty. They can tell you if they are cleared to accept the GI bill assistance. If they are certified, the school can help you sign up for the benefit. While some employers may train their own drivers, it is also reasonable to assume employers will want you to be licensed, pass a DOT physical, be HAZMAT certified, etc and even some experience before hiring you on. I checked the FedEx online employment link and they required applicants to be licensed for the positions I opened and read. Best wishes to you.
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Line Haul Sleeper Team Driver Description at United Parcel Service

Learn more about applying for Line Haul Sleeper Team Driver at United Parcel Service

Response by PO3 Steven Adams made Jul 28 at 2016 5:54 AM

2016-07-28T05:54:04-04:00

Hi Dom , I'm a Truck Driver I've been driving over 7 years now and love it I love the big rig I've choose to drive local for I want to be home every night and its probably better pay than long haul if you get with a good company that's busy get the over time . I'm on Temporary State Disability at present nursing a bum knee but before injury I was making $26.53 an hour with a 40 hr. week and on average 10 hrs. of overtime . Yes use the GI bill for sure Just before I started writing you I posted wondering about getting my school paid to me which I paid 7 years ago out of pocket . Go for it Dom Its a good job and Fun

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 1 at 2016 1:21 PM

2016-08-01T13:21:38-04:00

I'm no expert in the area, but I have some thoughts.

I'm in a trans company in the Reserves, and while most of us only drive trucks (M915A5) 1 day a month and 2 or 3 weeks a year, we do have several local/regional route drivers and OTR truckers in my unit. They all seem to enjoy it, and make a decent living. My squad leader in fact owns a couple trucks and can clear 6 figures in a year depending on operating costs, etc.

There are trucking schools (private, vo-tech) that accept your GI Bill benefits. You'll just have to do your homework to find them, learn about their program, and see if it's right for you.

Good luck!

Response by SSG Kyle Stromgren made Aug 2 at 2016 9:17 AM

2016-08-02T09:17:33-04:00

Look up CSM Mike Lynch he is here and works for a trucking company

Response by PO2 Robert McNeilly made May 1 at 2017 10:49 PM

2017-05-01T22:49:46-04:00

I'm an Owner Operator at Crete Carrier Corporation. I started as a company driver and did so well, I bought my own truck.

Here's the business card of one of our recruiters that you are welcome to call. I just met with him last Friday, April 29th 2017 to ask him the same question for a submarine buddy of mine. Crete does have a program to recruit student drivers and they can use their GI Bill for training. This guy, Todd Swenson, can give you all the details.

Crete Carrier Corporation is a large national carrier, privately owned, 100% paid for and they carry no debt. Crete has over 5000 drivers nationwide and offers a full range of driving options and schedules. They are certified as a Military Friendly employer and Top Pay & Benefits in the industry.

Let me know if I can help in any way. Good Luck!