Freightliner and 50K donation awarded to U.S. vet

Creating a place for veterans after they’ve finished their military service is something the people in the trucking industry have dedicated themselves to. The trucking industry is a welcoming and supportive work environment for veterans to find success, happiness, and community as they transition back into civilian life.

One in 10 military veterans have adopted truck driving careers after their service, according to the United States Census Bureau. The industry has been involved in several programs and events to honor and support veterans. Just recently, in recognition of Veterans Day, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) led Truckers for Troops and TravelCenters of America ran donations to veteran programs.

So, it’s no surprise that the industry has awarded a military veteran, now a truck driver, with a Freightliner and $50,000 to start his owner-operator business. Lt. Colonel James C. Rose served for 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. The truck and the donation were awarded through Progressive’s annual Key to Progress program.

“I knew that logistics was going to be a part of my career after retirement,” Rose said. I thought what better way of doing that than boots on the ground in a truck. I have several family members who are in the trucking industry. I have an uncle who drove for over 40 years, cousins, brothers, all the way down to myself who is now two years into the industry.”

To tie together his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and his generations-long investment in the trucking industry he had the outside of the truck customized. Across the hood of the rig is the slogan, “In the Air, on Land, and Sea,” the U.S. Marine Corps motto. And for that $50,000 to start his own trucking company? He plans to focus on hiring and supporting veterans.

“So, this blessing will not only just bless me, but it’s going to bless so, so many other people. It’s going to expedite and propel me forward building my fleet which is going to run under the company name of Pressing Forward Express LLC,” Rose said. “My plan is to hire veterans or veteran dependents to get them into the trucking industry as well as to continue to provide an essential service to our country, to our communities. I am just so thankful to be a part of that.”