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Bridging the Gap: Supporting Veterans in Their Transition to Civilian Life

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Life is change. Every aspect of life brings unique moments of transitions, whether personal or professional. A new job, a changing family dynamic, a big move, a worldview or cultural shift – to name only a very few. Transitioning into military life, and then eventually reversing that shift back into civilian life is perhaps one of the most dramatic transitions that American adults routinely make, yet this change can be largely unsupported for many veterans, including those who enter the trucking industry. 

Sergeant David Pike, Director of Recruiting for NFI, is on a mission to help bridge that gap for his fellow service members. This article sheds light on the unique experiences and hurdles faced by veterans as they make the transition to civilian life. We also highlight the ongoing work of NFI, a company committed to supporting veterans in their journey. As Sgt. Pike continues to share his story and champion programs supporting veterans in trucking, we hope you’ll join us in the conversation by asking the veterans on your own team, “How are you today?” and “How can I help make a meaningful change for veterans in this workplace?” 

Visible and Invisible Challenges

Transitioning from military to civilian life brings about challenges that often remain invisible to those unfamiliar with the journey. In 1980, approximately 18% of U.S. adults were military veterans. As of 2022, that number has fallen to only 6% (Pew Research Center, 2023). In other words, if you are a veteran transitioning from military service to civilian life today, only about 1 in every 17 adults has been through a similar experience. In contrast, that number is much higher in the transportation industry. 1 out of every 10 truckers in the United States is a veteran (United States Census Bureau).

In the military to civilian transition, veterans may be given basic re-entrance resources through programs such as the Transition Assistance Program from the U.S. Government. However, the reacclimation process of adapting to new routines and organization structures, translating military skills into civilian jobs, confronting mental health concerns, and reconstructing personal relationships requires persistent, ongoing effort. 

Sgt. Pike shared a recent interview that he watched that he felt captured the challenges of a military to civilian transition:

It was a Marine veteran [speaking] about the military. You’re just not allowed to show weakness, no matter how painfully you’re struggling inside. I don’t care if your spouse is cheating on you, I don’t care. If you’re going through bankruptcy, I don’t care. If your child is in the hospital, I don’t care. When you show up in uniform, you have to show 100% strength or your troops don’t follow. That’s armor.

Now, when we enter the civilian world, zero help is given to any veteran of how to take that armor off. We’re great leaders, and soldiers will follow because they know that is the order of rank and structure. And secondly, in combat, if they don’t do it, people will die. That is not the structure in civilian life, and that is a huge struggle for so many of our veterans that manifests itself into a lot of mental health struggles.

Employers can help smooth this transition with intentional, sustainable support.

Showing Commitment as a Carrier

Addressing the challenges of transitioning to civilian life requires a concerted effort from both veterans and the organizations that aim to support them. As an employer in trucking, there are large and small ways to increase your support for veterans. Veterans In Trucking suggests starting with high-visibility actions like displaying the American flag online, recognizing service with decals on rigs, or clearly partnering with organizations that honor veterans. In our conversation, Sgt. Pike also shared NFI’s growing initiatives and his hopes to amplify industry-wide conversations to better support veterans who are truck drivers. 

Once service members have joined your team, creating a supportive environment of like-minded individuals is key. NFI does this through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). One of their ERG’s, the Veterans Engagement Team (VET), is specifically designed to connect, serve, and advocate for Veterans within NFI and throughout the communities where they operate. In 2023, NFI surveyed the members of VET about their top concerns and priorities for the coming year. An overwhelming 57% of respondents indicated that they wanted to focus on the transition from military to civilian life as a crucial issue. 

We don’t have enough resources built for our veterans, we don’t have enough of the ability for veterans to transition from military to civilian life. So when we got those results back in [from the VET survey], out of roughly 50 responses, transition to civilian life was 57%. The next closest one was veteran suicide at 46%. I think that we have to be better in tune with what our veterans are asking for, without them actually asking for it.  

