When Are You Too Old To Begin As Cdl A Truck Driver?
Topic 34308 | Page 1
Why are you feeling that you are beating your head against the wall? What have you done to start getting your CDL?
Can't give encouragement when we don't know what you've done so far, what you've come up against and what your plans are. Your age isn't against you at all. What is against you is the economy that has tanked, too many drivers and not enough freight to go around.
When my company closed their doors in May....like over 1000+ other companies, I decided to look for local work rather than go back out over the road. I am 73 and I have talked to several companies, but they have had to let guys go. So, I can hold off until after election and then see what is happening before making a decision to go back over the road or get a job at a local grocery store or something. I'm not a workaholic, but do have to work to support my house payment.
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.
Over The Road:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Mark, like Laura easysaid in the previous comment, you need to be more specific and detailed about what difficulties you are encountering. How is your driving record? Any citations? Right now, that is a big factor. If you have a really clean record you have a good chance to become a driver. If not, it will be an uphill battle.
I was 68 when I got my CDL-A and started driving. That was before the freight recession and it was easy to get a job. Things are different now and harder to get a job, but still acheiveable. Where you live can be a factor, so let us know that also.
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.
Hello Mark!
Your age is not hindering you. If you can pass a D.O.T. physical, you can start a trucking career. Trucking is famously known for being non biased when it comes to discrimination. Age discrimination is unheard of, unless you are just too young.
The day I got hired for my first trucking job, I was 53. In my orientation class was a man who was 72! Since then I've met several drivers in their 80's!
Check out this conversation from a couple years ago...
I'm hoping you find some encouragement there. Tell us what's going on. We can give you some guidance.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I am 69 and have always been a workaholic, want to start driving but feel like I am beating my hard head against a stone/brick wall.Any suggestions or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.