Thinking About Driving Again After 12 Years...

I drove a big truck for 3 years OTR and dedicated... 12 years ago. I am now semi-retired from an unrelated business and thinking about climbing back into the cab again. I have maintained my CDL-A.

The first thing I've noticed is how much things have changed in the trucking industry! HOS , electronic logs , and I notice many more companies now are hiring drivers with zero experience than there were when I was a driver. Back then, it seemed every other company wanted 1-2 years experience. They've also relaxed allowances for DUIs, moving violations, etc. Seems like they're hiring younger drivers, too (21 yrs. at many places - I don't remember anything less than 25 yrs, but I may be mistaken about that.)

Okay, I would be interested in your informed opinions on companies, since I am long out of touch on all of this... and a little worse for the wear; I walk with a cane and have some mobility issues - although I can drop and hook , and drive all day long with no problems... especially if Freightliner still has those great seats with the mulitple air bladders in them (like my Century Class had). I certainly have no issues driving my personal vehicle that long, and it's not as comfortable as a big truck.

So, if possible, I would like to find a situation that is:

- 100% no-touch freight (I'm simply not able to fingerprint loads anymore). - a smaller regional carrier with not a lot of overhead. (Something like Ozark used to be - or may still be?) - autoshift transmissions (I really liked those!) - No NYC or Northeast, if possible. - willing to accept my CDL without making me start over at square one in a school (OTR with a trainer is fine.) - a company that doesn't discriminate based on things like BMI (passing a DOT medical should be enough).

I realize that might be a tall order, but at this point in my life I don't really need the work. I'm more interested in getting OUT and just doing it for fun. Pay isn't that much of a concern, either. That doesn't mean I'll be lackadasical about the work - quite the contrary. For my part, I don't care about home time and will run whatever load they give me. I'm also not opposed to relocating (Tennessee sounds nice!). I never complain about loads and I always represent the company well on the road and on the docks. I have an A-1 safe driving record with no citations or accidents.

Hopalong you are going to find that your previous experience is not going to count because it was over ten years ago.

Most companies will make you go through some kind of schooling. It may just be a refresher course, but don't be surprised if they make you go through the full school again. You just wont need to take the license test at the end.

I came back to the industry after eight years away. I had to get my license again, but it is like riding a bike.

Most companies are going to auto shift so that shouldn't be a problem.

I agree with Big T’s assessment.

Chances are a prospective employer will road test you and make a judgment on the extent of the refresher training required before continuing on to road training.

Good luck!

I'm getting back out there after 8 years because of a motorcycle accident. So, You might have to get some training again. All these new things that were not here when I drove before. But, here I am starting back at school again. I don't know how the companies hire now, but I think if you can show them what you can contribute to the company, it should be ok. I do have some challenges ahead of me because of my rt. knee but I'm healthy and willing and able to tackle line haul driving which if I'm not mistaken is basically drop and hook.

good luck in your search

Thanks for your responses and advice. I'm glad to know I'm not alone here in returning.

Thanks for your responses and advice. I'm glad to know I'm not alone here in returning.

Hoppy, you will have to get to school. I'm an instructor with Swift's school. About every class has a "returnee" like you - experienced but several years out of the business. You noticed a lot has changed, so you need the update.

Yes, trucks still drive/ back the same, so the offset and 90 backing exercises will come back just like in that old saw about riding a bike (you never forget how to). Just get in the 160 required school hours.

Thanks, Errol! You're absolutely right... too much has changed to go in cold. (Glad to see you also know "Hoppy." ;) )