The trucking industry needs good, quality workers. Former servicemen and women need a post-military career. It seems like a natural fit.

Both Schneider National and Con-way Freight have implemented programs to attract former military personnel to the trucking business, helping train and prepare members of the Armed Forces for a life behind the wheel.

Schneider National's Veterans Owner-Operator Program will give former military personnel the training, mentoring, financial incentives and purchasing power necessary to become an owner-operator.

Schneider signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs that will subsidize veterans' commercial drivers' license training through their GI Bill benefits.

“Servicemen and women are dedicated team players who get the job done,” said Mark Rourke, president of Schneider National Truckload. “Many share Schneider's core values and have done work that sets them up for success as professional truck drivers and business owners. By becoming an owner-operator with Schneider, veterans are able to work as their own boss with a company that respects and values their past experience and is committed to safety and their ongoing success.”

Schneider says more than 25% of the company's employees have military backgrounds, and the carrier ranks sixth on G.I. Jobs' Top Military-Friendly Employers list.

Con-way Freight is also looking to attract Armed Forces personnel, launching a public-private partnership with the U.S. Army Reserve that will allow both organizations to recruit, train and employ those interested both in serving their country and joining the commercial freight transportation industry.

According to Con-way, the agreement gives Army Reserve soldiers employment opportunities with Con-way Freight after they complete their military occupational training.

“We are proud to have Con-way Freight…as an employer partner,” said Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve, and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Our partnership will provide soldiers with opportunities to apply the unique skills and experience they have gained in the Army Reserve to the civilian workforce.”