Just Learned Something Interesting About Retired People Who Want To Get Into Trucking.

I'm took retirement from my IT job of 27 years, I'm 55.

I have my permit and health card (no criminal or driving offenses) and was going to go to a self paid CDL school but thought maybe I'd look into Prime and just go with them so I could save my money for home emergencies and such.

But the recruiter (after filling out a lengthy application) said that because I don't show employment for the last 1.5 years I am disqualified even though I'm retired.

Ain't that a kick in the pants...

I'm emailing others to see if that is their policy also.

Cheers.

James, that is a "Prime" policy. They are much stricter on employment gaps.

With most companies you can verify what you've been doing during an employment gap with a few notarized letters from acquaintances (not family members) verifying what you've been up to during that employment gap.

James,

Ask your recruiter if you can get a few letters from family/friends notarized verifying your retired status? Did you show them your retirement pay stubs? Never hurts to ask. The answer is no, they won't accept that if you don't ask.

Ernie

James, that is a "Prime" policy. They are much stricter on employment gaps.

With most companies you can verify what you've been doing during an employment gap with a few notarized letters from acquaintances (not family members) verifying what you've been up to during that employment gap.

Yes I completely agree with this. Prime is more strict than most on employment, but no worries. There are going to be a ton of companies willing to hire you. Also yes see if they will accept notarized letters this seems to help a lot of people. They just basically want to be sure of what you have been doing in the unaccounted for time. No biggie there.

James,

Ask your recruiter if you can get a few letters from family/friends notarized verifying your retired status? Did you show them your retirement pay stubs? Never hurts to ask. The answer is no, they won't accept that if you don't ask.

Ernie

Prime recruiter didn't care, she pretty much said 'no' and that's it, policy is policy.

Prime probably has tons of people applying.

I emailed other carriers but haven't heard back yet.

Well, I have to plug CFI. They will put you through training at no cost to you. They require a 12 month commitment. They pay your transportation to Joplin and your room and meals for training. I'm happy to answer any questions I can about them. Here is their web site. You can find at least two training diaries in the diaries section. Also you can put CFI in the search bar at the top of this page. Good luck.

James,

Ask your recruiter if you can get a few letters from family/friends notarized verifying your retired status? Did you show them your retirement pay stubs? Never hurts to ask. The answer is no, they won't accept that if you don't ask.

Ernie

Prime recruiter didn't care, she pretty much said 'no' and that's it, policy is policy.

Prime probably has tons of people applying.

I emailed other carriers but haven't heard back yet.

That's a shame, I know of other folks that has similar issues and was able to do just what I suggested. I guess they have more applicants than they can handle right now. Just goes to show what having a great training program can do for you.

Ernie

If you decide to do the private school route give H. O. Wolding a look. We do have tuition reimbursement.

I was retired for 3 plus years when I applied at Werner. They accepted my tax returns for the last 3 years as proof of my status.

I'm took retirement from my IT job of 27 years, I'm 55.

I have my permit and health card (no criminal or driving offenses) and was going to go to a self paid CDL school but thought maybe I'd look into Prime and just go with them so I could save my money for home emergencies and such.

But the recruiter (after filling out a lengthy application) said that because I don't show employment for the last 1.5 years I am disqualified even though I'm retired.

Ain't that a kick in the pants...

I'm emailing others to see if that is their policy also.

Cheers.

Welcome to the forum James Daniel!

I can totally relate to your situation. 7 years ago I retired from IT, completely burned-out with politics, meetings for the sake of having meetings, and forcing a square peg project into a round hole process.

For 18 months I was self-employed performing home renovations and finish carpentry. I presented customer letters, contracts, invoices and my tax return as proof I was active. I entered Trucking in my early 50s. Many of us in this forum call this a second career or in a few cases active, working retirement.

Prime,...not the only game in town. Check these links out:

Paid CDL Training Programs

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Good luck; chin up and chest out, you will get offers.