Commercial drivers are in high demand in the civilian world. Are veteran transport operators qualified for most of these roles?

2021-07-12T15:08:50-04:00

If you are exploring a career outside the military in these roles, I'd like to know if there have been any challenges in applying or getting hired. Is it a career path you'd recommend to other veterans in transition?
Has anyone applied for these Military Driver Programs?
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/commercial-drivers-license/military-driver-programs

Military Driver Programs

In May 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration finalized the Commercial Learner's Permit rule. Within that rule is a provision that gives State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) the authority to substitute two years of CMV safe driving experience in military equivalents of commercial motor vehicles, for the skills test portion of the commercial driver license skills test.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 12 at 2021 3:11 PM

2021-07-12T15:11:20-04:00

If an 88M has a CDL, then yes. Also helpful to have the DOT HAZMAT certification, which some earn as well as 92F and 89B.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 12 at 2021 5:05 PM

2021-07-12T17:05:20-04:00

If they have a valid Class-A CDL, then yes. I obtained my CDL post military but I think the new DOT programs make it fairly easy for military transport operators to obtain civilian certifications.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 12 at 2021 5:06 PM

2021-07-12T17:06:49-04:00

Depends. Accreditation acceptance is a big deal. Not all military certs are accepted across the board. The UASF has done the best job accrediting their training so their folks can get credit for that training but it has improved over the years.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-07-12T18:45:32-04:00

One of the best things I was able to help a soldier with was getting his California CDL. He did all the leg work with the DMV, and had all the right military certifications and Skill identifiers. It was right there for the taking. Let me be clear, I was the only military signature in this process. The soldier jumped through all the State DMV process. I just validated what he was submitting to the DMV was true.

It goes both ways if I recall. Going into the Army as an 88M with a civilian commercial driver license get's one in as a SPC/E4.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jul 13 at 2021 1:52 AM

2021-07-13T01:52:28-04:00

Can you pass a DOT physical and a Drug test to include marijuana use. Drug test are conducted IAW 49CFR, Part 40 and are FEDERAL rules. For the Feds marijuana is still a prohibited drug.

Response by SGT Michael Paul made Jul 15 at 2021 6:48 PM

2021-07-15T18:48:25-04:00

Most states wave some of the tests you have to have your military license converted to civilian by the DOT in your state they will tell you what all you have to take to get the CDL.

Response by SPC Michael Brink made Jul 26 at 2021 2:08 AM

2021-07-26T02:08:39-04:00

Would I recommend it? It really all depends on the company you want to work for. Some treat their drivers like kings and some like peasents. I went from an 88M to a diesel tech (will be 27 years in Oct). In my case doing PMCS got me familiar enough with trucks that I was able to be hired as a diesel tech trainee in 1994. So that's another possibility for someone coming out of the service as a driver. I work for Ryder, I know they have a program called "Pathway Home" where they train soldiers to be a technician before you ETS. Pending approval from your CO of course since it will cut into your day. They've been good to me and they have a logistics side as well. So I would say check into Ryder and maybe even Penske for a driving career. The truck industry is a good solid choice no matter what part of it you get into. It's not a glamorous job but it's all ways going to be needed.

Response by SPC Halle Henderson made Aug 19 at 2021 12:14 PM

2021-08-19T12:14:33-04:00

I've been driving since I got out going on 28 years

Response by MSgt Billy Gorham made Sep 24 at 2021 1:36 PM

2021-09-24T13:36:54-04:00

Good responses, all. In my case, I didn't see the need to get a CDL until I retired in 2010. With over 25 Years of tractor/trailer experience, none of the "big" companies would hire me because my CDL was less than a year old and they could not verify my driving experience. I'm a SAC trained driver...got my Air Force T/T certification and license way back in 1985. drove T/T most of my Air Force career of 26 years. Even when I produced all the documentation to prove that I had experience, they all still wanted me to go to school before hiring, and then I would be a "pro-bee" for 3 to 5 years.