4 Ways that Lily is One of the Most Veteran-Friendly Employers Around

Finding a job as a military veteran can be challenging. After so much time spent in the unpredictable conditions of military life, coming home and seeking out a new career that offers financial stability and a personally fulfilling lifestyle is easier said than done.

Lily Transportation Corp. knows how difficult transitioning from military to civilian life can be, which is one of the many reasons why we strive to be one of the most veteran-friendly companies around. If you’re looking to find one of the best jobs after the military, then look no further than the truck driving and logistics industry.

Here are four ways that a truck driving career with Lily Transportation can provide you with the stability, support, and opportunities you’re looking for:

1) Lily is Actively Hiring Veterans

Here at Lily, we are actively looking for veterans who are:

  • Interested in careers as commercial truck drivers but don’t have any experience.
  • Already commercial drivers, or who drove heavy trucks as part of their military service, and are looking for a change.
  • Experienced in leadership roles and want to apply those skills in a new setting.
  • Simply curious about what a trucking career has to offer.

Over 15% of our current employees are military veterans, and it’s our goal to grow that percentage every year. We want to work alongside our veterans, help them transition back into civilian life, and train them to find success as a professional truck driver.

2) Job Security

It’s no secret that the trucking and logistics industry needs new drivers. With the diverse array of skills and experience military veterans bring to the table, countless companies are eager and excited to work with you.

The commitment, discipline, and exceptional focus you exemplified in the military are traits that Lily Transportation actively seeks out in potential drivers. When you drive with Lily, not only will you become part of a family of dedicated and passionate professionals, but we’ll also work alongside you to integrate, train, and retain you for years to come.

3) Financial Stability

In addition to job security, professional truckers are also provided with consistent and competitive income. Whether you’re driving solo or with a partner as part of an OTR-team, most trucking companies pay their drivers for each mile they cover, meaning that the more miles you (and your partner, if you’re on a team) cover, the more income you’ll make.

4) The Lily Veterans Network

Before your trucking career can begin in earnest, you’re going to need to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL). This involves taking a written test and then taking a skills test behind the wheel with a CDL-certified driver present.

However, if you regularly drove trucks or buses while in the military, then you may be able to qualify for a Military CDL Skills Test Waiver, which excuses you from the skills-test portion of the CDL-training program. Even if you don’t qualify for the waiver, Lily Transportation’s Veterans Network Program is here to help.

Lily Transportation provides this unique veteran training program to all of our veterans in exchange for a one-year commitment in an over-the-road assignment. This program offers veterans a training curriculum that’s fully paid for by Lily, won’t deplete your GI Bill benefits, and even involves a weekly salary of $800 plus company benefits so you can provide for yourself during the training process.

Upon graduation, you’ll officially become a member of the Lily family and receive annual compensation in the $70,000 range. If you’re interested in hearing about how Lily is one of the most veteran-friendly employers in the trucking industry, then don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-248-5459 or visit our Careers Page to learn more about the exciting opportunities at Lily Transportation Corp!

Lily Wants to Help Lower the Rate of Unemployed Veterans

Moving from the military back to civilian life is rarely simple. Your time in the military was likely fast-paced and unpredictable, and suddenly needing to reacclimate to an everyday routine can be challenging. This challenge is only magnified when military veterans have to face unemployment.

Unemployment is a difficult position for anyone to be in, but for military veterans especially. Having their life grind to a halt can be jarring and disruptive. This is a situation that Lily Transportation Corp. wants to rectify. We recognize the unique values that veterans can bring to our company and are eager to support the skills you have learned in the military.

Here are just a few of the ways Lily Transportation—and the Veteran’s Network program we offer—is striving to help lower the rate of unemployed veterans:

Obtaining Your CDL

Before you can get behind the wheel and hit the road, professional truck drivers need to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL). Typically, you’ll need to take a training course that will earn you a CDL permit, which will then allow you to drive a truck with a CDL-certified driver present. This provides you with valuable experience and will prepare you for the CDL driving skills test, which you can take after you’ve had your permit for 14-days.

