How Old Is Too Old?

I'm thinking about making a life change and getting into trucking. I'm 58 and in good health. What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting started at my age? I don't have a CDL yet.

You should be older than your truck.

Stan, welcome aboard!

You may be surprised at this, but that question has got to be right up there with our most often asked questions in the forum.

You are going to find that there are a lot of people your age who are just now getting started in truck driving. It is the perfect field for starting a second career, and the companies actually prefer drivers who are your age. Your age group has lots of life experiences, you are generally more careful with your driving and you are also usually much more responsible than say a 24 to 26 year old kid.

I started this career at the age of 53 - the week I got hired they also hired a man who was 73! I have since then met some men who were in their eighties and still proving themselves everyday out there on the highways.

Listen if you are just now getting started on all this take some time and read through our Truck Driver's Career Guide, follow the links in there and you will find a vast amount of helpful information on this career. You can also read Brett's Book, it's a free on-line version and it is sure to wet your appetite to get behind the wheel of a Big Rig.

You feel free to jump in here anytime with any questions or concerns. We will try our best to be helpful and informative.

Again, Welcome to Trucking Truth!

58 is around the industry average age. I see no problem entering the industry now - as long as you can pass the physical requirements - you will be fine.

Agree with previous comments; your age is just a number in this industry, but, assuming you pass the physical, ya gotta be able to handle the demands of the job, including long hours (14 hour on-duty time daily; 11 hour driving day; 70 hour work week), time away from family, isolation, weather extremes, mental stress from dealing with a vast array of people and situations at shippers, receivers, truck stops (kinda funny that truck stops are such solemn places, hardly ever see anyone smiling) and other drivers on the road, oh yes, being ok with waiting - at shippers, receivers, fuel islands, dispatches; good luck with finding a parking space at truck stops after 3:00 pm! other than this, it's a terrific way to make a living! lol (there are also lots of positives, but you probably already are aware of those). Come on in; the water is just fine for all ages!