We use cookies on our website.
Some of them are necessary for the functioning of the site, but you can decide about others.
Trucking Leaders Share Best Practices for Hiring Veterans
Many trucking firms are keen to recruit military veterans transitioning into civilian life, yet attracting and retaining them requires significant effort. David Pike, director of recruiting at NFI, emphasizes that while companies express interest in hiring veterans, the process demands resources and time. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is addressing this need by launching a program that equips trucking companies with tools and resources to better support veteran hires. This initiative encourages carriers, particularly those experienced in veteran recruitment, to share successful strategies and collaborate on best practices.
Tracy Rushing, a key figure in the TCA, notes that being adequately prepared to support veterans involves understanding their unique needs, which may differ significantly from those of other employees. Veterans often require additional assistance during their transition to civilian life, which can include navigating trauma. Simple supportive actions from employers can make a substantial difference.
As part of their efforts, TCA is developing a checklist and a website to guide carriers in assessing their readiness to hire veterans and connect them with available resources. Furthermore, sharing knowledge among companies is seen as vital, especially as many smaller carriers may lack the necessary resources for comprehensive veteran support.
The article also highlights the importance of employee resource groups and free veteran services that can help veterans understand and access available benefits. Unique initiatives, such as creating QR codes for easier access to resources, illustrate innovative approaches companies are taking to support their veteran employees.
In expert opinion, focusing on the successful transition of veterans into the trucking industry presents an opportunity for both the sector and the individuals involved. The industry must prioritize training, awareness, and resources tailored specifically for veterans, not only to honor their service but to leverage the valuable skills they bring to the workforce. As this initiative develops, it is essential that companies maintain consistent engagement and adapt their practices to ensure veterans view the industry not just as a job but as a viable long-term career path.
NFI, a major trucking company based in Camden, New Jersey, has made significant progress in enhancing access to military health insurance benefits for its veteran drivers. By revamping their resources, creating a dedicated website, and introducing easy-to-use tools like QR codes, NFI aims to help veterans better navigate their benefits, particularly those available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and various trucking companies to create an industry-standard approach for attracting and supporting veterans in the workforce.
Leaders like Tracy Rushing of R.E. Garrison Trucking emphasize the importance of being "vet-ready" as opposed to just "vet-friendly," highlighting the need for deeper understanding and specific support structures tailored to veterans' unique needs. They point out that veterans often require specialized assistance as they transition to civilian life and back to work, acknowledging the challenges that may arise from their military experiences.
Small carriers like Pioneer Production Transport face limitations in the resources they can offer to veteran employees, underscoring a need for greater industry knowledge-sharing and collaboration to create a robust support system. Accessible resources, including local veterans service organizations and partnerships, provide vital assistance in guiding veterans through their benefits.
An expert perspective in transportation underscores the importance of not just hiring veterans but genuinely fostering an environment that supports their integration and success. Initiatives like employee resource groups and training for management can significantly enhance the workplace experience for veterans, ensuring their unique experiences and challenges are acknowledged and addressed. Building a strong framework that includes these elements can ultimately lead to a more engaged and productive workforce, positively impacting retention and overall company performance.
NFI, a trucking and logistics provider, is enhancing support for veterans through its Employee Resource Group (ERG), which holds monthly meetings. This initiative has led to projects such as supporting Wreaths Across America, demonstrating the company’s commitment to veteran engagement. Veterans often lack awareness of the benefits available to them, as reflected in Pike's experience discovering unutilized health insurance options during a medical appointment. NFI has consolidated resources for employees to improve accessibility, particularly through a QR code directing them to necessary information. While NFI has the capacity to dedicate staff to this cause, Pike emphasizes the importance of sharing resources across the industry, recognizing that not all carriers can afford similar support. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) plans to further assist the industry by launching educational materials aimed at attracting and retaining veterans, articulating that trucking should be viewed as a viable career path rather than a fallback option.
