This article is based on the panel at RelayCon 2025.
The American Trucking Association expects the truck driver shortage to reach 115,000 by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, about 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year, 11.5% with direct experience in logistics, transportation, or material-handling.
Amazon Relay talked to two former veterans about how carriers can strengthen their businesses by connecting with veterans who bring valuable skills to the transportation industry.
Meet our expert panel
- Chuck Hodges: VP of Veteran Events with Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), bringing over 30 years of experience in military command, higher education, and nonprofit leadership.
- Sami Hameed: 6-year U.S. Army veteran and founder of Zelo Express, a trucking company dedicated to creating opportunities for veterans in transportation.
The veteran advantage
“Veterans don’t just fit the job, they elevate performance and safety,” notes Hodges. Their military experience develops essential capabilities for transportation roles, including:
- Mission-driven focus and accountability
- Experience with logistics and heavy vehicles
- Strong safety orientation and situational awareness
- Decision-making skills in dynamic environments
- Cross-cultural communication abilities
- Leadership under pressure
“Veterans own responsibility, reduce turnover, and increase reliability.”
Success story: Zelo Express
One veteran-led company, Zelo Express, demonstrates putting these skills into action. “I’d been with the same group of guys since basic training,” shares Hameed, the founder. “During our last deployment, we made a promise. If we returned home safely, we’d build something meaningful together—a trucking company. What started as a dream in a combat zone became a reality built on discipline and dedication.”
Today, 75-80% of Zelo Express drivers are veterans. “In the military, you have structure and purpose. When veterans join our team, they regain that sense of mission while creating a stable civilian life.”
“Responsibility equals ownership. Veterans thrive when trusted with clear missions.”
Breaking down barriers to connect with veterans
“Two main challenges face veterans entering trucking,” says Hodges.
- Skill translation: Military experience doesn’t always clearly align with civilian job postings, which can lead to veterans being undervalued.
- Credentialing: Despite driving heavy vehicles in service, veterans till need to complete civilian CDL requirements.
Solutions exist to help veterans transition more easily, and carriers can benefit by aligning with these support pipelines:
- GI Bill funding for CDL training
- Industry waiver programs
- Hiring Our Heroes partnership opportunities
- Veteran-to-veteran mentoring networks
“There’s also an awareness gap. Many veterans don’t realize that trucking offers a respected, long-term career path rather than just ‘a driving job’. Educating veterans about these opportunities can help attract this valuable talent pool.”
Supporting veteran transition to trucking
Zelo Express demonstrates how companies can support veteran transitions. “Something about veterans is that we’re connectors and helpers,” explains Hameed. “It’s not just about me and my company, it’s about us. I have a network of veterans who own companies in trucking - some are CDL schools, and some are carriers. If we hear someone needs help, we offer it.”
Zelo Express “provides 1½ weeks of paid training and one-on-one mentoring. For those new to trucking, we help with CDL school costs. Whether they stay with us or move to another company, we’re committed to their success.”
Sign up with Relay
Carriers can connect with veterans through TAP programs, Hire Our Heroes, and state veteran organizations.
Amazon Relay is looking for carriers with qualified drivers. If you have exceptionally high expectations for your teams, start your Relay sign-up on desktop. You can also download the Relay app on iOS or Android to track your application on the go.
Disclaimer: Amazon does not tender loads through any third-party load boards. Any Amazon loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for Amazon, sign up and book directly on relay.amazon.com. For more about our efforts against fraud and cargo theft, see our trusthworthy transportation page.
