Trump promotes Freedom Haulers Initiative to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs

By Fox News · Fox News

President Donald Trump on Thursday formally kicked off an administration initiative designed to fast-track military veterans into trucking jobs while removing illegal immigrant commercial drivers from America's roadways, arguing the effort will improve highway safety and create new employment opportunities for former service members. Speaking at the White House alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and trucking industry leaders, Trump promoted the "Freedom Haulers Initiative," which streamlines the commercial driver's license (CDL) process for veterans with heavy vehicle experience gained during military service. "Today, we're taking action to get illegal alien truck drivers off the American roadways and replace them with proud American veterans," Trump said. "It's about time." TRUMP TAPS VETERANS TO FIX ILLEGAL ALIEN TRUCKING PROBLEM PLAGUING US ROADWAYS Under the initiative, qualified veterans with heavy-vehicle experience gained during military service can apply to waive the CDL road-skills test, allowing them to avoid duplicating training they received in the military. Certain veterans in participating states may also qualify for a waiver of the written knowledge test. Veterans without military truck-driving experience will be eligible for expedited training that administration officials said could be completed in several weeks. Trump said 34 states have joined or are working to implement the Even Exchange Program, including Indiana, Wyoming, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Maryland, and called on the remaining states to participate. The president paired the promotion with his administration's ongoing crackdown on commercial drivers who do not meet federal English-language requirements or who were issued licenses while in the country illegally. OUT OF CONTROL, UNQUALIFIED ILLEGAL ALIEN TRUCKERS ENDANGERING KIDS ON US ROADS, INSIDER WARNS: ‘JUST MADNESS’ Trump said the administration has removed more tha…