More Than Just a Job – Our Commitment to Veteran Employment
For military veterans leaving the service for civilian life, the road ahead can feel uncertain. Many fear the challenges of transferring military skills to civilian roles, adjusting to a new workplace culture, and navigating an unfamiliar job search process, while also worrying about underemployment and stereotypes. If you can relate to these concerns, we want you to know about our company’s commitment to hiring veterans.
As a leader in the trucking industry, Chief Carriers recognizes the value and unique skills that military service instills. We’re dedicated to actively recruiting and hiring veterans in our driver fleet and providing opportunities for a lengthy and lucrative career path. We’ll show you why a career in trucking is ideal for former service members and why you should consider veteran trucking jobs with us.
Why Chief Carriers Prioritizes the Value of Military Experience
When we hire veterans at Chief Carriers, we invest in professionals whose past military experiences directly contribute to the future success and overall excellence of our company. Hiring veterans makes good business sense because veterans offer employers specialized skills and values developed through rigorous training and real-world challenges.
Some of these highly transferable qualities include:
- Discipline
- Work ethic
- Leadership capabilities
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Understanding of teamwork
These aren’t just buzzwords; they are the bedrock of successful careers in veteran trucking.
Consider the direct relevance of specific military backgrounds to the demands of the road. Motor Transport Operators (88M), Fuelers (92F), and Equipment Operators (EO) possess an innate understanding of vehicle mechanics, logistics, and operational efficiency. Their experience with diverse vehicles, demanding schedules, and critical missions translates well into the world of truck driving.
A few years ago, we began placing a stronger focus on recruiting and hiring veterans. What really drove that shift was the understanding that veterans are already familiar with the demands of time away from home – a challenge that aligns with the realities of over-the-road driving. We also wanted to help them transition smoothly by leveraging their military experience and documentation, such as the DD214, to support their new career path in trucking.
– Mandee Lade, Chief Carriers Driver Recruiter
A Natural Fit for Trucking
Truck driving aligns seamlessly with military experience, leveraging veterans’ ingrained reliability, precision, and adherence to protocols. The disciplined approach and inherent responsibility of transporting cargo are second nature to those who have served. Their daily exposure to operating complex machinery, navigating diverse environments, and maintaining composure under pressure makes the transition to the open road a natural fit.
Chief Carriers’ Understanding and Appreciation
Chief Carriers recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities that military veterans face during their transition to civilian life. We actively work to bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment by serving as a vital resource for meaningful post-service employment opportunities, particularly for our Nebraska veterans. By actively supporting former members of the armed forces, we not only strengthen our workforce but also contribute to the well-being and successful integration of those who have served our nation.
Driving Your Future: Veteran Jobs and Opportunities at Chief Carriers
As mentioned earlier, underemployment is a concern for some leaving military service. Truck driving jobs for veterans can pay well and provide a steady income, and driving for Chief is no exception. We offer drivers a comprehensive package that supports their professional growth and personal well-being.
Compensation and benefits in a Chief Carriers’ driver package include:
- Competitive Pay: We offer a competitive pay structure, where the top 25% of drivers earn over $92,000 annually. The average OTR driver salary is $80,600, supplemented by practical mileage and guaranteed pay options.
- Health and Wellness: Drivers receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with company-paid life insurance.
- Retirement Planning: A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match (up to 8%) helps our drivers secure their financial future.
- Paid Time Off: Paid vacation (available after 90 days) and 8 paid holidays provide essential time for rest and family.
Top-of-the-Line Equipment and Driver Perks
Chief Carriers prioritizes driver safety and comfort, providing premium, modern, and safe equipment. This includes 13-speed and automatic transmissions, APU units for climate control, inverters for powering personal devices, a convenient driver mobile app, and free XM radio to enhance the over-the-road experience. The company’s commitment to rigorous safety and maintenance programs ensures that drivers operate in the safest possible environment.
