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DRIVING THE NEWS: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Hosts Veterans Day to Showcase Freedom Haulers Campaign Success, Announce Millions More in Veteran Training Grants

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The interagency campaign supercharged trucking companies and delivered over 13,000 veteran-hiring commitments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator (FMCSA) Derek D. Barrs today were joined by veterans and trucking industry leaders to celebrate Veterans Day and highlight the success of the Trump Administration’s Freedom Haulers initiative to fast-track veterans into thriving trucking careers.

At the Veterans Day event on the National Mall, Secretary Duffy announced Freedom Haulers wins, including:

  • FMCSA investing $3.5 million into training providers in 21 states to expand services training programs for veterans
  • 12 trucking companies committing to hiring more than 13,000 veterans with help from the Department of Labor (DOL)
  • Nearly 400 veterans have already used their GI bill to obtain benefits thanks to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
freedomhaulers

“Today is all about delivering results for the brave men and women who sacrificed so much in defense of our nation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “In just a few months, our Freedom Haulers campaign has raised awareness and helped hundreds of veterans pursue an exciting career in trucking. Today we are doubling down on that progress by investing millions in training programs across the country to support former servicemembers and their families. To our veterans: today we pause to say thank you.”

“There is no better way for FMCSA and the Department to express their gratitude to our nation’s veterans than through Freedom Haulers,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “We’re proud to continue supporting the brave men and women who have fought to defend our freedoms as they begin the new mission of keeping our supply chains secure and resilient.”

“Veterans bring discipline, teamwork, and a deep commitment to safety and service — qualities that make them exceptional professional truck drivers,” said Truckload Carriers Association President Jim Mullen. “We're proud of the veterans across TCA’s member and affiliate companies and grateful for their service to our country. We thank the Administration for today's tribute, its support of the trucking industry and the Freedom Haulers program."

In July, Secretary Duffy launched Freedom Haulers alongside the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of War, and the Department of Labor. As part of this patriotic hiring campaign that aims to make it easier for veterans to transition into trucking careers, FMCSA expanded its Military Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange Program—expediting the time it takes for veterans to earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL).

The Freedom Haulers initiative builds on President Trump’s efforts to clean up America’s roadways, crack down on dangerous foreign drivers, and support American truckers. Under President Trump, trucker earnings have surged 7.42% and traffic fatalities are at a historic low.

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Last updated: Wednesday, November 11, 2026