Seasoned Citizen As A Trucker

Long story short..... I am 69 years. No CDL experience, however great work ethic history, decent education, solid work back ground, etc... Should I even bother to try to break into trucking business or, realistically (all PC aside) I'm just too old & missed the boat? Any and all candid answers are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks. PeterO

As long as your healthy and up to the challenge, shoot your shot.

Heck yeah!

I was 68 when I started my journey and it’s been a great experience and a great job.

Trucking has an appreciation for older employees much more than most industries. Seems that some statistics suggest an older driver is a safer driver.

It’s real common to hear us older, late entrants into driving say we wished we started 20 years ago.

Stay on this site and you will get talked through the process if you have the determination.

You are required to have a physical to qualify for a CDL.

Some companies go beyond that and require a demonstration of being able to lift and move certain weights for several repetions. Some require that you are able to climb up into the back of a trailer.

As long as you can meet the physical standards you should be hireable.

Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress if you are able to land a job.

The best, most secure way to get a job is by going through a company sponsored CDL school.

Apply For Paid CDL Training...

Paid CDL Training Programs

If a company accepts you into their CDL school and training program you are petty much guaranteed a job as long as you pass. You will have peace of mind knowing you have a job lined up before you even begin.

I got my CDL at 63, 9 years ago and I'm still driving. I will be 72 in July and run 2,800 to 3,400 miles every week. My company is allowing drivers to stay out 3 weeks (instead of four to six weeks). Then, with the meat loads we haul to the Port of Oakland, we get six to seven days off for home time to stay in sync with the ships that we deliver to.

Right now the economy is down and many companies are looking for freight for their drivers, others have let some drivers go, some owner operators have parked their trucks and have become company drivers, so you may have a hard time getting hired on just based on that and not on your age. We don't have to prove anything and companies like us because we aren't hard on equipment and have a good work ethic.

Laura

Thanks everyone for taking the time to answer. Very helpful.