– Sgt. David Pike

Pike shared that, as the head of the recruiting team, he is leading efforts to distribute welcome packets with easily accessible resources, create a mentorship program, and actively aligning themselves with and supporting charitable organizations that benefit veterans. This is just one example of how employers can support veterans.

Seek the Cause, not the Symptoms

Speaking with Sgt. Pike highlighted a crucial distinction between symptoms and causes in the context of veteran support. While symptoms, like poor mental health, are undeniably significant, it’s equally vital to address the underlying causes, particularly the lack of robust transition resources for veterans. Poor mental health, including conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression, is a symptom resulting from the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life. However, these challenges are often rooted in systemic issues such as insufficient support networks, inadequate recognition of military-acquired skills, and a general lack of awareness among employers. It’s imperative to go beyond treating the symptoms by focusing on comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes. 

By enhancing transition resources, including targeted programs, education for employers, and initiatives fostering understanding, the trucking industry can proactively address the core issues contributing to poor mental, emotional, or physical health among veterans. 

A Call to Arms

Bridging the gap for veterans transitioning to civilian life is a collective responsibility that requires both individual and organizational commitment. Sgt. David Pike’s dedication to this cause sheds light on the challenges faced by veterans entering the trucking industry and underscores the importance of proactive measures to support their journey. 

As veterans navigate the visible and invisible challenges of the military to civilian transition, it is evident that addressing symptoms alone is insufficient. NFI’s commitment, exemplified through initiatives like the Veterans Engagement Team (VET) and strategic partnerships with charitable organizations, serves as a promising blueprint. By actively engaging in the military-to-civilian transition dialogue and developing tailored support, NFI showcases tangible steps employers can take. However, the true impact lies in recognizing and addressing the systemic issues underpinning the challenges faced by veterans. Employers in the trucking industry must not only address the symptoms but also invest in comprehensive solutions.

A holistic approach must delve into the root causes. It is imperative for employers to go beyond symbolic gestures and that they actively invest in robust transition resources, provide recognition and education for military-acquired skills, and contribute to creating workplaces that honor and support the well-being of those who have served our country.

Hiring Veterans: An Insider Perspective from NFI’s Director of Driver Recruiting

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Truck driving is a career path that demands strength, resilience, and commitment to seeing a job through. A good driver can take pride in the work of a job well done, even during the long, quiet miles of the open road. The same skills are required of the courageous men and women who serve our country. However, for veterans who choose to become drivers, the transition from the armed forces to trucking can be a challenging one, especially when it comes to mental health. We spoke with David Pike, Director of Recruiting for NFI, who shared his story of life as a military veteran and ways he’s found support with the trucking industry. 

A Comrade in Arms 

David Pike’s professional journey began in the Marine Corps, where he worked until 1994. After working in an ammunition and explosives MOS for six years, Sergeant Pike was returning from the Western Pacific deployment when he learned there were opportunities to be assigned to recruiting duty stateside and in the local community. He took the opportunity and quickly fell in love with the rewarding feeling of how recruiting can change someone’s life. 

 

“Initially, in military recruiting, you’re selling the glory, honor, and reputation of the Marine Corps. That changed shortly after a young Marine I had recruited, returned home from boot camp and said, “Thank You”. Not sure at the time why gratitude was extended, “It later hit me that I had changed that Marine’s life and gave him an opportunity and hope for a better future.” Pike said. Later, Pike shared, “Changing someone’s life is powerful and should be taken with the highest level of responsibility in any profession, especially transportation,” and this is why he loves so much of what we do in recruiting. He later noted, “We truly and genuinely affect people’s lives.” 

 

In 1993, upon leaving the Marine Corps after almost 10 years, Sergeant Pike transitioned his recruiting skills into the transportation industry. That transition was not without hurdles, but his story is a testament to resilience and dedication. He stated that in the 30 years since joining the transportation world, he and his team fully embrace the concept of changing lives and not “filling seats.” Pike shared with us a few of his most passionate items relating to his profession; and being a veteran himself, it is obvious that is one area that he is championing within NFI. Veterans all too often need advocacy when coming to a new industry. Veterans speak the same language and understand each other’s stories, challenges, and armored front better than most.  

