Thank you all for your comebacks. Now comes the hard part. Picking out the right truck driving school. I been reading a lot . And doing my research . I called a few truck driving schools . Went to a few truck stops. And I got some good advice . And got some bad advice as well. But as u all know, as well as I do. There r a lot of people out there ,that hate there jobs. I Know in any job u have There r good points and bad points . But as long as u like our job. And u can provide for your family. That's a start. Good luck to everyone on here.
I driving at 57...turned 58 a month later. If you are in good shape, have the wisdom you generally get for that many years, focus on driving and pay attention to what you see other truckers do, you will be a great driver.
Tracy
I started my career 4 months ago, just turned 55 in December, went to a private school and listen to recruiters from several companies and chose what I felt fit my needs, my 1st choice was a Wal-Mart dedicated, but disliked the multiple store stops, switched over to 3M dedicated, and love it, 95% drop and hook , and home weekends if I choose. Most large carriers have many choices, and they will work with you to find the right fit. They need drivers and are opening up many positions that use to be for experienced drivers only.
Drop and hook means the driver will drop one trailer and hook to another one.
In order to speed up the pickup and delivery process a driver may be instructed to drop their empty trailer and hook to one that is already loaded, or drop their loaded trailer and hook to one that is already empty. That way the driver will not have to wait for a trailer to be loaded or unloaded.
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
I trained with a guy that had only just started his truck driving career at 82......can anybody beat that LOL
I'll be 50 on Friday. Because of an unfortunate set of bad knees that I spent most of last year getting repaired, I don't want to go back to what I was doing (bartending/serving). Even before that though I've been considering a career change and now-I'm ready to take the plunge. I need to have a heart to heart with my family this week, but I'll be giving myself the gift of a new career for my 50th and enrolling in a local private school. I'm re-reading everything here to be ready and want to thank everyone who contributes. It's a wonderful resource!
The fella I had for a roommate while in School is 68. And I'll tell ya what. that dude can and did run circles around guys 1/3rd his age!!!
I asked to be roomed with someone my age (48) or older. Why? well if ya have to ask, you wouldn't understand...
You're only as old as you think you are, and apparently these companies know it.
No worries!
55 this year - and I'm just about fed up with the IT industry to take the leap.
In fact - almost called my big client today and gave him notice. PATIENCE - I can't jump until the time is right.
Rick
I jumped in at 53 a little over a year ago. I amazed the doc's because they were not acustomed to people our age not taking any type of meds for something. Age is just a number. It all comes down to your attitude. If you want to think your old, then you will hinder yourself. However Starting the 1st of Sept. I fully intend to exercise my right to use the senior menu at truck stop restrauants. Best wishes to all.
I'm right on with all the other replies, I'll be 61 this year, and just started rookie solo driving couple months ago. I've always done physical work, outdoors alot, except for a little high BP I'm in good shape. Three much younger guys in my class didn't make it through the physical tests due to being so out of shape. Just wish there were an easy way to stop smoking! Been hooked since I was in the Air Force at 17. But if you feel you're up to it, go for it! Good luck,let us know what happens!
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Just turned 45 and began this (my second) career about a year and a half ago. I would just say pick the division that suits you best. Some require a lot of manual labor (flatbed) and some don't (what I do).
I am seeing more younger folks get into this industry which, I believe, is a good thing.
If you want to be a truck driver then go for it and be a truck driver.