However, if you have experience driving trucks or buses from your time in the military then you may qualify for a Military CDL Waiver. This can be a great way for veterans to bypass the training process and get on the road as soon as possible.

As of 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that “more than 19,000 current and former military have taken advantage of the Skills Test Waiver, making them immediately eligible for employment.”

If you qualify for the veteran CDL waiver, then you won’t need to attend truck driving school or even hold a permit before getting your CDL. There will still be a written exam, however, so be sure to pick up a CDL manual from your local DMV to review. You may be able to obtain sample tests from your state as well, that you can use to practice with.

Programs for Veterans

If you don’t have prior experience operating trucks, then don’t worry! As soon as you acquire your CDL certification, you can enter into a Lily training program that will help fine-tune your skills behind the wheel of our trucks. This unique veteran training program, which we provide to all of our veterans in exchange for a one-year commitment in an over the road assignment, comes with a number of incentives:

  • The curriculum is fully paid for by Lily and will not deplete your GI Bill benefits.
  • In addition to a full scholarship, you will also be paid a salary of $800 per week plus company benefits during the training process.
  • Upon graduation, you will become a member of the Lily family and receive annual compensation in the $70,000 range.

Driving with Lily

Military veterans make excellent truck drivers, and Lily Transportation Corp. would love to work with you and help you find a truck driving position that is a productive, exciting, and sustainable career path. Currently, over 15% of our employees are military veterans and it’s our goal to see that percentage grow each and every year. We want to work alongside you, help you in your transition from military to civilian life, and train you to find success as a professional truck driver.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Lily can help military veterans find a career that works for them, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-248-5459 or visit our Careers Page to apply directly online. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How a Trucking Career Can Make Transitioning From Military to Civilian Life Easier

Transitioning from military to civilian life is no easy task. After time spent in the military, where every day is unpredictable, getting reacclimatized as a civilian can be an overwhelming challenge. Finding a new line of work can be a great resource to help find your footing again.

This is where the trucking and logistics industry can help. Whether you know it or not, your unique experience and mission-focused work ethic make you a great fit for an industry that is ready and eager to find a place for you in its ranks.  

If you’re a veteran searching for a new career path after the military, then the trucking industry is a great place to start. It’s an industry that pays its drivers well, offers travel opportunities, provides its drivers with a wealth of benefits, and is a relatively easy industry to break into. All of this works together to make it a great option for anyone who is looking for an exciting new career and lifestyle.

To help you decide whether this industry could be the place for you, here’s a comprehensive list of all the ways a trucking career can help make your transition from military to civilian life easier.

Table of Contents:

You Already Have the Experience

  1. Leadership Ability
  2. Operating as part of a Team
  3. Sense of Commitment

Ease of Entry

  1. How to Obtain Your Commercial Driver’s License
  2. Programs for Veterans

Finding Adventure on the Open Road

  1. Life on the Road
  2. See the Sights
  3. Wealth of Opportunities

A Road Towards the Future

You Already Have the Experience

As a military veteran, your experience in ever-changing scenarios makes you uniquely qualified for a number of careers. Your dynamic leadership skills, ability to thrive as part of a team, a fierce sense of commitment, and ability to adapt to the situation at hand are incredibly valuable skills that make you someone plenty of companies are eager to hire.

This is especially true for the trucking industry. Trucking companies are eager to work with diverse individuals who have the dedication and experience necessary to thrive in the industry.

1) Leadership Ability

Military veterans have an intimate understanding of the importance of leadership. Your experience in the service has equipped you with the discipline, resolve, and understanding that are innate in a leader.

This is a very appealing quality to trucking companies. Truckers must take initiative to lead and make educated decisions when needed in order to overcome obstacles on the road. These are all abilities that military veterans are experienced in, making them a valuable addition to any trucking company.

2) Operating as Part of a Team

While many truck drivers drive solo, some companies—such as Lily Transportation—also offer over-the-road (OTR) driving teams where two drivers work together in alternating shifts in order to spend less time stopped and more time on the road. Regardless of which role best fits you, military veterans are uniquely prepared to thrive in both solo and team driving situations.

