36 States Join Veteran CDL Fast-Track Program, Cutting Licensing to Weeks

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 11

Nine more states — Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska and Wyoming — joined the Even Exchange program, bringing participation to 36 states for veterans seeking commercial driver's licenses.
The expansion lets discharged servicemembers use military driving experience for up to two years after leaving service, shortening CDL approval from months to a few weeks.
The Transportation Department tied the push to its Freedom Haulers campaign, which also points veterans to GI Bill, SkillBridge and apprenticeship benefits that can cover 100% of training costs.
Duffy said the broader trucking crackdown has shut 8,000 driving schools, put 26,000 drivers out of service and revoked more than 30,000 licenses, while Werner Enterprises pledged to hire 1,400 veterans and spouses.