Too Old For Flatbed?

Topic 9441 | Page 1

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Larry B. 's Comment
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Well I have a little over three years until I can retire from this job and finally pursue my trucking dream. I first got the bug in 2007 :) I have recently been considering Flatbed. TMC in particular because their terminal is not far from me and it would be possible to go home every weekend if I wanted to.

I will be 51 years old. I have pretty good upper body strength, but will need to do a little work on getting in shape. I heard their orientation is tough though, anyone have any experience getting into flatbedding later in life, or would I be "the old guy" in with a bunch of young bucks?

Terminal:

A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.

Magoo's Comment
member avatar

Well I have a little over three years until I can retire from this job and finally pursue my trucking dream. I first got the bug in 2007 :) I have recently been considering Flatbed. TMC in particular because their terminal is not far from me and it would be possible to go home every weekend if I wanted to.

I will be 51 years old. I have pretty good upper body strength, but will need to do a little work on getting in shape. I heard their orientation is tough though, anyone have any experience getting into flatbedding later in life, or would I be "the old guy" in with a bunch of young bucks?

In a word "no".

But I'll let the Old Bucks that are Flatbedding tell ya!

Terminal:

A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.

Cody B.'s Comment
member avatar

Well I have a little over three years until I can retire from this job and finally pursue my trucking dream. I first got the bug in 2007 :) I have recently been considering Flatbed. TMC in particular because their terminal is not far from me and it would be possible to go home every weekend if I wanted to.

I will be 51 years old. I have pretty good upper body strength, but will need to do a little work on getting in shape. I heard their orientation is tough though, anyone have any experience getting into flatbedding later in life, or would I be "the old guy" in with a bunch of young bucks?

TMC orientation is pretty tough they weed people out in he first 2 days, when I went through we had a couple guys your age one made it through and quit on his own will, but if you can pick up the tarp and don't have any major health issues you will be just fine, just fill out an application and hope for the best. If you got any questions feel free to ask I currently drive for TMC

Terminal:

A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.

Jessica A-M's Comment
member avatar

Larry, do a search for Old School. I can't remember his age but he's experienced and has some excellent posts and responses to questions just like yours.

Old School's Comment
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I will be 51 years old. I have pretty good upper body strength, but will need to do a little work on getting in shape. I heard their orientation is tough though, anyone have any experience getting into flatbedding later in life, or would I be "the old guy" in with a bunch of young bucks?

Welcome aboard Larry!

You are definitely not too old. I started at age 53 as a second career, and went straight in to flat-bedding as my first job. The same week that I got hired the company hired a gentleman that was 73! Six months later while picking up a load of lumber down in East Texas I met a flat-bedder who was 81 years old!

I personally got rejected by TMC, but it was due to some medical issues that I had to get taken care of, not my age. I get e-mails from their recruiting department all the time now trying to get me to come back and give them a second shot at me. They are a good solid company and it sounds like that would be an ideal situation for you if it would work out.

Mike V.'s Comment
member avatar

Old school....can I ask what issues. have a few of my own, and would rather get some kind of release from my dr ahead of time.

Old School's Comment
member avatar

Old school....can I ask what issues. have a few of my own, and would rather get some kind of release from my dr ahead of time.

Mike, my only issue was that I had a small hernia and didn't realize it. I had it taken care of and ended up getting started somewhere else.

JimmyB's Comment
member avatar

Larry, I'm glad you posted this and got some feedback , I also posted this same question about a week ago I guess it went unnoticed since I only got 1 response If I have my way I'll be the old man in the class at age 57 I plan on applying to TMC after graduating from school Flat-bedding attracted me because of the physical part and the physics involved in securing the load Good luck in your quest and hope to meet you there

Larry B. 's Comment
member avatar

Larry, I'm glad you posted this and got some feedback , I also posted this same question about a week ago I guess it went unnoticed since I only got 1 response If I have my way I'll be the old man in the class at age 57 I plan on applying to TMC after graduating from school Flat-bedding attracted me because of the physical part and the physics involved in securing the load Good luck in your quest and hope to meet you there

TMC looks like one of the best. I'm in central Missouri so it would be perfect for me. I would love to keep in touch with you and hear about your experience

Cody B.'s Comment
member avatar
double-quotes-start.png

Larry, I'm glad you posted this and got some feedback , I also posted this same question about a week ago I guess it went unnoticed since I only got 1 response If I have my way I'll be the old man in the class at age 57 I plan on applying to TMC after graduating from school Flat-bedding attracted me because of the physical part and the physics involved in securing the load Good luck in your quest and hope to meet you there

double-quotes-end.png

TMC looks like one of the best. I'm in central Missouri so it would be perfect for me. I would love to keep in touch with you and hear about your experience

That's a great area for TMC they have a lot of freight in that em area you could easily be home on the weekends, and make good money as well. Any questions you have feel free to ask

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Knight Transport TMC Transportation Western Express Choosing A Trucking Company DOT Physical Flatbed Health Concerns Load Securement Older truck drivers
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