Supporting Drivers: Unseen Battles 

Stress is a real issue in the transportation industry. Professional drivers may be comfortable dealing with the challenges of the road, but veterans have other battles and challenges they may be dealing with that are unique. “Mental health battles are often left unseen and not addressed,” Pike states. He highlighted the unspoken realities of veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. He pointed out that, 

 

“As veterans, we are expected to blend seamlessly back into civilian life despite having put up a shield for years even while carrying emotional burdens, memories, and experiences that most people will never understand. In the service, especially if you have any position of leadership, you are taught to NEVER show weakness, show confidence to your troops.” 

 

As a veteran, professional drivers may be reluctant to share their experiences from their past, even if it’s negatively affecting their present work. However, as an employer, sometimes simply checking in on the well-being of your drivers, especially at the human level, can make all the difference. Pike shared a powerful story about the significance of prioritizing humanity and respect as a recruiting professional. He recounts an experience with an Iraq War veteran translator and now a professional driver, Mohammed. Mohammed showed classic traits of stress and being visibly strained.  

 

His transportation manager reached out and learned that he was struggling with a tremendous burden and was now financially responsible for his brother, sister, and mother. They relocated to the States after the Iraq War. Due to his new familial responsibilities and schedule, Mohammed’s manager engaged and helped find solutions that would work for both Mohammed and NFI. This provided him a more conducive schedule to allow time to address those burdens and challenges at home and remain with NFI. Pike states, “It is that level of human connectivity that is often forgotten in trucking” and one we agree needs to return. When carriers engage at a human level, everyone wins; carriers earn loyalty from their associates, associates feel appreciated, and all related items tend to fall in place. The human factor is something Pike emphasizes and is something that sets his employer, NFI Industries, apart from so many others in the industry.  

The Power of Understanding 

Truck drivers may not always talk about mental health, but it’s a subject that affects us all. Pike was very open with us about his mental health struggles and ongoing resolution. His journey serves as a reminder that we’re not alone in this. In his role as Director of Recruiting with NFI, Pike knows that veterans often emerge from service with emotional armor, and the industry has a role to play in helping them transition to civilian life successfully. He advocates for support that comes from trucking companies and from fellow drivers, especially those who are brothers in arms. 

 

“We, as an industry, have to recognize that every veteran is coming out with an armored up mentality around one’s own struggles. We have to learn how to help veterans tear that armor down and be more receptive. How do we provide the tools and resources? How do we open doors for those veterans to get the help and get the transitional needs when they’re uncomfortable discussing their challenges? Connecting at a human level is where we have to start.” 

 

As recruiters in the trucking industry, Pike emphasizes the personal and company-wide responsibility to appreciate the value veterans bring to work teams. Their resilience, discipline, and dedication are qualities that can greatly benefit our companies and industry. Furthermore, he argues that employers must create environments that encourage open discussions about mental health and provide support to veterans and anyone else who needs it. 

 

Knowing the value of veterans, NTI is asking companies about how they recruit and retain military veterans in trucking careers. The results of this survey will yield invaluable insights into one of the most important recruiting segments in trucking. Please take a few minutes to tell them about your company’s recruiting and retention practices via this survey (at this link). They want to hear from you! 

 

The trucking industry can be a place of opportunity, support, and growth for veterans, provided employers are willing to open doors and extend a welcome to them. Through education, support, and understanding, employers can create an industry where veterans thrive and their unique skills and experiences are celebrated. 

 

How Truckers Against Trafficking is Making a Difference

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Truckers Against Trafficking

What is Truckers Against Trafficking?

Founded in 2009, Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) has quickly become a powerful force in the fight against human trafficking. Collaborating with trucking industry associations, motor carriers, government transportation agencies, law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, and even truck stops and travel plazas, TAT has trained over 730,351 drivers and personnel to identify and report instances of human trafficking. Their efforts have resulted in over 2,250 calls to the national trafficking hotline by truck drivers alone, leading to the identification of 612 human trafficking cases and the rescue of 1,133 victims.

