Max Age To Start A Trucking Career?
Topic 7472 | Page 3
I just turned 61 years old. Am I too old to start a new career? I have zero experience but after studying different trucking schools I would like to begin with Prime. One year after training would be a short time to pay back your loan. I have read a lot about Prime and I like the idea of the extended training.
Any follow-up from this gentleman?
A fellow driver for the company I work for us in his 70s.
Dave
I just turned 61 years old. Am I too old to start a new career? I have zero experience but after studying different trucking schools I would like to begin with Prime. One year after training would be a short time to pay back your loan. I have read a lot about Prime and I like the idea of the extended training.
Hi Steven. I Got my CDL at age 60. I'm 61 now and been running solo for about 4 months. I love this job! As long as you have your health and a positive attitude, you'll do just fine. Good luck!
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.
I'll just add my 2 cents: I remember when 2 cents was worth something!
I'm 64 and still in my rookie year.
Steve, make sure you ask for automatic transmissions wherever you end up. Don't stress yourself and your feet. Good luck.
I'll just add my 2 cents: I remember when 2 cents was worth something!
I'm 64 and still in my rookie year.
Good for you. I've reached the limit of my former careers but I'm still very physically fit and often do repair on my own car. BUT... I thought I wanted to drive a school bus and yet the "powers that be" are dragging their butts to get me licensed. I have done all the work myself, done all the phone calling, passed the permit exam with flying colors, and now I'm sitting here not hearing a thing about WHEN the classes will start. Just happens that the ONE instructor they have (I think) is suddenly hospitalized and she can't even put in a call to me. I'm no Spring chicken; but I have more college hours than most (Bachelor +), have a high IQ, and am physically fit, and still have all my hair. What gives? Is it because I'm white? I have noticed everyone at this company is black AND, except for one, women. I am frustrated beyond all belief. What am I supposed to do? Is it because I'm old, ancient or what? I dare anyone of them to race (no pun intended) me around the building and win. To me, I don't exist when I have to call and keep calling and get no information. But they have a HUGE sign out front that says "HIRING" and initially their advertising online said "we will train you." Train in what? Patience? I need a job and DESPERATELY. I chose this because it was something that I could DO; not something I was formerly experienced with. But with my mindset I have found I can do almost anything.... and have. Last Summer I put a new roof on my 3 car garage. I'd drive an 18 wheeler if I thought they'd hire me. I'm so frustrated. I'm a YOUNG 67. By the way, I live so close to this "business" I could throw a rock and hit it. Any ideas on what to do? Or give up and greet at Walmart?
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Yeah, two cents is still something of value. I know a woman with millions and she will knock you out of the way to grab up two cents in a parking lot. And she's older than I am.
Mickey D, depending how desperate you are, this is a TRUCKING forum, so I'll tell you this: trucking companies are hoovering up anyone who is interested in driving a semi truck OTR. A good rookie trucker should be able to pull down up to $35 - $40,000 his or her first year. Just remember it's not really an easy job but a lot of people enjoy it and even love the lifestyle.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
With age comes wisdom and the ability to work your way through complex situations. Something the younger crowd still has to learn.
Go for it!
Tracy
Remember, good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Older truck drivers
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I started trucking at 57, I'm 58 now. As long as you are physical able to do the work at the company you are at you should be fine. I personally think I'm too old to do flatbed as I have not done it before, but Dry Van is great, even though I often have to move some types of cargo to the back of the truck.
With age comes wisdom and the ability to work your way through complex situations. Something the younger crowd still has to learn.
Go for it!
Tracy
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.