ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Trucking Associations and the U.S. Army Reserve have entered into a recruiting partnership that would see professional truck drivers traded between industries.

Under the deal, the two sides will focus efforts on recruiting commercial vehicle drivers into the U.S. Army Reserve, and recruiting members of the U.S. Army Reserve and those transitioning from active duty into careers in the for-hire trucking industry.

“The men and women of the Armed Forces have all the motivation and tools necessary to move successfully from the military into many areas within our industry,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO. “Army Reservists are ideal candidates for America’s professional truck drivers. By the same token, the Army Reserve can offer qualified transportation professionals exciting opportunities to learn new skills, develop management and leadership abilities, excel in a high-stress climate and work in a team environment.”

The alliance with the ATA is the first of its kind in the nation between the Army Reserve and the motor transport industry, which aims to give employers incentives for employing Army Reserve soldiers.

Partners such as the ATA will benefit from the employment of intelligent, trained and responsible men and women with Army values, experience and proven leadership skills, says the association.