Truckers Against Trafficking knows that trucking and busing professionals play a critical role in the fight against human trafficking. As the guardians of our nation’s highways, you possess a unique vantage point to root out traffickers who exploit our transportation infrastructure for their own selfish purposes. By partnering with TAT, you become an invaluable asset in the fight against this atrocity.

Truckers Against Trafficking has spread its wings and taught members of state trucking associations to be vigilant in identifying and reporting cases of human trafficking. Today, all 50 state associations have received training—up from just eight a few years ago. This powerful network of truckers, bus lines, and major airlines provides a watchful eye, ensuring that human traffickers have nowhere to hide. In addition, some bus lines and airlines now offer travel vouchers to survivors of human trafficking to ensure their safe return home. This growing network of eyes and ears makes our roads safer for everyone.

Truckers Against Trafficking has formed partnerships with numerous companies in the transportation industry to raise awareness about the signs of human trafficking. Bridgestone, for example, is a proud partner of TAT and has integrated anti-trafficking training into regular driver safety meetings. The salesforce has also been educated on what to look out for when on the road. By working together, these companies and TAT are making a tangible difference in the fight against this heinous crime.

There is a Hotline For Reporting Human Trafficking

Before the establishment of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), truckers only reported sporadic tips about human trafficking. However, with TAT’s efforts, there has been a significant increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888, with the option to also text 233733. In 2017, TAT reported that nearly half of the cases generated by truckers’ calls involved minors. TAT’s collaboration with the trucking industry and law enforcement agencies has made a tangible difference in the fight against human trafficking.

Available Resources for Education/Training about Human Trafficking

Truckers Against Trafficking offers free training materials such as a training DVD, wallet cards, and window decals to educate and train individuals and organizations on how to identify and report human trafficking. Show the training DVD to your staff and provide them with wallet cards to spread awareness. You can also give the wallet cards and training DVD to carriers when they come to your office. Once you have trained your staff, you can register as an officially trained organization/department with Truckers Against Trafficking and become an invaluable asset in the fight against human trafficking. Contact truckers@gmail.com to receive your free training materials today. 

Other Ways to Help

Stay vigilant for any suspicious activity and report any potential instances of trafficking. Keep an eye out for young girls or boys loitering around truck stops or entering and exiting trucks. Be attentive to the conversation on the CB radio, and be on the lookout for code words such as “lot lizard” or “Commercial Company,” or any cryptic descriptions of a child, rates, or sex acts. It’s crucial to report any indicators of trafficking, no matter how seemingly insignificant they may appear, to the tip lines. Educate yourself about the issue by ordering Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children, a gripping account that exposes the dark underworld of the trafficking industry through the stories of those who live there. Available in paperback, e-book, and audio book formats, so you can listen on the road.

Of course, there’s still more work to do. Companies in every industry can join the fight. Police departments don’t have the resources or manpower to end human trafficking on their own. And they shouldn’t have to. We all use our nation’s roadways. Whether we’re individuals, small businesses or large corporations, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves about this national epidemic—and do our part to help end it!

Sources:

“How Truckers Can Stop Human Trafficking”, American Trucker, Nov.1, 2017.

“More States Signing on to Enlist Truckers Against Human Trafficking”, Trucking Truth, June 24, 2019.

Advantages of Truck Driving Jobs for Veterans

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truck driving jobs for veterans

The Benefits of Truck Driving Jobs for Military Veterans

Trucking jobs offer a host of advantages, particularly for military veterans seeking flexibility with their hours. After serving their country, many veteran truck drivers can relish weekends, nights, or days off to spend quality time with their loved ones. What’s more, some drivers can take their family or pets along for the ride, which is especially thrilling for kids.

Apart from spending time with family, trucking jobs for military veterans enable drivers to explore some of the most stunning parts of the country, including snow-capped mountains, major cities, and the iconic Iowa 80 mega truck stop.

CDL jobs are an excellent choice for veterans as they typically offer good salaries, sign-on bonuses, job security, and various other benefits. Moreover, they provide ample opportunities for career advancement. Among the many job options available to veterans after their military service, CDL jobs are one of the best for both them and their families.

