SelecTrucks announced Monday its Proud to Serve Veterans Discount program has delivered more than $1 million in savings to U.S. military veterans pursuing careers in the trucking industry.
Launched in 2017 to honor the unique skills and dedication veterans bring to the industry and support their transition to civilian careers, the Proud to Serve program provides U.S. and Canadian military veterans with access to exclusive warranties, rebates, and risk-reducing business solutions to help them confidently start or expand their trucking operations.
The program enables veterans to save up to $6,500 with the purchase of each qualifying used semi-truck by choosing up to two options from a down payment match, a warranty upgrade, and new tire purchase assistance. In addition to the discount, SelecTrucks donates $500 for each qualifying truck purchase to a charitable organization supporting veterans. Total donations have reached over $80,000 since 2022, including a $25,000 donation this year.
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“SelecTrucks is honored to empower those who have served our nation by helping turn their dreams of business ownership into reality. By lowering upfront costs, reducing risk, and creating financial flexibility, we’re proud to stand behind veteran entrepreneurs as they build their business,” says Chris Backeberg, President of Daimler Trucks Remarketing (DTR). “Saving these men and women over $1 million is our way of showing appreciation for their service and sacrifice.”
Daimler says among those benefiting from the program are:
- Scott Reese is a Florida-based owner/operator, a veteran and two-time cancer survivor who found unwavering support from his SelecTrucks dealer in Jacksonville. He used his Proud to Serve discount to purchase a factory-backed warranty for his Freightliner Cascadia. This not only provided him with peace of mind but also reinforced the strong loyalty he feels toward the dealership for its "white-glove service," including repairs and personalized attention for Reese as he runs his business.
- Robert Baker is a Charlotte-based owner/operator and a 22-year Navy veteran who served in intelligence roles. He now applies the military principles of discipline, communication, and fairness to running his trucking business. Robert purchased a Freightliner Cascadia using his Proud to Serve discount and strategically reinvested his savings back into his business. He relies on the trust and clear communication built with his dealer in Charlotte over many years.
- Roger Burdette, CEO of Podium Logistics, served four years in the Navy and is a 30-year trucking industry veteran. He attributes the discipline learned in the military to preparing him for entrepreneurship. Roger estimates 70% of his 48-truck fleet consists of SelectTrucks, a reflection of the unique Proud to Serve program and the peace of mind offered by the warranties against potential high repair costs. He uses the savings gained from the program to reinvest in company growth, equipment, and personnel.
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“As a veteran myself, I understand that the risk profile in business-to-business transactions is far different than consumer borrowing, which is why we focus on providing vetted, reputable products and financing through Proud to Serve,” says Todd Gonitzke, sales manager at Premier Truck Group in Kansas City and a former Army Captain. “Our goal is to ensure that every veteran has the resources they need to transition their military experience into a thriving, successful trucking business.”