Whether you choose to drive solo or as part of a team, there’s a special sense of community in the trucking industry. Whether you’re interacting with other drivers on the road or swapping stories with co-workers, truck drivers enjoy being part of a community built on a passion for their careers.

This is yet another reason why military veterans are qualified for a trucking career. You know how valuable teamwork and community can be, and for someone transitioning from military to civilian life, this camaraderie can be especially important.

3) Sense of Commitment

Being committed to a task’s completion is a must in any field of work, but when you’re behind the wheel of a large truck carrying cargo across the country, that commitment is more important than ever.

As a veteran, your mission-focused experience in the military has trained you properly to understand the importance of committing to the task at hand. Your ability to filter out distractions and see a job through to its successful completion makes you an attractive candidate to trucking companies across the country.

Ease of Entry

Where some careers require years of education and schooling before you’ll even be considered for the position, the trucking industry is different. Success as a truck driver does demand some education and training, but the extent and time commitment are less substantial than most careers, and as a military veteran, you may even qualify for the military skills test waiver program that is provided through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Even if you don’t qualify for a waiver program, getting started in a trucking career is still a straightforward process.

1) How to Obtain Your Commercial Driver’s License

The first step in obtaining your commercial driver’s license is to obtain a CDL manual from your local state DMV. This manual will be your textbook, of sorts, as it’ll help you study for the written exam you’ll need to complete before you can take the skills test that’ll earn you your CDL.

You’ll also need to decide on what classification of CDL you’ll need for your desired trucking role. Here’s a breakdown of the three CDL classifications you can consider and the requirements of each one, as outlined on DMV.org:

  • Class A License: Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more.
  • Class B License: Required to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or heavier and/or any vehicle as described above that is towing another vehicle weighing up to 10,000 lbs.
  • Class C License: Required if the vehicle you intend to drive does not meet the criteria for either a Class A or Class B license and is meant to transport at least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver) or any hazardous material (HAZMAT) as laid out by federal guidelines.

In addition, depending on what CDL you’re pursuing, you might need endorsements for specific types of trailers and vehicles. These can involve taking additional skill or written tests and are intended to show you’re an experienced and educated professional behind the wheel of whatever class of truck you drive.

After you take and pass your driving skills test, you’ll be CDL-certified and fully-equipped with the tools and experience needed to thrive in your new role as a truck driver.

However, if your MOS in the military was heavy equipment, then you might qualify for the aforementioned military skills test waiver program that would mean only needing to take the written-portion of the CDL test.

2) Programs for Veterans

Here at Lily Transportation, for example, we offer veterans a one-of-a-kind training program that won’t deplete your veteran benefits. After your CDL-certification is complete, you can enter into Lily’s veteran training program, which includes:

  • A fully paid curriculum that doesn’t require the use of your GI Bill benefits
  • A paid salary of $800 per week, while in training, including company benefits
  • Annual compensation in the $70,000+ range upon graduation
  • A one-year commitment from you in an over-the-road assignment

Lily Transportation Corp. acknowledges and values the wealth of skills and experiences the men and women who have served in our military exemplify in their daily lives, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, secure, and productive place of employment.

We are actively working to increase our percentage of employed veterans by 10% every year, and our unique veterans’ program is designed to help make your transition from military to civilian life as seamless as possible.

Finding Adventure on the Open Road

The transition from one career to another is almost always a challenge. One of the tricks, according to an article by Forbes, is “to find the crossover—to look for skills and talents you use in your present career that apply to the new career you are interested in.”

There are plenty of people and services who are willing to help you in this transition. Like the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), these services can be helpful as you begin to search for a new career. You want to find a career path that’s a good fit for you and your skillset, but you also want to identify a career that you’ll find fulfilling and exciting.

1) Life on the Road

Truck driving is a lifestyle. Career truck drivers are tasked with the important job of delivering products, goods, and other cargo all over the country. This means committing to long hours, days, or even weeks on the road, and needing to remain alert, focused and safe for the duration.

For most drivers, there’s an incredible amount of satisfaction to be found in successfully overcoming any and all of the challenges they encounter on the open road. Every day is different in the trucking industry and will expose you to new people, new sights, and new situations to effectively handle and solve.

