Comments on: Some Random Thoughts About Life On The Road

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:33:27 +0000

50 years old is not even close to being too old. The average age of drivers nationwide is somewhere in the low 40′s – so you’d fit in perfectly. Trucking companies actually prefer older to younger drivers because they tend to have more patience, be more cautious, and be easier to work with day to day. So 50 is a perfectly fine age to get started in trucking.

And there are certainly jobs in this economy – no question. Hiring has picked up a good bit in recent months and if your driving and criminal records are quite decent (no need for perfect) and you go through a good training program you should have no problem at all finding work.

Most companies will send you out solo after your training period is complete but each company is different and their policies can change at any time. So when it comes time to apply to companies, simply verify their policies at that time. But the vast majority of companies will send you out solo after your training period is complete.

By: captain mike

captain mike — Fri, 21 May 2010 04:04:39 +0000

I am 50 years old and am going to retire from my current job after 26 years of service. I have read every post I can find. Here are my questions: Am I to old? Are there jobs out there in this economy? Is it reasonable to expect solo driving job after the training period is complete?

By: TruckerMike

TruckerMike — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:14:59 +0000

Hey Farmer Bob, another good article. By the way, my last load was 45,000lbs of Budweiser. Neener, neener, neeeeener.

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 21:34:12 +0000

Away from home for 8 weeks??!!!! Guess I was lucky when I was in training. I was home each weekend except for 1 week and I don’t remember why.

Then when I was out on my own, I was gone for a week and then home for my 2 days or almost 2 days. Trucking companies are starting to realize that drivers have a life and are not part of the truck.

Many of my co-workers did chose to stay out for 2 or 3 weeks, but that is not for me. For those who really, really like trucking, I have met a few who did stay out for a couple of months. You just have to find what fits you and work with it.