How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Best truck driving companies for veterans at a glance
Melton Truck Lines is the best truck driving company for veterans, with starting pay of $0.60 to $0.64 per mile, an extra 6 cents per mile for military driving experience, and up to $26,000 in extra first year benefits. Schneider is the best large carrier alternative, with team pay up to $0.75 per mile.
Key takeaways
- Melton pays veterans the most directly, with 6 extra cents per mile for military driving experience and up to $26,000 in extra first year benefits.
- Schneider credits military experience and runs a military apprenticeship program, with team pay up to $0.75 per mile.
- J.B. Hunt regional drivers earn $0.70 per mile, with annualised earnings near $91,944 on the regional posting we checked.
- Swift and Werner are the best picks for veterans without a CDL, because both run company sponsored training with pay during training.
- Pay is per mile, per week or per year, so compare the whole package, not just the cents per mile figure.
How we picked
We picked carriers with a named veteran program, a military apprenticeship or a published veteran bonus, and we checked current job postings for pay. Every pay figure below is third-party reported from job postings and carrier listings and was checked 13 Nov 2026. Starting price here means starting pay, not a product price, because these are employers. Pay varies by division, route and experience, so confirm the exact rate for your licence and location before you apply.
Best truck driving companies for veterans compared
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
| Melton Truck Lines | Direct veteran pay and bonuses | $0.60 to $0.64 per mile | Not applicable |
| Schneider | Large carrier with military apprenticeship | Up to $0.75 per mile, team | Not applicable |
| J.B. Hunt | Regional pay per mile | $0.70 per mile, regional | Not applicable |
| May Trucking | Veterans who want no touch freight | $0.45 to $0.60 per mile | Not applicable |
| Ryder | Weekly pay guarantee | $1,330 per week guaranteed | Not applicable |
| Prime Inc. | New CDL graduates | $70,000 to $95,000 per year | Not applicable |
| Swift Transportation | Company sponsored CDL training | $0.40 to $0.58 per mile | Not applicable |
| Werner Enterprises | Apprenticeship and career track | $50,000 to $75,000 first year | Not applicable |
What veteran benefits should a truck driving company offer?
Look for four things: credit for military driving experience, a VA approved apprenticeship, a hiring bonus for veterans, and tuition reimbursement for CDL school. Melton offers all four, with 6 extra cents per mile for military driving experience and up to $26,000 in extra first year benefits. Schneider offers credit for military experience and a military apprenticeship program. Werner runs an industry leading apprenticeship program and a performance based Career Track program. A company that only says it is veteran friendly, without naming a program or a dollar figure, is making a weaker promise.
How much do truck drivers earn per mile in 2026?
Starting pay for a new CDL holder runs about $0.40 to $0.60 per mile, and experienced drivers earn $0.60 to $0.75 per mile or more. Melton starts at $0.60 to $0.64 per mile and rises to $0.74 per mile through mileage milestones. Schneider team runs pay up to $0.75 per mile plus hourly pay while on duty. J.B. Hunt regional work pays $0.70 per mile, with annualised earnings near $91,944. Swift pays $0.40 to $0.58 per mile in third party reviews, while a Swift posting lists trip pay of $0.43 to $0.72 per mile. Weekly pay is often clearer: Schneider team drivers average $1,340 to $1,630 a week, and Ryder guarantees $1,330 a week.
Is flatbed, dry van or tanker better for a veteran driver?
Flatbed pays more per mile but asks more of the driver, with tarping and load securement on every run. Melton is a flatbed carrier, and it pays $100 tarp pay per load on top of mileage pay. Dry van is the easiest entry point, with 100 percent no touch freight at Schneider and May Trucking, and no physical loading. Tanker pays well and runs on a schedule, with Schneider tanker drivers averaging $1,370 to $1,675 a week, but it needs tanker and HazMat endorsements. Pick dry van for the easiest start, flatbed for the highest per mile pay, and tanker once you hold the endorsements.
How does a veteran get a CDL without paying for school?
Use a company sponsored training program or a VA approved apprenticeship. Swift runs a company sponsored CDL program and typically pays trainees about $800 a week. Werner runs paid orientation and over the road training, with $500 to $700 a week during in cab training, and tuition reimbursement while you stay employed. Schneider hires recent graduates into its training fleet and pays $600 to $800 a week during training. Melton and Prime take CDL school graduates and run their own training fleets. Ask whether training is paid, whether you owe the company time after training, and whether the program is VA approved.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Melton Truck Lines | Direct veteran pay and bonuses | $0.60 to $0.64 per mile, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Schneider | Large carrier with military apprenticeship | Up to $0.75 per mile on team runs, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 J.B. Hunt | Regional pay per mile | $0.70 per mile on regional dedicated work, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 May Trucking | Veterans who want no touch freight | $0.45 to $0.60 per mile, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Ryder | Weekly pay guarantee | $1,330 per week guaranteed on the dedicated account, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Prime Inc. | New CDL graduates | $70,000 to $95,000 per year for experienced drivers, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Swift Transportation | Company sponsored CDL training | $0.40 to $0.58 per mile, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Werner Enterprises | Apprenticeship and career track | $50,000 to $75,000 in the first year, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
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The 8 best truck driving companies for veterans compared
Starting price$0.60 to $0.64 per mile, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Melton Truck Lines is the best truck driving company for veterans because it pays veterans more in plain numbers. Starting pay is $0.60 to $0.64 per mile based on experience, and veterans with military driving experience can qualify for an additional 6 cents per mile in starting pay. Qualified veterans can earn up to an extra $26,000 within the first year, and more than 30 percent of its workforce are veterans. Pay rises to $0.74 per mile through mileage milestones, plus $100 tarp pay per load. The company runs a VA apprenticeship program and offers per diem pay for over the road drivers. Pick Melton when you want the clearest veteran pay premium in trucking.
