Transitioning out of the military and unsure how your driving experience translates to a civilian career? A lot of veterans qualify for federal help earning a Class A CDL and never find out, because the programs live across several agencies and the eligibility rules change from state to state.

The Freedom Haulers initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Transportation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor, is meant to close that gap. It expands how long veterans have to use the FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver, grows the Even Exchange Program to more states, and shines a light on GI Bill funded training and apprenticeship programs like the one Wilson Logistics has run for more than a decade.

Ready to put your service to work? Apply for the Wilson Logistics Military Apprenticeship Program and start your next mission behind the wheel.

Why This Matters Now

FMCSA estimates that roughly 40,000 veterans and service members have used the Military Skills Test Waiver since it was introduced. Freedom Haulers, announced July 30, 2026, builds on that track record instead of replacing it, extending the waiver window and adding more states to the Even Exchange Program so more veterans can qualify.

What Is the Freedom Haulers Initiative?

Freedom Haulers connects transitioning service members and veterans with CDL resources, training opportunities and employers ready to hire them. It is a joint effort, not a single new program, and it works by strengthening rules that already existed at FMCSA and the VA.

The most significant change extends the eligibility window for the FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver from 12 months to 24 months after leaving active duty. Veterans with qualifying experience operating heavy military vehicles now have twice as long to use their military experience toward a civilian CDL, without repeating the driving skills test.

Freedom Haulers also puts new emphasis on sponsored CDL training and apprenticeships for veterans who never drove a heavy vehicle in uniform. That opens a path into trucking for far more veterans, not only those who served in transportation roles.

Federal Benefits Veterans Can Use for CDL Training

Depending on your service record and how recently you separated, one or more of these federal programs may apply:

• Military Skills Test Waiver: skip the civilian CDL road skills test if you have qualifying experience operating a comparable military vehicle. The window is now 24 months from separation instead of 12.
• Even Exchange Program: in participating states, this waives the CDL knowledge test as well, letting some veterans exchange a military license for a CDL with minimal retesting.
• Post-9/11 GI Bill: covers tuition and fees at approved training programs, plus a monthly housing allowance while you train.
• Montgomery GI Bill: pays a monthly benefit directly to veterans enrolled in approved CDL training or apprenticeship programs.

None of these programs automatically waive the CDL knowledge test, medical certification, or state licensing steps. Confirm current eligibility with your state’s CDL office and the VA before you apply.

A Proven Path at Wilson Logistics

Wilson Logistics has run its Military Apprenticeship Program for more than 10 years as a registered sponsor of a U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship. The 15-month apprenticeship pairs on-the-job training with a civilian driving career, and it works whether or not you drove a heavy vehicle in the military.

Recruiting Manager Lisa Wilson-Leach describes the program as a two-way benefit. “Veterans bring leadership, discipline, dedication and a mission-first mindset that make them exceptional professional drivers,” she said. “In return, Wilson provides the training, support and career opportunities they need to build successful futures after military service.”

Eligible veterans may use Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill benefits while training for a Class A CDL at Wilson, potentially receiving tax-free education benefits on top of regular driver wages during the program.

What To Do Next

If you are within 24 months of separation and have relevant driving experience, start gathering your records now. If you do not have that experience, GI Bill funded training is still on the table.

• Pull your DD-214 and any documentation of military vehicle operation.
• Check your state’s CDL office for Military Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange eligibility.
• Confirm your GI Bill entitlement and remaining months of benefits with the VA.
• Talk to a recruiter about apprenticeship options, including the Wilson Logistics Military Apprenticeship Program.

Begin Your Next Mission With Wilson Logistics

You served with dedication. Wilson Logistics is ready to help you put that experience to work in a driving career built for veterans, whether you’re using a skills test waiver or starting fresh with GI Bill funded training.

Learn more on our Military Veterans page, or read the full Freedom Haulers announcement from the U.S. DOT.

Apply for our military CDL training program here to begin your next mission with Wilson Logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterans’ Federal CDL Assistance

What is the Freedom Haulers initiative?
Freedom Haulers is a federal effort led by the Department of Transportation, working with the VA, DOD and Department of Labor, to connect veterans with CDL training, waivers and trucking employers. It expands existing FMCSA and GI Bill programs rather than creating a brand-new benefit.

How does the Military Skills Test Waiver work for veterans?
The waiver lets qualifying veterans skip the civilian CDL road skills test if they safely operated a comparable heavy military vehicle. As of the Freedom Haulers changes, veterans now have 24 months from separation to use it, up from the previous 12-month window.

Can veterans use the GI Bill to pay for CDL training?
Yes. Both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill can fund approved CDL training and apprenticeship programs, including tuition support and a monthly housing allowance in many cases. Eligibility depends on your service record and the specific program’s VA approval status.

Do veterans need prior military driving experience to qualify for CDL support?
No. The Military Skills Test Waiver requires relevant experience, but GI Bill funded training and apprenticeships are open to veterans regardless of their military occupational specialty. Wilson Logistics’ Military Apprenticeship Program accepts veterans with or without prior driving experience.

How long is Wilson Logistics’ Military Apprenticeship Program?
It is a 15-month program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, combining on-the-job training with ongoing support. Eligible veterans can apply GI Bill benefits toward the program while earning driver wages at the same time.