Logistics companies perform better when they have military veterans in supply chain positions. Companies like Ryder, TMC, and Penske continue to gobble up military truck drivers, maintainers, and supply guys. Other companies with a secondary logistics mission are learning this as well, which is great news if you’re transitioning out of the military with a background in logistics.
Logistics Needs Veterans
Interestingly, every position in every branch of the military, from weapons, operations, combat training, and transportation, require knowledge of logistics support on some level. Most service members have firsthand training and experience with logistics operations because of their wide-ranging roles in the military and numerous deployments.
Currently over nine million veterans are employed across all sectors of the U.S. economy. Almost 10% of those are involved with the commercial transportation and logistics industries. Today more than ever, this sector needs people who know how to solve problems and work well under pressure. Here are a few points for your consideration if you are looking for your first job out of the service or if you are recruiting veterans for trucking and logistics work.
New Federal regulation give states the ability to provide a waiver or expedite the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills testing for military personnel with two years of safe driving experience in a large truck or bus. Since inception, over 40,000 veterans have used this program and benefited from the streamlined capabilities.
Training Opportunities
If desired, veterans can use the GI Bill to cover the costs of getting a CDL, attend truck driving school and working under apprenticeships at VA-approved trucking operations. Additionally, The Veterans Employment Training Service (VETS) through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) identifies available jobs for veterans to apply their experience, skills and work ethic in supply chain management, truck driving, truck and engine mechanics among other professions.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Hiring our Heroes program helps logistics companies recruit military veterans and spouses. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) participates in Hiring Our Heroes and encourages ATA member companies to hire veterans for their programs.
Companies are grateful for veterans and the skills they have obtained through military Service. Truck fleets, freight brokers and shippers have been friendly places for service members and veterans desiring to start fulfilling civilian careers. They know that time spent in the military helps you define approaches to challenges and obstacles.
How to Get a Logistics Job
Your current challenge is finding a great job. It turns out, logistics companies like CSX, Ryder, Penske and many others are recruiting and desire to bring you on. They are present at your local job fairs (both government and private) and using online recruiting events. Seek out military friendly logistics companies. ClearanceJobs.com currently has over 6000 logistical jobs, varying from truck driver to supply chain manager and more.
The government is looking for your talent as well. A key organization to check out is the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). They have the DLA Pathways to Career Excellence (PaCE) Program with a 2-year training curriculum.
Remember, as you transition out of the military and reintegrating into the civilian workforce, you will face challenges. However, with many of your skills directly applicable to a career in logistics, you may need to redirect your job search to the logistics field to keep moving forward.
