Harrison, New Jersey — Ryder System, Inc. has secured a place on the Military Times “Best for Vets: Employers” list for the third year in a row, a distinction that underscores the company’s sustained effort to recruit from the veteran population. The recognition, which marks the 14th iteration of the survey, evaluates how well organizations support military personnel through tailored policies, benefits, and hiring practices. This achievement places Ryder among a select group of trucking companies hiring veterans with a proven track record of integration and retention.
The award is not merely a public relations milestone; it reflects a strategic commitment that began in November 2011 when Ryder joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program. Since that enrollment, the carrier has absorbed more than 14,000 veterans into its workforce. Robert Sanchez, Ryder’s chairman and CEO, emphasized that veterans bring unique leadership qualities and technical skills that align closely with the demands of the trucking industry. He noted that the award is a humbling reminder of the value these employees bring to both Ryder and its customers, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between military discipline and commercial logistics.
A significant portion of this effort is channeled through the Ryder Pathway Home program, which has helped over 350 soldiers transition into civilian careers. This initiative offers a 12-week diesel maintenance technician training course, providing a direct pipeline for service members to become certified technicians. The program addresses a critical gap in the industry by equipping individuals with the specific technical skills required for fleet maintenance, ensuring a smoother transition from active duty to a stable career in the trucking sector.
What This Means for Drivers
For veterans seeking truck driver jobs, Ryder’s dedicated pathways offer a structured alternative to the often chaotic job search that follows discharge. The availability of specialized training programs means that a CDL-A driver or a former soldier with mechanical aptitude can enter the workforce with verified skills rather than just a certificate of service. This approach reduces the onboarding friction for carriers and provides a clear career ladder for new hires. Furthermore, Ryder’s internal Veteran Buddy Program, launched in 2015, pairs new veteran employees with experienced colleagues to navigate the cultural shift from military to corporate life, a support system that is rarely as formalized in other sectors.
Industry Reaction
The broader trucking industry has long struggled with workforce retention, making Ryder’s consistent investment in veteran recruitment a notable counterpoint to the general narrative. While many carriers rely on general job boards, Ryder’s targeted approach, including its partnership with the U.S. Army for the Diesel Technician Career Skills Program, demonstrates a deeper level of institutional commitment. This model suggests that for owner-operator candidates and company drivers alike, the most stable employment opportunities may lie with carriers that view veteran recruitment not as a one-time event but as a continuous operational strategy. The industry is watching to see if other large fleets will adopt similar multi-year training commitments to address the persistent labor shortage.
Key Points
- Ryder System has been named a “Best for Vets” employer by Military Times for the third consecutive year.
- The company has hired over 14,000 veterans since joining the Hiring Our Heroes program in 2011.
- The Ryder Pathway Home program has trained more than 350 soldiers as diesel maintenance technicians.
- Ryder offers a 10% discount on used commercial vehicles to veterans, active military personnel, and reservists.
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