What we like- Extra 6 cents per mile for military driving experience, up to $26,000 in extra first year veteran benefits, more than 30 percent of the workforce are veterans, VA apprenticeship program
Watch out for- Flatbed work means tarping and load securement on every run, and home time is limited on over the road routes
Starting priceUp to $0.75 per mile on team runs, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Schneider is the best large carrier for veterans, with a military apprenticeship program and credit for military experience on its job postings. Team van truckload drivers average $1,340 to $1,630 a week, with mileage pay up to $0.75 per mile plus hourly pay while on duty and not driving, and a $10,000 sign on bonus paid over 12 months for experienced drivers. Tanker drivers average $1,370 to $1,675 a week, with a $5,000 to $12,000 sign on bonus. Schneider hires recent CDL graduates into its training fleet and pays $600 to $800 a week during training. Pick Schneider when you want a big carrier with many divisions and a real apprenticeship path.
What we like- Credit for military experience and military apprenticeship programs, team pay up to $0.75 per mile plus hourly pay while on duty, $10,000 sign on bonus for experienced team drivers
Watch out for- Solo starting pay is lower than team pay, and the best rates sit on team and tanker divisions rather than solo dry van
Starting price$0.70 per mile on regional dedicated work, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
J.B. Hunt pays the most per mile for regional work on this list. A regional dedicated posting lists $0.70 per mile, with drivers in the position achieving annualised earnings of $91,944 over the last six to twelve months. Team drivers average $120,275 a year per driver at $0.37 per mile per driver, with detention pay of $7.25 an hour. The pay plan is activity based, which rewards safety, efficiency and a strong work ethic, but it means earnings depend on the activities performed. J.B. Hunt is an equal opportunity employer including disability and veteran status. Pick J.B. Hunt when you want the highest per mile rate on a regional route with regular home time.
What we like- Highest regional per mile rate on this list, annualised earnings near $91,944 on the regional posting, team drivers average $120,275 a year
Watch out for- Pay is activity based, so earnings depend on the activities performed, and the best rates sit on dedicated accounts rather than over the road
Starting price$0.45 to $0.60 per mile, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
May Trucking Company is a good pick for a veteran who wants steady regional work without touching freight. Pay starts at $0.45 to $0.60 per mile depending on verifiable experience, with a monthly safety bonus, a guaranteed daily pay option and scheduled per mile increases. The company offers a hiring bonus for veterans, paid orientation, truck school tuition reimbursement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401k with company match, and paid time off. Equipment is 2024 or newer Freightliner tractors, and pets and passengers are welcome. Pick May Trucking when you want no touch freight, a veteran hiring bonus and a regional route.
What we like- Hiring bonus for veterans, 99 percent no touch freight, guaranteed daily pay option, monthly safety bonus, pets welcome
Watch out for- Starting pay at the low end is below Melton and Schneider, and routes are regional rather than nationwide over the road
Starting price$1,330 per week guaranteed on the dedicated account, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Ryder is the best pick for a veteran who wants a guaranteed weekly number instead of a per mile gamble. On its dedicated Columbus account, drivers earn $1,330 or more a week, with solo miles pay of $0.48 per mile at 2,500 miles a week and $12 per stop for 5 to 15 stops a week. Freight is no touch auto parts, trucks are 36 months or newer, and the company maintains more than 800 maintenance facilities nationwide. Ryder hires military reserve members and veterans every day, and it will buy your truck if you move from owner operator to company employee. Pick Ryder when a guaranteed weekly pay cheque matters more than the highest per mile rate.
What we like- Weekly pay guarantee of $1,330 or more, solo miles pay $0.48 per mile with 2,500 miles a week, no touch auto parts freight, trucks 36 months or newer
Watch out for- Pay is tied to one dedicated account, so the rate depends on the account you are assigned to, and the guarantee is weekly rather than per mile
Starting price$70,000 to $95,000 per year for experienced drivers, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Prime Inc. is a strong pick for a veteran who is leaving service without a CDL and needs training pay while learning. The company takes CDL school graduates, pays during its apprenticeship, and reports $70,000 to $95,000 a year for experienced drivers. That annual range is harder to compare with per mile carriers, so ask for the per mile rate on the division you would drive before you sign. Prime runs refrigerated, flatbed and tanker divisions, which gives a new driver room to move once the first year is done. Pick Prime when you need a training path that pays while you learn and a clear route to $70,000 plus.