In addition to the undeniable benefits of a career in truck driving for veterans, there is another crucial aspect to consider. The transportation of goods across the country is an essential aspect of our economy. Without truck drivers, this would not be possible. Much like our nation depends on the military for security and protection, we also depend on truck drivers to keep our economy thriving. It is gratifying to know that you play a crucial role in the functioning of this entire country.

Why Veterans Should Consider a Truck Driving Career

Military veterans have a natural edge when it comes to truck driving careers. The skills learned in the military, across various branches and roles, can be effortlessly applied to truck driving. With a successful military career, you most likely already have the traits that make for a great commercial truck driver. Don’t be surprised to realize how much potential you have in this line of work.

Work Environment

Truck driving careers offer a unique blend of independence and camaraderie. Drivers enjoy the freedom to choose their own hours and income while also being supported by their carrier and a tight-knit community of fellow drivers. With the potential for high earnings, a career in truck driving is an attractive option for veterans seeking a fulfilling and flexible career path.

Skills and Requirements

Truck driving demands a thorough understanding and adherence to rigid government safety regulations and company policies, which include mandatory rest periods and defensive driving practices. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for truck drivers to enjoy a long, prosperous career. Most veterans already possess the fundamental skills that trucking companies seek during intensive training and field experience, such as situational awareness, dependability, leadership, management, and teamwork. Furthermore, disciplined and committed military veterans won’t have any trouble acquiring specific driving skills through CDL training and driver orientation.

Waive the skills test!

Veterans with significant military driving experience may be eligible for a skills test waiver, and those with a CDL from their time in the military can start their driving career with a higher pay rate.

Job Security

Veterans seeking job security, a steady income, and retirement options should consider a truck driving career. Your talents are in high demand. It’s an excellent career transition option for retired veterans with the added benefit of company benefits.

The trucking industry needs skilled and dedicated drivers. Fortunately, military veterans possess the qualities and capabilities that make them ideal candidates for a successful career in truck driving. With the added benefits and support available to veterans, this path offers a promising and fulfilling option for those seeking a new direction.

ultimate guide to truck driver recruiting

Ultimate Guide to Truck Driver Recruiting

Current ways of recruiting truck drivers just don’t work anymore. That’s because recruiting isn’t a transaction. This ultimate guide helps carriers recruit for retention.

Get the Ebook

5 Advantages of Truck Driving Jobs for Veterans

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truck driving jobs for veterans

Even amid the roller coaster of supply and demand for many trucking companies in 2020, the truck driver shortage remains a constant. The factors underlying the shortage—experienced drivers retiring and insufficient new drivers entering the candidate pool—are unlikely to change in Q4 of 2020 and into the new year. If the driver shortage is affecting your company, continue to reach out to untapped candidate demographics. Supporting efforts to promote truck driving jobs for veterans in your company can introduce a tremendous, underrecruited group of drivers. If veterans seem like an unlikely candidate pool, consider these five advantages of hiring veterans to your fleet. 

1. Hire for Experience

Many military personnel have credentials or experience that are directly applicable to CDL driving. Some servicemen and women drove large trucks as part of their regular duties. These drivers are essentially coming to your fleet with several years of experience already! In addition, military troops are frequently hauling hazardous materials. While these drivers will still need to earn their official HazMat endorsement, they are already familiar with many of the safety and skill requirements. Similarly, all truck driving jobs for veterans still require a CDL license, but for many service members, their experience will make the professional transition easy. 

2. Recognize the Value of Soft Skills

Veterans bring grit, self-discipline, dependability, and leadership to their jobs. Military personnel are specifically trained to be mission-focused and have a high level of situational awareness. As an employer, that means you can count on them to prioritize the success of the job and find a way to accomplish their route and overcome any obstacles. In addition, veterans tend to be highly attuned to their environment. 

Situational awareness can help drivers assess challenging situations quickly and efficiently while under pressure.

Similarly, veterans bring valuable mental stamina to their jobs. They specifically receive training to manage high levels of stress. As a result, many are able to perform well in chaotic or confusing situations that might leave others overwhelmed or indecisive. 

