ABF Freight works with Army, Teamsters on job initiative for soldiers
by January 21, 2015 11:58 am 150 views
ABF Freight has partnered with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the U.S. Army on a joint program to help soldiers transition from military service to the civilian world with work as a truck driver.
Known as the Teamsters Military Assistance Program, the initiative was jointly announced at the Pentagon with a proclamation by Tim Thorne, ABF Freight president, James Hoffa, Teamsters general president, and Lt. Gen. James McConville, U.S. Army deputy chief of staff G-1.
“ABF Freight and the Teamsters have worked as partners for over 50 years,” Thorne said in a statement. “As a veteran who understands the needs of transitioning soldiers, I am proud our company can serve as a resource for future veterans to exit with a clear path to a new career.”
Through TMAP, qualifying soldiers will receive training to earn a class A commercial driver’s license and hazardous material certification. Experienced ABF Freight professional drivers will provide a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on driving training during the soldiers’ final weeks of enlistment. Successful completion of the program sets the future veteran on a career path as a professional driver with ABF Freight with excellent pay and benefits.
“During this program, if soldiers provide the will to succeed, then our team will teach them the skill to not only meet but exceed certification requirements,” Thorne said.
ABF Freight is the largest subsidiary of Fort Smith-based ArcBest Corp., a transportation industry holding company.