What we like- Takes CDL school graduates, training pay during apprenticeship, experienced drivers earn $70,000 to $95,000 a year
Watch out for- Pay is quoted as an annual range rather than a per mile rate, so it is harder to compare with per mile carriers, and home time runs every 3 to 4 weeks
Starting price$0.40 to $0.58 per mile, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Swift Transportation is the biggest training door in trucking for a veteran without a CDL. The company runs a company sponsored CDL program and typically pays trainees about $800 a week, and its mentor program pays up to $600 per student trained plus up to $200 a week. Third party reviews put pay at $0.40 to $0.58 per mile, while a November 2026 Swift posting lists trip pay of $0.43 to $0.72 per mile depending on route and experience. A dedicated team posting out of Oklahoma City averages $1,600 a week per driver at $0.80 per mile split per driver. Pick Swift when you need a CDL and a first job from the same company.
What we like- Company sponsored CDL program with about $800 a week during training, mentor program with bonuses, dedicated team jobs at $1,600 a week per driver
Watch out for- Entry level pay sits at the low end of this list, and third party reviews report $0.40 to $0.58 per mile while a Swift posting lists trip pay of $0.43 to $0.72 per mile, so the rate depends on route and experience
Starting price$50,000 to $75,000 in the first year, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Werner Enterprises suits a veteran who wants a structured path from trainee to high earner. A first year Class A driver generally earns $50,000 to $75,000 depending on role and miles, and Werner reports a fleet wide driver average of $75,000 or more. The company runs an industry leading apprenticeship program and a performance based Career Track program, with mentor and Road Team Captain roles for experienced drivers. Elite team drivers with at least nine months of teaming experience earn $77,000 to $130,000 per driver at up to $0.92 per mile. Training pays $500 to $700 a week during in cab training, with tuition reimbursement while you stay employed. Pick Werner when you want an apprenticeship and a career track rather than just a first job.
What we like- Industry leading apprenticeship program, performance based Career Track program, elite team drivers earn $77,000 to $130,000 per driver at up to $0.92 per mile
Watch out for- Training runs through Roadmaster Drivers School with financing and tuition reimbursement rather than a free school, and first year pay is below the top per mile carriers
Frequently asked questions
What is the best truck driving company for veterans?
Melton Truck Lines is the best pick, because it pays veterans more in plain numbers: 6 extra cents per mile for military driving experience and up to $26,000 in extra first year benefits, with more than 30 percent of its workforce made up of veterans. Schneider is the best large carrier alternative, with a military apprenticeship and team pay up to $0.75 per mile. J.B. Hunt pays the most per mile for regional work.
Do trucking companies pay veterans more?
Some do, and Melton is the clearest example, with 6 extra cents per mile for military driving experience and up to $26,000 in extra first year veteran benefits. Schneider credits military experience and runs a military apprenticeship program. May Trucking offers a hiring bonus for veterans. Most other carriers offer veteran friendly hiring without a named dollar figure, so ask for the exact bonus and the exact per mile credit before you apply.
Can a veteran get a CDL for free?
A veteran can get a CDL through a company sponsored training program or a VA approved apprenticeship without paying tuition up front. Swift runs a company sponsored CDL program and pays about $800 a week during training. Werner runs paid orientation and in cab training at $500 to $700 a week, with tuition reimbursement. Schneider hires graduates into its training fleet and pays $600 to $800 a week during training. Ask whether you owe the company time after training.
How much do truck drivers make per mile in 2026?
Starting pay for a new CDL holder runs about $0.40 to $0.60 per mile, and experienced drivers earn $0.60 to $0.75 per mile or more. Melton starts at $0.60 to $0.64 per mile, J.B. Hunt regional work pays $0.70 per mile, and Schneider team runs pay up to $0.75 per mile. Weekly pay is often clearer: Schneider team drivers average $1,340 to $1,630 a week, and Ryder guarantees $1,330 a week on its dedicated account.
Which trucking company is best for a veteran without a CDL?
Swift Transportation is the best pick for a veteran without a CDL, because its company sponsored program trains and licenses new drivers and pays about $800 a week during training. Werner is the best alternative, with paid orientation, in cab training at $500 to $700 a week and tuition reimbursement. Schneider hires recent graduates into its training fleet. All three let a veteran start without paying for school up front.
Sources we checked (19)
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- https://talents.vaia.com/companies/melton-truck-lines/nashville/entry-level-cdl-a-truck-drivers-excellent-pay-and-home-time-84337784/
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- https://www.oculusreviews.com/blog/swift-transportation-driver-reviews-2026
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- https://meltontruck.com
- https://www.schneider.com
- https://www.jbhunt.com
- https://www.maytrucking.com
- https://www.ryder.com
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- https://www.swifttrans.com
- https://www.werner.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.