This kind of lifestyle can be especially meaningful to military veterans, as the time spent behind the wheel can be both calming and exciting. Your attention is engaged, your senses alert, and you have a clearly defined goal to focus on and strive toward.

2) See the Sights

There are very few jobs that allow for the kind of extensive travel that a trucking career does. While that travel is part of the job, you’ll still be seeing the country’s sights in a way few people really get to. Across all seasons, all times of day, and all environments, truck drivers get to experience the country in an up-close and personal way.

For people who love the open road, there’s nothing better than coast-to-coast driving. One trucker even told Thrillist.com that she had driven in places where you could look down on valleys that looked like “landscape paintings.” There’s no end to the diversity and serenity you can find out on the open road as a truck driver: all you have to do is get behind the wheel and see it for yourself.

3) Wealth of Opportunities

In addition to the exciting travel opportunities, trucking careers can also provide you with tremendous benefits. With the industry in need of drivers, trucking companies like Lily Transportation value their employees and are more than willing to support them in as many ways as they can in order to ensure they have happy, driven, and productive employees.

Because of the industry’s need for employees, there’s a healthy degree of job security and financial stability you can rely on. Most companies tend to pay their drivers on a per-mile basis, meaning the more ground you cover the more income you’ll be able to earn.

A Road Towards the Future

Transitioning from the dynamic and ever-changing world of the military back into civilian life can be a challenge for a lot of people but you don’t have to do it alone. Looking for an exciting new career path can be a fantastic way to not only keep yourself busy as you continue to transition back into civilian life, but it’ll also help you meet new people, make new memories, and experience the world in a way you never have before.

If you’re interested in more information about how a career in the logistics and trucking industry could help you, Lily Transportation would love to talk with you. Your unique experiences, mission-focused work ethic, and specific skill set are all qualities that make you an ideal candidate for a career as a professional truck driver.

Everyone at Lily Transportation is excited about your new career opportunities and want to see you succeed in whatever you do. If you have any questions about the trucking industry or any of the resources we have available for military veterans, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-248-5459 or on our careers page.

3 Things Lily Transportation Corp. Does to Support Veterans

Military veterans have an unparalleled level of expertise, commitment, and work ethic which makes them uniquely qualified for a wide variety of careers. Lily Transportation is committed to the support and employment of the men and women who have served in our military, especially as they transition into civilian life.

When you join our team of passionate drivers, you become part of a larger community of experienced and welcoming professionals from all walks of life who love what they do and the people they get to do it with. Lily values the characteristics veterans exemplify and is committed to helping them find a new career that’s both financially and personally gratifying.


If you’re a military veteran considering a truck driving career, take a look at just a few of the ways Lily Transportation Corp. strives to support military veterans.

1) We Seek Out Veterans

Currently, over 15% of our employees are military veterans, and it’s our objective to see that percentage continue to grow each and every year. We want to work alongside you, help you in your transition from military to civilian life, and train you to find success as a professional truck driver.

2) Job and Financial Stability

The trucking industry is in need of new drivers, so if you’re hired by Lily Transportation, you can rest assured our dedicated routes will guarantee job security and very competitive income!  

3) The Lily Veterans Network

While a lot of trucking companies prioritize the hiring of veteran drivers, Lily Transportation offers a one-of-a-kind training program that military veterans can enroll in as soon as they obtain their CDL-certification.

Lily’s Veterans Network provides veterans with:

  • A fully paid-for scholarship in exchange for a minimum of a one-year commitment in an over the road team assignment
  • Training that won’t deplete your GI Bill benefits
  • A salary of $800 per week during training, including company benefits
  • Annual compensation in the $70,000+ range upon graduation

Military veterans make excellent truck drivers, so if you’re interested in learning more about our unique training program for veterans, or if you want to talk to a representative about recruitment, don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-248-5459 or visit our Careers Page to apply directly online. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Why Trucking Companies Are Hiring Veterans

Military veterans, having experienced high-stress and goal-oriented work environments, are uniquely equipped with the skills needed to excel in a variety of employment opportunities. While there are many industries eager to hire veterans for their excellent character and admirable work ethic, there are few industries as eager as the logistics industry.

