The Transportation Industry Has Jobs for Military Veterans

By Debbie Gregory.

A career field that military veterans should keep their eyes on is the fast growing transportation industry. According to a recent report done jointly by the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Education, and Labor, there are a multitude of skilled and semi-skilled jobs available in the transportation sector.

Transportation employment includes jobs in industries which transport passengers and cargo via plane, rail, bus, boat, transit system, and other modes of private and public transportation, warehousing and storage for goods, and scenic and sightseeing transportation.

The report ranked the top 10 jobs, based on the projected growth. Coming in at No. 1 is heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. The job requires a commercial driver’s license, and most heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers attend professional truck driving school. The job can require a lot of traveling.

In second place is school bus drivers and special client bus drivers. This job entails transporting students or clients such as the elderly or persons with disabilities.

In the number 3 position are laborers and freight, stock and material movers. These are physically demanding jobs that may require moving materials, feeding materials to machines, cleaning vehicles, etc.

Coming in at number 4 are transit and inner-city bus drivers. These drivers can work regular bus routes, chartered trips or sightseeing tours, and require a commercial driver’s license.

Number 5 are taxi drivers and chauffeurs, although with the advent of driving services such as Uber and Lyft, it is getting harder for taxi drivers to be competitive. Limousines drivers have a slight advantage.

At number 6, highway maintenance workers are responsible for maintaining highways, roads, runways, etc. The job does carry some risk, and the possibility of a lot of night work.

Flight attendants are in the number 7 spot. The upside is the ability to travel. The down side is  the schedule, which could have flight attendants away from home for days at a time.

Construction laborers come in at number 8, and this physically demanding job can also be dangerous, as you work at great heights and in all weather conditions.

Number 9 are bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. These are the people who inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine. Most applicants have completed training programs.

Rounding out the top ten are dispatchers, who may work for the police department, fire department or ambulance company.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.