Profile For Jacob H.

Something that has been on my mind but I have held off asking. I know trucking companies can't refuse to hire people because of their ages, but I wonder how hard it will be to find a company that will actually hire me or give me a chance at my age.

I see all the pics of the drivers and you all seem to be young guys and gals. I am in my mid 50's, looking for a career change. Except for middle age spread (a little overweight) and controlled high B/P, I am in pretty good health.

Will my age hold me back in finding a good driving job?

How do most companies look at age for their drivers?

Jacob Hoppe

Hey guys going to throw some light on 5 Biggest Mistakes by CDL Students and New Drivers

In general, Over-the-road trucking (OTR) has proven to be a living nightmare for new CDL drivers and veterans. New student-drivers entering the industry have no idea about how the trucking business works. So a newcomer needs to be aware of the mistakes and misconceptions that so many newbies make when first starting out in the business:

5. Believing that you Earn BIG in OTR trucking - After taxes and expenses, most O/O will end up earning very close to what the average company driver will earn and that is between $35,000 and $42,000 per year gross.

4. Leaving your first driving job too soon - Don't just quit due to lack of miles, etc. Try to stick it out for a year or a couple of years.

3. Moving too FAST too SOON to Success! - Before you jump into the big rig solo try to ask around if it is a good company. Will they give you consistent miles? Are they supportive of their owner operators?

2. Choosing the Wrong CDL Truck Driving School - Consider 3 facts: Is the school licensed by the State? Is it Certified? Is it Accredited?

1. FAILURE to “GET STARTED” ASAP! - Once you receive your CDL license, there is no time for waiting. You must get started driving right away to get those huge job opportunities.

Hey dude seems like we are on same ship

I am currently a 43 yo casino dealer in Reno and I am looking for a career change. I currently make about 50K take home and would be happy with the same income from this career. However, I would certainly like to make considerably more over time and have put away enough money to retire when that time comes. Since I was a little kid I always wanted to drive a truck. My step father was an OTR driver but I was too young to really grasp how it was for him. That was the 70's and he seemed to enjoy what he did. I went on a couple runs with him, and from what I remember was very bored.

I would greatly appreciate all your advice on where to train, what companies are best for the driver, and what a typical week in the life is like if possible. I would like to be in a truck that is clean and has the creature comforts since most of my life will be in the truck. Also, I think I would like to be an O/O so any advice on possible truck leases or purchases would be helpful, and what the best route to take to accomplish this.

I am an intelligent, college educated man that just did not like working for others and wants a career that I can succeed based on my desire.

If there is anyone in Reno that would be interested in taking me under their wing and mentoring me (if there is such a thing in this industry) I would be sincerely thankful.

There's a *LOT* more options than either of those companies. Also, what makes you think you're going to get rich doing this job? As a company driver, a realistic number is in the range of $45,000 per year income. That doesn't count what it costs to actually live out here. I average $75-100 per week in food & expenses on the road. So, that $45k just dropped to $40k. Benefits? Expect to pay in the range of $1,000 per month ($250 per week) for health insurance for yourself and your family. That drops you another $12k per year to $28,000 (before taxes).

So, is it really worth it, being gone for 2-3 weeks at a time? You'll average 1 day at home per 7 days out. But, that 1 day at home is usually calendar day, not a 24hr period, meaning if you get home @ 11pm on Friday, expect to be on the road again @ noon on Sunday.

Just being 100% honest with this. You're not going to get rich (or barely pay the bills). You're not going to see your kids grow up. You're not going to see your wife when she really needs you. If you're not already in this industy, I'd say don't do it.

The kind of truck steering wheel holder thst bugs me the most are the one's that's always in a hurry, they drive 30mph up to the fuel island and use the sqeegy to wash their truck. Drives me nutts.