If you’re a military veteran who has experience driving large vehicles as your MOS, or even if you have no driving experience whatsoever, military veterans make excellent truck drivers and trucking companies are excited by the prospect of working with you, and want to help you find a job that will suit your needs.


Here are just a few of the many reasons why trucking companies are looking to hire military veterans, and why veterans should consider a career in trucking.

Leadership Skills

As a military veteran, you have a unique kind of leadership experience. Whether you led others while in the military or not, your discipline and resolve from your military experience means you know how to recognize, emulate, and encourage successful leadership strategies.

As a truck driver, you’ll need those kinds of leadership skills in order to take charge of every situation you encounter. Truck drivers need to show initiative, take the lead in order to resolve conflicts, and most importantly, stay on the road. These are all abilities that you, as a veteran, are well-versed in, making you a valuable addition to any trucking company.

Working as a Team

If there’s anything veterans know well, it’s operating as part of a team, and when you’re a truck driver, that’s a vital skill to have.  Knowing how to work well with others and play to the strengths of you and your co-driver is a vital skill to have on and off the road.

Commitment

When you’re driving a truck, you need to be committed and focused on the task at hand. Since truck driving, and OTR driving in particular, requires you to spend large amounts of time behind the wheel, sometimes for days or weeks at a time, you need to be dedicated to seeing the job through to completion. As a veteran, your experience in the military has already proven your commitment to the job at hand, making you that much more attractive to trucking companies looking for dedicated drivers.

Adaptability

Another necessary skill to have as a truck driver and specifically an OTR driver is the ability to adapt to new situations on the go. You can never predict what the weather, traffic, or other drivers will do when you’re on the road, so it’s important to remain alert and focused so as situations evolve you can adapt quickly and seamlessly.

Some of the best truck driving companies for veterans, like Lily Transportation Corp., will even offer training programs for veterans to get their commercial driver’s license (CDL). In the case of Lily Transportation, our one-of-a-kind training program won’t deplete your GI benefits.

For more information on the military veterans careers and benefits at Lily Transportation offers, visit our careers page or contact us at 800-248-5459.

How Military Veterans Can Find Truck Driving Careers

Military veterans, having endured some of the most difficult and stringent working environments, have the skills to excel in a number of careers when they transition to civilian life. While companies in several industries are interested in hiring veterans because of their unique skills and strong character, some of the most exciting career opportunities for veterans lie in the logistics industry.

Trucking companies are hiring veterans because of the many strengths they can bring to the field, such as their sense of duty, their ability to work well on a team, their discipline, their strong work ethic, and their ability to adapt to changing situations.


Whether you operated a large truck as part of your military service or not, there are currently plenty of truck driving jobs for veterans. Finding a truck driving job that suits you doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, as a veteran, you may have access to some unique opportunities.

Obtaining Your CDL

Before driving a commercial vehicle like a truck, you’ll need to obtain your commercial driver’s license or CDL. The most common way to do so is to go to truck driving school, but if you drove large trucks as part of your military service, you may qualify for the military skills test waiver program through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This waiver enables you to skip the skills test portion of the CDL test and only take the written test.

If you’re a military veteran without truck driving experience, you’ll typically need to obtain your CDL in the regular fashion. You can obtain a state CDL manual from your local department of motor vehicles to start studying for the written exam and also apply for a permit. After you take the written exam, you’ll need to pass a supervised skills test.

There are a number of training programs available to help you become a CDL driver as a veteran. If you decide to go to truck driving school, some schools offer discounts for veterans and special programs for veterans. However, unlike Lily Transportations veterans program, most others deplete your GI Bill benefits.

Finding a Truck Driving Career as a Veteran

Once you’ve obtained your CDL, you’re ready to apply for trucking jobs. The government offers numerous job placement and veteran support services that could help, such as the Hiring Our Heroes initiative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and career services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You can also find tools for resume building and search for hiring events on many government websites.

