New Drivers 'Of A Certain Age'?

I just retired early from a 20 yr career with the Feds and am considering returning to the trucking world. When I drove in my 20's I had no trouble tying down flatbed loads and such but now it might be different as I'm 56 not 22! Do these new company sponsored trucking schools consider brawn a factor or is there enough work going on that a female like me can find alternative freight to hook up to? Back in my day there were no company sponsored schools! I had to join the Army to get my flatbed time in! ;D

Well Debby, I'm very surprised that some of our lady drivers haven't already jumped in here, but let me be the first to say, Welcome to TT..You are going to find a wealth of knowledge in here..so let's just jump right in, shall we? We have ladies in here who are flatbedders as well as a lot of men, so I don't think there is going to be any lack of work available, and from judging by what they say, brains are just as much,if not MORE valuable than brawn in this business..but even if you decide to go the refer, dry van or tanker route, there seems to be more than enough no touch freight out there to keep you turning and not breaking your back. Just about the only rule we have in here in TT is this...you are NEVER...EVER....EVER...allowed to say..."back in MY day..."

Welcome aboard!

Do these new company sponsored trucking schools consider brawn a factor or is there enough work going on that a female like me can find alternative freight to hook up to?

I'm not sure what you mean by "finding alternative freight".

As long as you show you have the physical strength and movement to be able to tarp & strap loads and climb around on top of them, you'll be fine. Any flatbed company will have their own physical exams you have to pass so they know you're fit enough to handle it.

It's impossible to say if you should consider going back to flatbed based upon your age because at 56 your physicals skills may have deteriorated too much or you may be rock climbing and running marathons. It all depends on how fit you've kept over the years.

But there are a ton of options for Company-Sponsored Training so have a look around and see what appeals to ya.

OK LOL! Thanks Brett and Roadkill. Yeah I did hear a lot of crickets after I posted this. I swear I won't say "back in the day" ever again. Won't mention The Gipper or the other R word ever. LOL. Well Roadkill nailed it. 'No Touch Freight' was the verbage I was searching for. I think that would be my preference at this point in life.I'm really ready to explore this more. There is a school in Longview WA I'm going to have a chat with; only an hour from my home area. Thanks so much guys for keepin' it real. That is a precious commodity these days. Cheers!

Hey, that's why we're here...to keep it real..don't let the fact that not a lot of our other members have jumped in yet get you down..I can guarantee you it's only because they are busy driving...matter of fact, Old School, who is one of our moderators AND a skateboard puller just dropped me line to tell me how busy he's been running all over the U S of A. If you look at the reviews of the companies, here Trucking Companies you should find good reviews about what kind of job you may be interested in..but bear in mind that just because a company says, "90% no touch freight" doesn't mean you will only ever have to do it twice every 100 loads...but even if you do, there are other ways to deal with it..they're called "Lumpers" and they hang around loading docks and you pay them a small fee and they will load/unload your freight for you..you just watch them to make sure they don't damage or "procure" any of your product, but all in all they're pretty honest and safe, because if they weren't then they wouldn't be allowed to hang around..so, don't let that fear of having to handle freight put you off..investigate that school close to you, but keep in mind what Brett said about company sponsored training..lots of our members have gone or are going that route, including me, due to money being tight..

All good information and thank you Roadkill. Yes I recall lumpers from my Market Transport runs to pick up bananas at the LA docks. I'm in great physical shape; still 135 lbs so I should be fine. Just don't want to make any foolish decisions out there, because like you say the schools are a bit spendy. (And banana boxes are 40 lbs ea. I think)lol! Thank you again, and I will check out the Co. sponsored as well...

Debby, I went to a private school, but didn't even understand about the company sponsored training then. Now I encourage people all the time to go that route. It is a lot cheaper, and they will pay for your bus ticket to get there, then they'll put you up with sleeping accommodations, and even feed you some of the meals. Then they guarantee you a job upon successful completion of their training. It is definitely one of those things people call a "win win" situation.

Sometimes it's a little tough to endure the fast paced nature of it, but I've got a feeling that you might just be one tough little 135 lb. lady. Good luck with breaking back into the industry, I don't think you'll have any trouble at all.

Good Grief !!! can't a girl go fishing without "someone" (Roadkill, your in my sights) say I'm ignoring my duties ?? And....BACK IN THE DAY....ahhh that felt good...Lady skateboard jockies were unheard of. But now, with corporate knuckles finally coming up off the ground, there are lots of ladies in the skateboard field. Tarps have gotten alot lighter, and us ladies have figured out how to get past the upper body strength thing. Anf Debby, your right here in my state !!! I to did the government worker thing, and then went into trucking as O/O. So I know you will really enjoy it. Washington has lots of flatbed trucking companies, so you can pick from them, or any other oompany. And...if you haven't heard... the VA has a special program for vets that want to go to school for trucking. And theres a whole bunch of lady drivers on this sight, some just going solo, some still with trainers...And they are all having fun out there. So look forward to hearing from Redgator, Special K, Mthrsuprior, Pebbles, and a few more that I've missed. So make use of all great stuff on this sight, as Brett has it set up to help you all the way thru anything trucking. And theres also a ton of professional truckers on here that will help all they can...even if they were gone for a day fishing.... WELCOME !!!

OMG You guys are just The Best! Yes Starcar, I'm thinking we could share a lot of amazing stories and marvel at the changes over the decades huh?! I'll start my Co. Sponsored School research next week; glad everyone agrees that's a win-win concept. I've been on intentional hiatus from serious decision making for 9 mo. now but I think by Oct 1 it'll be time to fish or cut bait. Stay tuned!!

Debby, the only thing I question about your plan is a personal thing I've always been concerned with. I really hate to see rookies get out of school, and head out in a truck, with a trainer, or solo, right when winter is hitting. You have to learn how a truck handles on good roads before you learn how they handle in ice and snow. But I seem to be the only one who has that concern..Lord knows the schools are so hungry for that almighty dollar, that they will run you thru school in November and toss you out in a truck in the middle of December....Doesn't seem sensible to me. but what the heck...I'm only a lady trucker, what the heck would I know... Keep us updated on what your up to...and be sure and start High Road Training Program, so you will be ahead of all the others in your class. Also, you can go ahead and do CDL Practice Tests and CDL Manuals (find the one for WA in there)...and Pre-Trip Study Guide. That one is so important, and the pre trip is hard to remember, so get on it early, and get it stuck on the back side of your eye balls...then when you get lost, you just shut your eyes for a second, and there it is !! Good Luck, and we are so glad to have you here in TT....