Expert opinion in transportation underscores the critical role of fostering a supportive environment for veterans within the workforce. By facilitating easier access to resources and benefits, organizations can significantly improve employee satisfaction and retention. Moreover, establishing mentorship programs and professional development opportunities tailored for veterans can enhance career progression within the transportation sector, helping to bridge any existing gaps in awareness and utilization of available benefits.
Tracy Rushing, a key figure in the TCA, notes that being adequately prepared to support veterans involves understanding their unique needs, which may differ significantly from those of other employees. Veterans often require additional assistance during their transition to civilian life, which can include navigating trauma. Simple supportive actions from employers can make a substantial difference.
As part of their efforts, TCA is developing a checklist and a website to guide carriers in assessing their readiness to hire veterans and connect them with available resources. Furthermore, sharing knowledge among companies is seen as vital, especially as many smaller carriers may lack the necessary resources for comprehensive veteran support.
The article also highlights the importance of employee resource groups and free veteran services that can help veterans understand and access available benefits. Unique initiatives, such as creating QR codes for easier access to resources, illustrate innovative approaches companies are taking to support their veteran employees.
In expert opinion, focusing on the successful transition of veterans into the trucking industry presents an opportunity for both the sector and the individuals involved. The industry must prioritize training, awareness, and resources tailored specifically for veterans, not only to honor their service but to leverage the valuable skills they bring to the workforce. As this initiative develops, it is essential that companies maintain consistent engagement and adapt their practices to ensure veterans view the industry not just as a job but as a viable long-term career path.
NFI, a major trucking company based in Camden, New Jersey, has made significant progress in enhancing access to military health insurance benefits for its veteran drivers. By revamping their resources, creating a dedicated website, and introducing easy-to-use tools like QR codes, NFI aims to help veterans better navigate their benefits, particularly those available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and various trucking companies to create an industry-standard approach for attracting and supporting veterans in the workforce.
Leaders like Tracy Rushing of R.E. Garrison Trucking emphasize the importance of being "vet-ready" as opposed to just "vet-friendly," highlighting the need for deeper understanding and specific support structures tailored to veterans' unique needs. They point out that veterans often require specialized assistance as they transition to civilian life and back to work, acknowledging the challenges that may arise from their military experiences.
Small carriers like Pioneer Production Transport face limitations in the resources they can offer to veteran employees, underscoring a need for greater industry knowledge-sharing and collaboration to create a robust support system. Accessible resources, including local veterans service organizations and partnerships, provide vital assistance in guiding veterans through their benefits.
An expert perspective in transportation underscores the importance of not just hiring veterans but genuinely fostering an environment that supports their integration and success. Initiatives like employee resource groups and training for management can significantly enhance the workplace experience for veterans, ensuring their unique experiences and challenges are acknowledged and addressed. Building a strong framework that includes these elements can ultimately lead to a more engaged and productive workforce, positively impacting retention and overall company performance.
NFI, a trucking and logistics provider, is enhancing support for veterans through its Employee Resource Group (ERG), which holds monthly meetings. This initiative has led to projects such as supporting Wreaths Across America, demonstrating the company’s commitment to veteran engagement. Veterans often lack awareness of the benefits available to them, as reflected in Pike's experience discovering unutilized health insurance options during a medical appointment. NFI has consolidated resources for employees to improve accessibility, particularly through a QR code directing them to necessary information. While NFI has the capacity to dedicate staff to this cause, Pike emphasizes the importance of sharing resources across the industry, recognizing that not all carriers can afford similar support. The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) plans to further assist the industry by launching educational materials aimed at attracting and retaining veterans, articulating that trucking should be viewed as a viable career path rather than a fallback option.
Expert opinion in transportation underscores the critical role of fostering a supportive environment for veterans within the workforce. By facilitating easier access to resources and benefits, organizations can significantly improve employee satisfaction and retention. Moreover, establishing mentorship programs and professional development opportunities tailored for veterans can enhance career progression within the transportation sector, helping to bridge any existing gaps in awareness and utilization of available benefits.
Vehicle Guru