Nonetheless, you’ll have ample opportunities if you apply for truck driving jobs by filling out applications and sending your resume directly to trucking companies. Many companies have unique programs for veterans. The best veteran truck driving programs, such as the Lily Transportation Corp.’s veterans program, won’t deplete your GI Bill benefits.

Lily Veterans Network

Lily Transportation Corp. values the characteristics that the men and women of our U.S. military possess. We need your knowledge, expertise, and your will to succeed. 15% of Lily employees are currently veterans. Our commitment is to increase that number by 10% each year.

Lily’s veterans program offers a fully-paid training curriculum with company benefits. Upon graduation, you can expect to receive compensation in the $70,000 range. The only requirement is that you accept a minimum one year commitment in an over the road assignment.


For more information on Lily’s career benefits, visit our careers page or contact us at 800-248-5459.

How to Get Truck Driver CDL Training as a Veteran

Logistics companies across the country are posting truck driving jobs for veterans and seeking military professionals to join their teams. Military veterans possess strong teamwork and leadership skills, which are essential for successful CDL drivers. Numerous veterans have excelled in the logistics industry because of their relevant skills and their dedication to their mission.

Many veterans have a background in driving trucks or operating heavy machinery, but not all do. In order to work as a commercial driver, veterans and civilians alike must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Obtaining a CDL involves training, written tests, and a driving test. However, there are some unique training opportunities for veterans that aren’t available for all drivers. Here are some of the best ways to get CDL truck driver training as a veteran:


Apply to Truck Driving School

If you don’t have any experience as a military truck driver, going to truck driving school is an option for getting the training and certification you need. At school, you’ll get a mixture of classroom instruction, training, and hands-on driving experience. Many truck driving schools have relationships with transportation companies, so it could lead to more opportunities when you graduate with your CDL.

When considering a truck driving school, there are a few things to look for. According to Military.com, veterans should apply to schools that use new or late-model equipment, have fair tuition rates, have a high rate of job placement for its students, and provide students with plenty of time behind the wheel. Some schools may also offer discounted or accelerated programs for veterans.

Use the Military CDL Waiver

Typically, a driver must obtain a commercial driver’s permit (CDP) before obtaining a CDL. This permit allows them to drive a truck with a CDL holder present so they can get some experience behind the wheel. They must hold the permit for 14 days before taking the CDL driving skills test.

If you have two years of experience operating trucks or buses in the military, you may qualify for a waiver of the skills portion of the CDL test, according to The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can apply for the waiver within one year of leaving the military position in which you operated such a vehicle. Currently, every state offers this waiver. The waiver form is available for printing on the FMCSA website.

If you qualify for the military waiver, you won’t need to go to truck driving school or hold a permit to get your CDL. However, you’ll still need to take a written exam, so make sure your study your state’s CDL manual, available through your state’s DMV (some states have electronic versions of their manuals available online).

You may be able to get sample tests from your state to practice with as well.

Get Training with a Trucking Company

Perhaps the best way for veterans to obtain truck driving training as a veteran is to look for a company that has a veteran training program. While many companies show a preference for veteran drivers, Lily Transportation Corp. has a one-of-a-kind program for veterans:

  • Who are interested in careers as CDL drivers but have no experience;
  • Who are current CDL drivers or who’s Military Occupational Specialty was as a heavy truck operator in the service; and
  • Who served in military leadership roles and want to apply their management skills in the transportation industry.

If you’re transitioning into civilian life after operating heavy trucks in the military, our three-to-six-week transitional training program will fine-tune your existing skills to meet the needs of the marketplace. This program does not deplete your GI Bill benefits.

During that time, you’ll be paid $800 per week and enjoy company benefits. Upon graduation, you can expect to be honored as one of “Lily’s American Heroes.” You’ll receive excellent compensation and decals that designate your branch of service will be placed on your truck.

If you’re interested in learning more about our unique training program for veterans, contact a recruiter today at 800-248-5459. Or, visit our careers page to apply directly to jobs online!

Why Military Veterans Make Excellent Truck Drivers

If you’re a military veteran, you’re in a unique position to excel in the trucking industry.

