Freedom Haulers Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 13, 2026
Bottom line
The Freedom Haulers Act aims to streamline the process for military veterans to obtain a civilian Commercial Driver's License by extending waiver periods and mandating test exemptions, thereby easing their transition into the commercial trucking workforce.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the "Freedom Haulers Act," directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to extend the commercial driver's license (CDL) skills test waiver for qualified military members from 12 months to 24 months after separation. It also mandates that states establish an "even exchange" program, allowing current and former military commercial motor vehicle operators to waive CDL knowledge and driving tests, and certain endorsements, provided they meet specific criteria regarding their military experience and clean driving record.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill recognizes the extensive training and experience military personnel gain operating heavy vehicles, reducing redundant testing requirements that create unnecessary barriers to civilian employment. They contend it will help address the national shortage of commercial truck drivers by making it easier for skilled veterans to enter the industry, while still maintaining essential safety standards through strict eligibility criteria.
Opponents contend
Opponents, if any, might raise concerns that waiving knowledge and driving tests, even for experienced military operators, could potentially introduce inconsistencies in civilian CDL standards or overlook nuances specific to civilian commercial driving regulations. They might argue that a universal testing standard ensures maximum public safety, regardless of prior experience, and that the administrative burden on states to verify military records could be significant.
The bill is concise and its provisions are clearly laid out, making it accessible for a reader to understand its core changes within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2
Extension of Military Skills Test Waiver Program
This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to issue regulations within 180 days of enactment. These regulations will extend the period during which qualified military personnel can waive the commercial driver's license (CDL) skills test from 12 months to 24 months after separating from military service. This provides a longer window for veterans to transition into civilian commercial driving roles without immediately needing to retake a skills test they may have effectively passed through their military duties.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that extending the waiver period provides greater flexibility for veterans, acknowledging that the transition to civilian life can be complex and immediate employment in trucking may not always be feasible. This extension ensures that their valuable military driving experience remains recognized for a longer duration, facilitating a smoother career path.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against extending the waiver period, as it is seen as a reasonable accommodation for veterans. However, some might generally argue that any extension of waivers, even with prior experience, could theoretically delay a full re-evaluation of skills under civilian standards.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to support veterans' transition into civilian employment with the need to ensure that all commercial drivers eventually meet current civilian skills standards. The extension provides a grace period without permanently waiving the skills test.
Section 3, amending 49 U.S.C. 31305
Mandatory Even Exchange Program for Military CDL Applicants
This section establishes a new mandatory "even exchange" program for military commercial motor vehicle operators. It requires states to waive the knowledge test for a commercial learner's permit or CDL, and the driving test for a CDL, for current or former military members who served in specific driving-related occupational specialties (e.g., Motor Transport Operator, Vehicle Operator) and meet strict conditions. These conditions include having a clean driving record, operating a commercial motor vehicle for at least two years, and not having certain serious traffic violations. The program also allows for waivers of specialized knowledge tests for passenger, tank vehicle, and hazardous materials endorsements, with the caveat that hazardous materials endorsements still require all other federally mandated standards, including background checks.
The bill explicitly lists specific military occupational specialties (MOS), Air Force specialty codes (AFSC), or occupational classifications that qualify a service member as a "covered military operator." These include Army's Motor Transport Operator (88M), PATRIOT Launching Station Operator (14T), Fueler (92F); Air Force's Vehicle Operator (2T1), Fueler (2F0), Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator (3E2); Marine Corps' Motor Vehicle Operator (3531); and Navy's Equipment Operator (E.O.).
Section 3(a), amending 49 U.S.C. 31305(d)(1)(A)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for defining specific eligibility criteria, ensuring precision and avoiding ambiguity in who qualifies for the program.
Case for: Supporters argue that specifying these codes ensures that the waiver program is precisely targeted at military personnel whose primary duties directly involved operating commercial-like motor vehicles, thereby validating their relevant experience.
Case against: Critics might argue that such specific listings could inadvertently exclude other military roles with comparable driving experience, making the program less inclusive than intended or requiring future legislative updates as military classifications evolve.
Estimated impact: This precise definition directly determines the pool of eligible military personnel, potentially impacting thousands of service members annually who transition to civilian life.
The bill includes stringent "clean record" conditions for both the knowledge test waiver and the driving test waiver. Applicants must certify they have not held more than one civilian driver's license, had a license suspended/revoked, been convicted of serious offenses (like DUI or leaving the scene of an accident), or had more than one serious traffic violation or an at-fault crash in the preceding 24-month period.
Section 3(a), amending 49 U.S.C. 31305(d)(2)(B) and (3)(C)
Why it matters:This is a common legislative technique to ensure comprehensive eligibility criteria are met, often placed within the conditions for a benefit or waiver.
Case for: Proponents emphasize that these strict clean record requirements are paramount for public safety, ensuring that only military operators with a demonstrated history of responsible driving are granted waivers, thereby mitigating any potential risks associated with test exemptions.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against clean record requirements, as they are widely accepted as essential for commercial driving safety. Some might argue about the specific look-back period (24 months) but not the principle.
Estimated impact: These conditions significantly narrow the pool of eligible military personnel, ensuring that the program benefits only those with a strong safety record, thereby maintaining or improving overall road safety.
While the bill allows for the waiver of the specialized knowledge test for a hazardous materials endorsement for qualified military operators, it explicitly states that a State "shall continue to apply all other federally required standards for issuance of a hazardous materials endorsement, including any background check required by law."
Section 3(a), amending 49 U.S.C. 31305(d)(4)(C)
Why it matters:This is a necessary clarification to ensure compliance with existing federal security regulations for hazardous materials, which are distinct from driving skill assessments.
Case for: Proponents highlight this as a critical safeguard, demonstrating that the bill prioritizes national security and public safety by ensuring that even with waivers, the rigorous background check requirements for hazardous materials endorsements remain fully intact.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against maintaining background checks for hazardous materials endorsements, as this is a widely accepted security measure.
Estimated impact: Ensures that individuals transporting hazardous materials, regardless of their military background, undergo the same security vetting as all other civilian drivers, preventing potential security risks.
This subsection adds a new requirement for State participation in the Commercial Driver's License Program, stating that "The State shall adopt and carry out an even exchange program for military commercial motor vehicle operators as set forth in section 31305(d) and consistent with the standards prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation."
Section 3(b), amending 49 U.S.C. 31311(a)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for incorporating new requirements into existing federal regulatory frameworks that govern state programs.
Case for: Proponents argue that making the even exchange program mandatory for states ensures uniform implementation nationwide, preventing a patchwork of state-specific rules that could complicate veteran transitions and undermine the program's effectiveness.
Case against: Some states might express concerns about federal mandates imposing additional administrative burdens or costs without corresponding federal funding, potentially infringing on state autonomy in managing their licensing programs.
Estimated impact: This provision ensures that the benefits of the even exchange program are available to qualified military personnel in all states, standardizing the process across the country.