3. Fill Demand with Supply

Despite their wealth of skills, military veterans are not heavily represented in truck driving jobs. A few companies are industry leaders and specifically work to increase their number of available truck driving jobs for veterans. Perhaps more importantly, veterans are a largely unexplored candidate pool. Some veterans may already have their CDL, but others may not realize that they already have the skill set to earn their CDL license. Consider forming partnerships or direct recruitment channels with veterans with trucking experience.  It is a great way to recruit quality drivers who other companies may shortsightedly overlook.

4. Fit your Company

One of the big reasons for driver turnover is a low satisfaction rate with home time. For many drivers, especially those in OTR positions, long nights or weeks away from family may be a deal-breaker. In contrast, most veterans are used to time away from home while on deployments.

That said, it’s not just an easier adjustment for drivers. Families also have experience with limited home time and remote communication. 

The lifestyle fit between the military and trucking goes beyond home time. The structure of military life can lend itself to the hierarchical nature of many trucking positions. Also, just as many veterans got to travel through new parts of our country or other countries, truck drivers are also on the move. For many with a wandering soul, truck driving is a way to keep seeing new places as part of civilian life.

5. Veterans are Trained for Teamwork

Teamwork is essential for military operations. In truck driving, collaboration also plays a central role. Whether it’s communicating with other members of the fleet, management, dispatchers, or external contacts such as shippers or customers, teamwork is necessary for building strong relationships on the job.

PTS Worldwide knows exactly how to highlight that strength when recruiting for truck driving jobs for veterans. In their job descriptions, they specifically look for teamwork.

“Are you a safe and professional driver looking for a company that understands that their success is dependent on your success? PTS Worldwide is a company founded by drivers that know we need your skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to achieve our goals together.”

PTS goes on to specifically highlight collaboration in their call to action by inviting drivers to “partner” with them and “join our team.” This demonstrates a deep understanding of military values as well as a company culture that recognizes the importance of teamwork.

Follow by Example

There are several companies that are already well known in the trucking industry for their strong veteran recruitment programs. In addition to PTS Worldwide, CRST Trucking, Averitt, Schneider National, and JB Hunt are just a few of the companies that are known for their strong veteran recruiting program and culture.

There are a few key ways in which these companies help themselves stand out as military-friendly workplaces. Implementing even one or two of these strategies can make your company more attractive to veterans.

Active Recruiting

Companies who successfully recruit veterans don’t just rely on inbound marketing for hiring. They are proactive in reaching out to potential drivers early and often. For some companies, the recruiting process starts even before personnel have fully completed their duties. 

Align Language 

Language is powerful. In recruiting, it can be the difference between someone seeing themselves in your post and applying verses simply skimming through and ignoring.  Just as PTS Worldwide consciously recruits for teamwork, there are other ways to consciously align your marketing language with military vernacular. Schneider is a great example. When marketing to veterans, they include phrases such as “next mission,” “integrity,” “pride in your work,” and “core values” — all words that directly relate or appeal to people with military experience.

Value Military Experience

As you work to recruit more veterans, spend time creating a company culture and policies that support those future drivers. When applicable, consider counting military service as job experience. If that’s not feasible for your company, show your support through words and actions. Publicly and privately thank veterans for their service. Additionally, support programs for veterans such as Wreaths Across America or the Run for the Fallen. 

Ease the Transition

All new employees will go through a job transition period. For drivers making the transition from active duty to truck driving, there will be added changes. As an employer, consider promoting mental health support services, training your staff on working with veterans, or building a mentorship program to help ease the transition. Some companies, like JB Hunt, also make a Statement of Support to actively showcase their commitment to employing veterans. This is a great way to support truck driving jobs for veterans. 

ultimate guide to truck driver recruiting

Ultimate Guide to Truck Driver Recruiting

Current ways of recruiting truck drivers just don’t work anymore. That’s because recruiting isn’t a transaction. This ultimate guide helps carriers recruit for retention.

Get the Ebook