Older Man Looking For Experience

Hey y'all, new to this, so forgive me if I ramble.

I started a career in trucking - 1990-91. Driving FB for McAlister Trucking out of Wichita Falls Texas. I quit before my career got started because my wife informed me that she was pregnant with our daughter. We (she) decided I should be home to raise the critter, and, so I did.

I ended up founding a very successful pest control business (six trucks/7 employees), which I operated, and finally closed the doors December of last year.

With the advice and counsel of a cousin (44 year trucker), bout two years ago I decided to try returning to trucking. I attended CDL school (Shout out to, "Career Trucking School", Tyler Texas) and obtained the CDL.

Now, I'm having difficulty finding a company that will hire a mature individual (not the 'official' reason) for a new career. Mayhap I waited too long?

Anyway, I want to find a solid, smallish, company that pulls refer (realistically doubt if I could handle FB now), that also runs manual transmissions. I get it, manuals are on the way out, but I can't believe there are no old school companies out there.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

~Lenar Fleming

So what is "older"? I got my CDL at 63 ten years ago. Many of the drivers here got their CDLs in their late 50s to mid 60s and are still driving.

The problem you are experiencing is not your age but the economy which has tanked and companies are cutting back on drivers because there are far too many of them out there. You've been off the road too long and will need to go with any company that can give you a refresher and put you in any truck that's available. There's been over a thousand companies that have closed their doors...both big and small companies. My company was one of those. Delivered a load on May 5th in Minneapolis, drove up to the yard 50 miles away and parked for the night. Thought I would be getting a load the next day when I had to talk with the owner. I was one of 60 drivers that was laid off on May 6th. 3 weeks later the doors were closed and then last month I heard that the owner sold the company.

Use our link and apply everywhere. Then talk with the different companies that respond to the application. You can't afford to be choosy right now.

Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

Good luck.

I'm not picky at all. It's just that the only carriers that seem interested are the "mega carriers," and they seem (as my cousin warned me of) "meat grinders" that recruiters use to shovel as many commissions into their portfolios as they can.

Hell, I'd drive a mule team with a covered load at this point. Thinking may have made a huge, bad, left turn at this point.

I may have to rethink restarting my business.

Congrats on being in your 70's and still trucking! Also, thanks for the (jaded) advice.

Realistically, you are also dealing with a "stale" CDL. It's an insurance game now, compared to when your "friend" got his information.

You are, quite frankly, considered an inexperienced driver for insurance purposes. Literally the only ones that can afford to take the risk profile on, are the "big bad meat grinder" mega carriers.

This is not the same industry it was 30 years ago. It is not the same industry from ten years ago. It doesn't even look the same as five years ago.

Want to make money? You certain aren't making any right now sitting at home, steering your recliner.

Something tells me your "buddy" is also one of the guys you saw at the diner table, flapping his jaws about how good he is, and how much money he is making with so-and-so.....

How old are you? I’m almost 72 and have almost exactly 3 years experience. Forget the smaller companies and try to get started with one of the biggies. Forget the manual transmission thing, very little chance you will get one. Automatics are great. Doing reefer is good, but if all you can get is dry van , go with that and switch to reefer when you get some time in, like 1 year.

Let's set a few things straight.

You can quit that foolish thinking that nobody's hiring you because you're old. That's a crock! I know drivers out here who got hired in their 70's and 80's. So, unless you are nearing the century mark, I think you're all mixed up as to why you can't get hired. Trucking companies actively hire mature individuals because they tend to be more careful and willing to stay out on the road for more productive lengths of time.

Your cousin set you on a rabbit trail with his ridiculous advice. That's what's hindering you. Look at your own statement...

I want to find a solid, smallish, company that pulls refer (realistically doubt if I could handle FB now), that also runs manual transmissions.

You have limited yourself to the companies who most likely can't hire you. The companies you describe are usually limited by their insurance carriers to hire only experienced drivers. Not only that, but the insurance companies want recent experience so they can verify and decide if they're willing to cover you.

I'm working for one of those companies you denigrate while having no experience with them. I have over a million miles with them and earn a six figure income. I'm not a unicorn. There are many others like me. Your cousin spouts the kind of misguided information that inspired the very basis for this whole website.

Do yourself a favor and listen to these podcasts...

Stop The Fear And Doubt

Are Mega Carriers Nothing More Than Meat Grinders?

As was said, age has nothing to do with it. Insurance has much to do with it. Knight offers no contract schooling and refresher courses, the large carriers have abundant resources. You're basically starting over as new in the industry.

If your CDL is valid without the auto restriction and you really want to move to a company that offers manual, why not go with a large carrier to start, get 6 months to a year of current experience and then switch.

Also, FWIW, I made north of 75 to 80k my first year at a mega, developed some lasting relationships and really enjoyed my time there. Some folks decide to stay, some go. Just like your business, you are the one who determines your success.

Congrats on being in your 70's and still trucking! Also, thanks for the (jaded) advice.

Jaded??? Not even. I see you can't take straight talking and you are already thinking you made a wrong move.

Good luck in whatever you do. In this economy you have to take what you can get.

The title of the thread says that you are an older man looking for experience, but your response to those giving you advice on how to get said experience says otherwise. ID Mtn Gal gave some solid advice on what to do. If you are too foolish to listen, well, you aren't really looking for experience then, you are just looking for a nonexistent shortcut.