Even if you don’t have experience driving trucks or heavy vehicles, there are several training programs available that can help. While many of these programs use GI benefits, Lily Transportation Corp. offers a training program that won’t deplete your GI Bill benefits at all!

If you have at least two years of experience driving military trucks, you may even qualify for a military waiver for your CDL skills test, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (though you’ll still have to take the written exam). The FMCSA also notes that this waiver is currently available nationally.


You’re positioned to benefit from the current job market as well. Transportation and logistics companies are actively seeking veteran truck drivers. The skills you learn in the military aren’t just transferable to this career type – they’re the types of skills companies actively seek in their drivers.

Communication Skills

The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is essential in the military and just as important in the trucking industry. Trucking and logistics require a great deal of coordination and accurate timing to be successful. When drivers are on the road, their ability to communicate effectively with dispatchers and other drivers is key to overcoming challenges and staying safe.

Teamwork and Leadership

Whether you’re a solo driver or an OTR team driver, it takes a team of highly trained professionals to accomplish the mission. On every job, an entire support team is working to make sure a load gets from point A to point B safely. Strong teamwork skills are essential for any team OTR assignment, as you and your partner will need to manage your time effectively and work together to accomplish your goals.

Likewise, leadership is an important skill in logistics, and not just for managers. Drivers need to be assertive, observant, and task-oriented to be successful. In many situations, drivers need to take the lead to resolve problems and stay on course.  

Discipline

Self-discipline is a skill that is taught to, and expected of, every military professional. In the trucking industry, self-discipline is necessary for making deliveries on time, but also for driving a truck over long distances. It can be tempting to get distracted on the road, but self-discipline will keep you safe and laser-focused on the task at hand.

As a veteran, you also understand the importance of following through on a task and leading by example. Trucking companies seek these traits in all their drivers as they can lead to more efficient operations and a more productive working environment.

Problem Solving Skills

When driving for long periods of time on public roads, problems will inevitably arise. The ability to think quickly to solve problems is essential for completing your mission and staying safe. It’s also an important skill set for identifying problems that others may have missed. Veteran truck drivers can bring their problem-solving skills to the table not just to resolve issues, but also to make operations more efficient and effective.

Commitment to the Mission

Perhaps the most important skill among veteran truck drivers is their commitment to the mission. Most trucking companies have a mission statement or ideological higher purpose. But to achieve that higher purpose, they need professionals who are focused on carrying out their daily activities with focus, determination and attention to detail.

Military veterans make excellent truck drivers because they possess the skills, talents, and attributes that every trucking company looks for. Not only does your military experience make you an excellent candidate for a position in trucking, but it’s also exactly what you need to thrive on the road and in this competitive industry.

Trying to find veteran truck driving jobs? Start your new career  with Lily! Visit our jobs page or talk to a recruiter at 800-248-5459.

What is the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver?

Obtaining a CDL and becoming a commercial truck driver is an excellent opportunity for veterans to transition into civilian life and start a lucrative career. While every truck driver needs to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a truck, there are several unique programs for veterans that can help them obtain training and become gainfully employed.

There are also plenty of programs available to help veterans obtain a CDL. One such program is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Military Skills Test Waiver Program, which was finalized in May of 2011 as a provision of the Commercial Learner’s Permit rule and is now available in every state.


If you are a military service member who has experience driving heavy trucks/equipment, you may benefit from this program and embark on a new career in commercial trucking.

How the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver Works

To obtain a CDL, drivers need to pass a written exam and take a skills test. The military waiver allows you to skip the skills test. However, you’ll still need to take the written exam and meet certain requirements.

You can obtain a waiver for the skills test if you have two years of experience operating military trucks or buses that are “equivalent to civilian commercial vehicles,” according to the FMCSA. To qualify, you must be 21 years old or older and apply within one year of leaving a military position in which you operated a commercial vehicle.

You must also certify that you:

  • Have a history of safe driving experience
  • Have not held more than one license in the past two years (except a U.S. military driver’s license)
  • Have not had your state-issued driver’s license suspended, revoked, or canceled
  • Have not had any convictions in any type of motor vehicle for any disqualifying CDL offenses

The FMCSA has posted an application form for the waiver on its website. However, the administration notes that each state manages its own skills test waiver. To get more information about your state’s requirements, you should visit the State’s commercial driver’s license website.

