Age Sensative
Topic 1452 | Page 1
There isn't an age that's too old for trucking. Age doesn't matter. As long as you can pass the DOT physical and drug test then you're fine! I know a driver who is 67 years old and he's almost been trucking for a year now. Age really doesn't matter.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Charlie, these trucking companies are glad to get mature employees who will be responsible with their customers freight and their very expensive equipment. I started this as a second career at the age of 52, and just so you know the same week that I got hired my company hired a man who was 73! As long as you can do the job safely they will be glad to have you on board.
Welcome to the forum, and best of luck to you!
Welcome aboard Charlie! Yap, the guys are right - your age is no concern whatsoever. The average age of drivers nationwide is in the upper 40's so you're in great company.
If you haven't already, go through our Truck Driver's Career Guide and read my book (here's the free online version) Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving. Those two sources will give you a ton of information about life in the trucking industry and how to get your career off to a great start.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Charlie, I am the same age, turn 57 in November, and starting the journey into trucking. I just returned from the licensing examiner with my newly minted CDL class A learners permit and will be heading off to a company paid school on Monday.
The TruckingTruth website is chock full of great information. I used the High Road CDL training program that is free here on the website and passed the exams without any difficulty. The forum is the best place to get your questions answered and the blogs provide answers and valuable information on questions that you don't even know you have yet.
Good Luck on your change in careers!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
If you can pass the DOT physical-youre not too old.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Age Sensitive? I can remember a 80 year old guy who floated gears in a truck like he was scratching his butt. One of the best drivers I think I ever met. Had been driving for over 50 years. I always thought that I would be like that. Kinda think I will be too.
Old school is right though. We do have that edge as far as the maturity and responsibility comes in. I turn 51 in November myself and am getting back into it after a 13 years. Just couldn't stay away.
I wish you the best and glad you came here. We need as many good drivers as we can get in TruckingTruth. Would be great to hear your stories as time passes. You will be a big help to many up and coming drivers as well as to those already out there. And this website will really help you along the way.
My moto is this: "Your'e only as old as you think you are." And for only a short few minutes after waking up and getting out of bed do I feel 50. Once I get a good cup of joe in me I'm like 18 again!
O.K. 27! 
35? 
Really, welcome aboard. Get ready for the ride of your life! It's going to be great.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Thanks for all the supportive replies folks. I am really looking forward to a new career in truck driving and will take all of your suggestions to heart.
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Hey folks, I am a 58 y.o. empty nester who has decided that I want to learn how to drive a big rig. I am thinking of enrolling in a respected school in Texas and after graduating, hope to go out on the road at least for a while. Are any of you my age and do you have experiences to relate to me. I am thinking that I might be too old but still want to try just for grins. Your comments will be appreciated.