Looking To Start A New Career

Good day all and hello. I find myself at a crossroad in life @ age 48 I am currently unemployed. I promised myself my next job would be something I actually enjoy and that is rewarding to me physically and mentally. I have always thought about becoming a truck driver but never followed through on my feelings. Now I am unemployed with no children living at home and my wife is 100% on board with me following this plan through to completion. I currently have no CDL license but I have driven and backed some tractor trailers for a previous job on private property. I have no doubts that I can "do the job" but its all still somewhat intimidating. My wife thinks it best to get the licence on my own but I believe it may be better to partner with a company willing to fund this for me in return for my services and a guaranteed job. What are your thoughts on this subject each way? As for companies that offer these services I find myself leaning towards a company named TMC. They make claim of full training and even paying me a salary while training is under way. Some reviews I have read about TMC are that they are very strict with there rules and what they expect. I feel this is a plus for me because its the way I believe a job should be and have no issues with a strict follow our rules policy. Does anyone have any input on the TMC company and the survival rate for a total newbie in the trucking world? Thanks in advance for any helpful opinions on the subjects. Much Appreciated, Darren

I feel like it would be a rewarding career. I'm 46. ... years young! LOL. I have two pre-teens and one 8 year old. Obviously, home time would be an issue for my family. If I can, I'll jump in a few more years down the road, depending on what life throws our way, but I'll do what I gotta do! G'luck to ya.

Welcome Darren. First, read this article by Brett to see why we recommend Paid CDL Training Programs. It's far and away the best way to ensure your own success. I wish I had more time to elaborate further, but someone will be along shortly.

Why I prefer company paid training

TMC is indeed a class outfit with top shelf training and equipment. Don't put all your eggs in one basket though. You can look up Trucking Company Reviews for a better overall picture of what is out there.

Lastly, do yourself a favor and check out these link as well.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

... I have driven and backed some tractor trailers for a previous job on private property. I have no doubts that I can "do the job" but its all still somewhat intimidating. My wife thinks it best to get the licence on my own but I believe it may be better to partner with a company willing to fund this for me in return for my services and a guaranteed job....

Darren,

I respond as one preparing for training and entry into the industry. I think you will easily confirm your interest and assuage concerns by obtaining lots of information you don't currently possess by spending time in all the areas of this website. That will include factual comparison of independent CDL schooling vs. company paid training programs. As well, there's much about the practical aspects of selecting a preferred employer in advance. Basically, things may not be what they seem - much written on here in explanation. Finally, any period of unemployment will be an issue - how this is viewed may be slightly variable from company to company; again, I'm not commenting from my direct experience - but from what I gather the root of that is not only in character assessment but as it relates to insurability.

There's my three cents!

Hello Darren, and welcome aboard!

First off, don't let your age be a concern. You are right there in the median age of truck drivers. This is a career that seems to work better for the more mature crowd. Recruiters will not be put off by your age. Many of us here in this forum didn't start driving trucks until our mid fifties. It's a very good choice for a second career.

You've done well to secure your wife's support. That support will be crucial. This career requires considered commitment. Not only from the drivers, but also from their families.

We teach what we consider to be "best practices" here. One of those is the whole idea of utilizing the Paid CDL Training Programs. A lot of people get confused by this. They feel they would have more options if they went to a private school. Unfortunately, we get comments all the time from people who chose that route and then struggle to land a job.

Everybody thinks if there's this huge demand for drivers then all they need is a CDL to guarantee them a job. It just doesn't work like that. Any demand for drivers is for experienced productive drivers with current verifiable experience. New drivers get hired everyday, but I can tell you from my own personal experience it can be a real challenge finding someone to take on a total rookie.

The beauty of the company sponsored programs is that they are committed to you. They have an investment in you. They will do everything they can to help you succeed. They have determined beforehand that you are worth taking a chance on, and they intend to help you become a contributing member of their team. The private schools are motivated to enroll you and get your money. After that, you are on your own.

TMC is a very well run flatbed operation. Depending on your location they may very well be able to get you home most weekends. They also have some specialty fleets that you could get on once you've established yourself. By simply putting "TMC" in our search bar you'll find a lot of information right here on our site. I'd recommend you search "TMC training." I think you'll find a lot of valuable information with that simple search.

Again, welcome to Trucking Truth, and feel free to ask as many questions as you like. No one here is going to talk down to you, and we will always try to steer you in the best path for success at this.

Busting The Free Agent Myth

@ Old School That's a relief! So as long as I can stay healthy, then a few grey hairs are no biggie. I'll leave the "Just for Men" alone, haha.