Pathways to Truck Ownership: The Leasing Program
For those seeking greater independence and long-term financial growth, Chief Carriers offers an innovative leasing program that enables drivers to work towards owning their own trucks. Our program features:
- Walk-Away Leases: Providing flexibility and reducing financial risk.
- Paid Plates/Permits: Alleviating administrative burdens and costs.
- Low Down Payments: Making ownership more accessible.
- In-House Maintenance: Ensuring reliable and efficient upkeep of leased trucks.
- Fuel Discounts: Maximizing profitability for owner-operators.
Chief’s leasing program provides a clear path to financial independence and entrepreneurial success within the veteran trucking sector.
Supporting Our Own: Chief Carriers’ Commitment to Nebraska Veterans
We’re deeply committed to providing veteran jobs that positively impact our local communities, with a strong focus on supporting Nebraska veterans. By offering stable and rewarding career opportunities, Chief Carriers plays a vital role in the economic well-being of those who have served here. This dedication underscores our profound sense of community responsibility and our desire to give back to those who have given so much.
I’m passionate about supporting veterans because my father and several uncles served in the military. Their service instilled in me a deep respect for the sacrifices veterans make, and I want to do my part to help them succeed after their time in uniform.
– Mandee Lade, Chief Carriers Recruiter
Seamless Transition and Training
Recognizing the unique journey our veterans undertake, Chief Carriers actively assists with the transition from military to civilian life. This includes offering specialized training programs tailored for military veterans entering the trucking industry, helping them adapt their existing skills to the specific demands of commercial driving.
We are certified in the Veterans Apprenticeship Program, an important program allows us to provide structured, supportive career paths for veterans while helping them use their GI Bill benefits as they transition into the trucking industry. We also assist with military skills test waivers for CDL acquisition, streamlining the process and making it easier for veterans we hire to get on the road faster.
RELATED: CDL Requirements to Get Hired: Decoding a Driver’s PSP and MVR Report
A Culture of Respect and Support
At Chief Carriers, drivers are not just employees; they are part of the “Chief Family.” Our company has built a family-oriented environment where veterans feel genuinely valued, understood, and supported. This culture of respect and camaraderie provides veteran trucking professionals with a supportive community where their unique experiences are celebrated, which is crucial for transitioning veterans seeking a sense of belonging and continued purpose.
Why Trucking is an Ideal Career for Military Veterans
For those transitioning from military service, the trucking industry offers a unique blend of familiarity and opportunity, making it an ideal career path. Many aspects of life on the road directly parallel the skills and preferences developed during military training and experience, as highlighted below:
- Structure and Routine: Military veterans often find a comforting familiarity in the structure of truck driving with its defined routes, schedules, and protocols that mirror the discipline and routine instilled by military service.
- Independence and Responsibility: Truck driving offers a unique balance of independence and responsibility, allowing veterans to thrive within a structured framework by managing their rig, cargo, and time on the road.
- Demand and Job Security: The consistently high national demand for skilled truck drivers ensures remarkable job security and long-term career prospects, offering veterans reliable income and a clear professional trajectory.
Tangible Results: The satisfaction of seeing the direct, tangible impact of delivering essential goods directly appeals to many veterans, as trucking allows them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy and everyday functioning.
Chief Carriers – Your Next Veteran Job Awaits
Chief Carriers‘ commitment to hiring veterans is not merely a policy; it’s a core value that reflects our understanding of the immense contributions military veterans bring to the civilian workforce. We recognize that the discipline, leadership, and adaptability honed through military service are precisely the qualities that make for exceptional truck drivers.
For Nebraska veterans and service members nationwide, Chief Carriers offers more than just trucking jobs for veterans; we provide a supportive environment where your skills are valued, your service is honored, and your future is bright.
Ready to put your military skills to work and join a company that truly values your service? Learn more about hiring veterans at Chief Carriers and apply today!
To hear more about opportunities for veteran in trucking, listen to our Driven Too Far podcast episode, “How Trucking Programs Help Veterans Thrive.”
