FASTPORT traveled to The Mountain Post in Fort Carson, CO this week to ease the transition for service men and women as they move from their military career toward their civilian professions. The two-day event featured interactive panel discussions and training sessions that focused on giving military Veterans and spouses an edge when they enter the job market.

As a member of the Veteran Employment Advisory Council, FASTPORT was able to connect with service members first at the networking reception (or “speed mentoring” session) the night before the hiring fair that was open to all job seekers. Here, the FASTPORT team was impressed to see the high number of Soldiers with driving experience and how passionate they were about their military occupation.

Driving experience gives Veterans a leg-up in the trucking industry because they can fill out the Commercial Driver’s License Test Waiver to show that they already have applicable experience in the trucking industry. This waiver not only helps them get a CDL faster, it boosts their starting salary an average of $10,000 per year.

Regardless of MOS, however, Veterans are hard-wired to succeed in trucking. The Trucking Track can help people access CDL schools, employer finishing schools, and other educational opportunities necessary to get started in a trucking career.

“Military experience of all kinds prepares Veterans for success in the trucking industry,” said Bill McLennan, FASTPORT CEO. “They have already been front-line supervisors. They have already worked in team environments and had to make decisive choices in uncertain environments. They already know the value and necessity of training. Those skills are what make the best drivers, and The Trucking Track can help Veterans put those skills to use in a lucrative profession.”