Washington, D.C. — The 2023 Veteran Ready Summit is confirmed for December 13-16 at the American Trucking Associations headquarters, bringing together six major organizations dedicated to bridging the gap between military service and commercial driving careers. The event serves as a central hub for industry leaders to exchange data and operational tactics for recruiting veterans into the workforce.
This annual gathering addresses a persistent challenge in the sector: the high turnover rate among veteran drivers. While many military personnel possess the discipline and safety awareness required for long-haul routes, carriers often struggle to translate military skills into effective on-road performance. The summit aims to solve this by focusing not just on the initial hire, but on the long-term retention and professional development of these drivers. It is a critical step for fleets looking to build stable teams in a competitive labor market.
The organizing committee includes Tenstreet, Fastport, Hiring Our Heroes, TransForce, Troops into Transportation, and the American Trucking Associations. A highlight of the program features Clint Romesha, a Medal of Honor recipient and Hiring Our Heroes ambassador, who will lead sessions on cultivating workplace cultures that support veteran transitions. Additionally, a select group of thirty attendees will participate in an intensive, hands-on workshop conducted by the PsychArmor Institute. This specialized training covers every phase of veteran employment practices and results in a formal certificate and added professional credentials for the participants.
What This Means for Drivers
For the CDL-A driver or owner-operator seeking a more stable career path, the initiatives discussed at this summit translate into better onboarding processes at major carriers. When trucking companies hiring veterans invest in structured mentorship and psychological support, the overall retention rate for military talent improves significantly. This means less time spent job-hunting and more time building a long-term career with a fleet that understands the unique challenges of transitioning from uniform to uniform. The focus on retention suggests that OTR truck driver positions will increasingly emphasize work-life balance and clear career progression pathways.
Industry Reaction
Daren Wingard, executive director of the North American Transportation Employee Relations Association (NATERA), has voiced strong support for the initiative. He urged NATERA members to attend the event to strengthen the trucking industry's commitment to providing quality career opportunities. Wingard emphasized that learning best practices in military hiring is essential for the sector's future. The broader industry context shows a growing recognition that veteran drivers are a distinct asset class that requires tailored management strategies to maximize their potential and reduce costly turnover.
Key Points
- The summit takes place from December 13-16, 2023, at the ATA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
- Clint Romesha will lead sessions on creating veteran-supportive workplace cultures.
- Thirty attendees will receive specialized certification through a PsychArmor Institute workshop.
- Complementary events include the Transition Trucking Award Ceremony and the Wreaths Across America Gala.
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