U.S. Representative Brian Mast introduced a bill on Thursday to codify the “Freedom Haulers” initiative.
The bill was introduced on Thursday, August 13, just one day after Rep. Mast announced his plans to make the fast track permanent for veterans who wish to enter the trucking industry.
“Veterans have already proven that they have the discipline, training, and determination necessary to perform the most demanding jobs in the world in the most dangerous places on the planet. Hauling America’s goods should be the next step,” said Congressman Brian Mast. “President Trump opened the fast track for veterans to get behind the wheel, and my bill ensures that it stays that way.”
The measure further opens the door for veterans who wish to enter the trucking industry by “allowing veterans with military experience operating heavy vehicles to transfer their skills without having to take redundant practical exams,” doubling the exemption period for military skills from 12 to 24 months after service, and “allowing qualified veterans to skip the commercial driver’s license (CDL) written exams and obtain their licenses more quickly.”
Currently, the “Freedom Haulers” initiative is only a government directive, but the legislation introduced by Mast would make this policy federal law.
