Unusual Circumstances

Hello all, before I begin I would like to thank Daniel B. for suggesting that I post this in hopes of getting advice from multiple sources. And this is without a doubt the best source for information on the internet related to the trucking industry I've found, and I've done a lot of searching..

So, where to start? About ten years ago I met a woman on-line from Thailand. After talking to her for about a year and a half I decided to go to Thailand to meet her, the rest is history. Her family was involved in several businesses from construction to developing a rubber distribution business. I moved to Thailand in January of 2009 hopefully to semi-retire (I'm currently a healthy 60 year young guy) to possibly teach English as a second language and help out in the family business. The economy here has pretty much changed my direction and my mother's ( in her eighties) health is getting worse. I'm preparing to come back to the states to be closer to her. I want to finish out my retirement with a career as a truck driver.

All of my kids are grown and on their own, Due to financial reasons I will need to go to a company sponsored school and I'm not quite sure how to approach the companies who offer free training given the fact that I've been overseas for the last seven years. I have no permanent address other than when I was living with my sister in Oregon, nothing on my driving record....at all, that I can think of. I have a current Oregon drivers license which will expire in June of next year, and a current passport in very good standing which will expire in October of next year.

A little about me, I'm a strong healthy 60 year old. I was born in Frankfurt Germany where my father was stationed during the Korean conflict, Dad was from Texas, Mom is a California girl. I'm in decent health for a guy who is a hair over a century, I exercise daily, don't smoke, drink, do any drugs (legal or otherwise). My current BMI is about 30, I've never had high blood pressure in my life......it does however, hover around the high side. Ok, confession time, I've been overweight (non-hereditary) much of my adult life but, I ain't goin out like this. As corny as it may seem, I guess you could say that I'm "training" for a career in the trucking industry.

The TT site is my go to for getting in-depth information about the business, I guess I need to contact a few recruiters about how to make the transition. There's no room at the Inns currently in the States, so I have this crazy notion to just fly into whatever city has a school that will accept me. Pretty much hit the ground running.......at least it's one option I am considering.

So, I'm up for any ideas.

Thanks, Dave

Contact the companies you're interested in and ask them. Some might want notarized letters saying what you've been doing and consider that proof of employment.

Trucking is not a retirement career, its hard work. I believe you will need to have had an American drivers license for a year+ to even think about it. But it may be for you, there is a lot of good info on this site to help you find out. You will also need at least a 10 year work history, with verifiable phone numbers, contacts and such. Most any recruiter can help you figure out what you need but those are 2 things you will need for sure. I would just start calling and talking and see where it leads.

Phil

Thanks Beth, I knew this was the place to get a lot of good advice. You've given me a great idea, thanks again. Stay safe

Dave

Trucking is not a retirement career, its hard work. I believe you will need to have had an American drivers license for a year+ to even think about it. But it may be for you, there is a lot of good info on this site to help you find out. You will also need at least a 10 year work history, with verifiable phone numbers, contacts and such. Most any recruiter can help you figure out what you need but those are 2 things you will need for sure. I would just start calling and talking and see where it leads.

I like the fact that trucking is not a retirement career, it's one of the reasons why it appeals to me. I'm a 60 year old American citizen and have had a fairly clean driving record since 1972. Given my circumstances, a solid ten year work history isn't an option. I got caught up in the economic downturn that began in '08, so competing in a rapidly increasing unemployment rate in my fifties made it difficult to find work. I appreciate your input and will definitely make some calls. Thanks again.

Dave

I'm not sure how to respond to the comments, I tried to do it as a quote but it's not working, can anyone help me out with this? Thanks.

I'm not sure how to respond to the comments, I tried to do it as a quote but it's not working, can anyone help me out with this? Thanks.

Make sure you type after EVERYTHING in the box after you hit quote and it should work for you.

Yes if you want to quote use the quote button and type your reply after the last < / blockquote > If you want to reply without quote just hit start a new reply button .

Phil

Yes if you want to quote use the quote button and type your reply after the last < / blockquote > If you want to reply without quote just hit start a new reply button .

Phil

Ok, this is a test, I think I've got down, thanks again.