58 To Old?
Topic 30589 | Page 1
You are just a young pup! When I got hired for my first truck driving job at age 53, there was another gentleman there with me at orientation who was 20 years my senior. That's right - he was 73! They hired him gladly. There are so many of us out here who are on their second or third career. Trucking does not discriminate against you for your age. In fact they don't discriminate for anything. If you can do the job and pass the physical, you are good to go!
Just for grins and encouragement, I'll tell you that we had one of our members here who started when he was 75! You may enjoy reading about my friend Eugene here in this conversation I am linking for you. I met him over in Louisiana. He was in trucking For The Long Haul.
David, we are glad to have you here and we will be more than happy to help you with questions you have. Please feel free to take a look at some of these materials in our "starter pack." You will find a lot of helpful information and people here. Check out these links. We call it our starter pack. It's got a lot of great information in it.
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
Feel free to participate in our conversations. Ask as many questions as you like. There are no dumb questions!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Hey David, I am 57 got my CDL-A last year didn’t begin driving at that time? I am preparing to enter the industry within the next month as I am leaving my primary career for a new career in trucking. I’d be interested in what type of driving you are going to get into. Looks like I am going into Tanker/Hazmat right out of the box? I think our age is actually a plus for us because we have a lot of life experiences behind us to draw from (at least that’s what I’ve been told anyways)? Good luck to you and others that are in this same boat as over 55-ers!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
The average age for truckers is 52, so you're the ideal age! I advanced to mid-60s last year, so you're certainly not too old to begin AND THRIVE at this rewarding adventure. I enjoy outlasting many out here. By choice and by planning, my last day off was 88 days ago, and I'm not worn out.
Too old to start? Not at all!
David, I was 52 when I started driving and wish I'd discovered it when i was 22. You'll find trucking to be the absolute least discriminatory industry in the world. Nothing matters but your ability, not age, sex, race, skin color, political preference..nothing. We all started out the exact same, green as hell and usually nervous and unsure of our abilities. In a short time you'll get the hang of it and know if it is for you. You alone will set your pace, income level, competence level, skill set and all while doing something you love. Best of luck to you.
Wow! Starting out at 73... Full of **** and vinegar. That is good to hear. I'm 51, and I've been wondering about that some. I'm glad to have seen this question and answer. Thanks for your always thorough and entertaining answers. v/r Gabe
You are just a young pup! When I got hired for my first truck driving job at age 53, there was another gentleman there with me at orientation who was 20 years my senior. That's right - he was 73! They hired him gladly. There are so many of us out here who are on their second or third career. Trucking does not discriminate against you for your age. In fact they don't discriminate for anything. If you can do the job and pass the physical, you are good to go!
Just for grins and encouragement, I'll tell you that we had one of our members here who started when he was 75! You may enjoy reading about my friend Eugene here in this conversation I am linking for you. I met him over in Louisiana. He was in trucking For The Long Haul.
David, we are glad to have you here and we will be more than happy to help you with questions you have. Please feel free to take a look at some of these materials in our "starter pack." You will find a lot of helpful information and people here. Check out these links. We call it our starter pack. It's got a lot of great information in it.
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
Feel free to participate in our conversations. Ask as many questions as you like. There are no dumb questions!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Yeah, ditto what Old School and the other commenters said. I'm almost 69 and just getting back into the mix. No problems getting offers from several companies. Go for it, the sooner the better!!
Age doesn't really matter in the trucking industry, it is the physical shape that matters. There is some correlation between age and shape, but it is very individual. I am 51, and started driving this year. I would not sign up for a flatbed though, it is a bit too challenging, but that is the only area in trucking which requires some exercising :-) And then of course, there are a lot of flatbedders much older then myself and doing just fine.
I am 63 and starting my second week on the road with my trainer.
Started 2 years ago at 60 lol can't do flatbed with my bad knee which is fine.
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I’m 58 years old. Is that to old to start a career in trucking. I have no health issues and a good driving record.