The type of CDL you will be eligible for (Class A, B, or C) depending on the type of truck driven during your military career.

Start Your Career in Commercial Trucking

Transportation and logistics companies are actively seeking military veteran truck drivers, not just because of their experience, but also because of the unique attributes they bring to the industry. Veterans with two years of experience driving heavy trucks in the military can also expect substantial pay and recognition for their service, according to Fastport, a veteran employment software firm.

In addition to the military CDL skills test waiver, many trucking schools and businesses offer veteran programs for military CDL truck driving. Most programs, however, require you to deplete your military benefits.

But Lily Transportation Corp. has a one-of-a-kind program that is fully paid-for and doesn’t require you to drain you GI Bill benefits. Once you acquire your CDL, you can join Lily’s training program and:

  • Get paid a salary of $800 per week, including company benefits
  • Receive an annual compensation in the $70,000 range upon graduation

In exchange for the many benefits of the program, Lily only asks for a minimum one-year commitment in an over the road assignment. Currently, 15% of Lily’s drivers are veterans. We’re committed to grow that number by 10% each year.


Looking for military CDL truck driver jobs? Visit our jobs page or talk to a recruiter at 800-248-5459.

How to Become a CDL Driver as a Veteran

Becoming a commercial driver is a rewarding career path for anyone who pursues it. Not only is it a secure career choice, it enables you to travel and earn a good living to support yourself and your family. While commercial driving is available to anyone who obtains a Commercial Driver’s License, it’s also a viable career path for military veterans transitioning to civilian life.

The trucking and commercial driving industry is particularly supportive of military veterans and their families. In fact, many commercial freight companies are actively seeking veterans because their unique skills make such a valuable contribution to the industry.


Why Do Military Veterans Make Such Great CDL Drivers?

Even if you don’t have experience operating military vehicles, or any CDL training at all, you’ve still learned many of the skills that transportation logistics companies seek in their drivers; such as: teamwork, leadership, and an aptitude for mission-focused work.

Commercial drivers must also be reliable and dependable. These are both qualities that are expected in the military, and they translate well when you become a CDL driver.

What is the Process of Becoming a Military Veteran CDL driver?

You can obtain a CDL through the following standard process:

  • Start with your state’s CDL manual: Your local DMV office will have a copy of your state’s CDL manual, which you’ll need to study to pass written exams. Depending on your chosen career path, you should also determine if you need to obtain a Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL. These classifications will dictate which type of vehicle you can operate and what type of cargo you can haul.
  • Obtain a CDL permit: After proving that you meet certain medical requirements, passing a background check, and taking written exams, you’ll receive your CDL permit. This allows you to drive on public roads only while a qualified CDL holder is sitting next to you.
  • Obtain endorsements: Depending on the type of CDL license you wish to acquire, you’ll need to add endorsements for specific types of trailers and vehicles. These endorsements may require you to take skills tests in addition to written tests.
  • Take a CDL skills test: You’ll take a final exam that includes a skills test. Once you’ve passed, you’ll be issued your CDL.

There are resources available to help you become a CDL driver as a veteran. Some companies may even offer training programs specifically for veterans. You may need to rely on your veteran’s benefits to cover training and schooling at some organizations.

However, Lily Transportation Corp. has a one-of-a-kind program for veterans that doesn’t require you to drain your benefits. After certification of your CDL, you’ll enter Lily’s training program, which includes:

  • A fully paid curriculum that doesn’t require you to drain your GI Bill benefits
  • A paid salary of $800 per week, including company benefits
  • Annual compensation in the $70,000 range upon graduation
  • A one year commitment from you in an over the road assignment

Lily has specific programs for:

  • Veterans whose MOS was as a heavy duty truck driver in the military
  • Veterans with prior commercial truck driving experience
  • Veterans interested in management careers

For more information about Lily’s veterans programs, visit the Lily Transportation Corp. website.