words of wisdom for an old newbie

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by madjeeper13, Sep 20, 2011.

  1. madjeeper13

    madjeeper13 Light Load Member

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    Sep 20, 2011
    Apache Junction AZ
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    I'm about to apply to Swift,for a variety of reasons, mostly that I live about 40 miles from the main terminal in Phoenix. That and Ive been out of work for about a yr and a half. I'll be 60 next month and would like some advice from real truckers. About real truckin. Spare me the sad tails of Swift mistreatment. I've read alot on this site and come to the conclusion that it's just boot camp. If you don't know about that kindly keep your opinions to yourself. I realize I have a very steep learning curve ahead . I'm open to any and all advice . I want to do my job well and not get "ran over" at the same time. If ya just want to badmouth something or someone , again please just keep it to yourself. Thanks.
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2011
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  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    OK, browse this forum for tons of info, however you may hit a wall trying to get hired at 60.
     
  4. paul 1052

    paul 1052 Heavy Load Member

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    When I started hauling glass after pulling a box or reefer for 20 years I learned the difference between being a total noob and an experienced noob.

    As a total noob if I didn't know what to do, I'd guess and just do something which more often than not didn't turn out well.

    As an experienced noob, if I didn't know what to do while loading or something product related... I didn't do ANYTHING, everything stopped until I knew what was the right thing to do.

    I know that Swift doesn't haul glass but the moral of the story is that if you aren't sure what the right thing to do is.... ask what the right thing is.
     
  5. d o g

    d o g Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Texas
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    I've outlined what will be your biggest problem starting out - the problem of your attitude. Keep in mind that you will be starting out at the bottom of the pecking order. You won't get to make any demands. You'll be told what to do on a regular basis. You're nothing special, so the sooner you get used to that the better off you'll be.

    If you can't even tolerate posts on a message board that you don't want to hear, you're probably not gonna make it as a newbie in the trucking business. Lose the attitude and you've got a chance. Keep it, and you'll end up as just another washout.

    How am I doing at keeping my opinion to myself? As you can tell, demanding something doesn't make it happen. Every day you spend as a new truck driver will prove that to you. You'll find something each and every day to get pissed off about.

    Just keep in mind that every single day, something beyond your control will frustrate you. You'll have to deal with - NOT simply demand that it stop. Whether or not you're able to deal with it will be the key to your success.

    I don't hold out much hope for you. Good luck, anyway.
     
  6. Yatista

    Yatista Medium Load Member

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    Jan 25, 2009
    Upstate New York
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    May I suggest you look at Gordon Trucking (GTI) and May Trucking. Both have terminals in Phoenix, hire CDL grads, and based on my experience, show respect for their drivers. Not to say Swift doesn't, but I have no direct experience with them. By the way, I was 59 when I started driving for GTI.
     
    madjeeper13 Thanks this.
  7. prime rib

    prime rib Light Load Member

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    Aug 28, 2010
    Blakeslee, PA
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    Getting a drivin job after your early 50's is a milestone in itself.
    I'm semi-retired at 55 but still need to work till I can draw SS.
    I'm not interested in running OTR for the mega haulers anymore.
    That gig is best left for these young bucks with something to
    prove and the energy to prove it with.
    I'm lookin for something very regional or local.
    Local jobs have stiff competition whereas you can usually get a
    job runnin OTR at the drop of a hat (barring your age).
    Most big outfits view anyone over 50 as to much of a health risk.
    If yer already in with Swift more power to you.
    If you haven't even applied yet than rotsa ruck...you'll need it.
     
  8. Yatista

    Yatista Medium Load Member

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    Jan 25, 2009
    Upstate New York
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    Like my previous post says, I started OTR at 59, no shortage of companies offering jobs to CDL grads that pass the physical. I put in my 2 years and now have a local LTL job,(with a mega carrier) M-F and no weekends. Hired at age 62.
     
    Injun Thanks this.
  9. madjeeper13

    madjeeper13 Light Load Member

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    Sep 20, 2011
    Apache Junction AZ
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    Aww dogknot Ya missed the part about boot camp. Guess ya never been there. My attitude is I don't want to listen to kid's whining about their mistakes. Although perhaps I should listen so I don;t make them myself.!! I know I'm starting out at the bottom. But I've also learned that, at times,if you don't demand something ,you don't get anything. If you allow people to continue to use you for a doormat,they will. Thanks I'll try to keep my "attitude" in control. Oh ya----- If ya won't answer yes to being a trucker,then who or what are you?
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2011
  10. heresay

    heresay Light Load Member

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    Feb 23, 2011
    Lawrenceville, GA
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    Sounds like another person out trying to make themselves look like a bad*** because they drive a truck. Get over yourself bud...
     
    madjeeper13 Thanks this.
  11. madjeeper13

    madjeeper13 Light Load Member

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    Sep 20, 2011
    Apache Junction AZ
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    Prime rib I would like a local or regional job too. However I'm very much aware that ya gotta pay yer "dues". And I haven't been accepted yet but I have spoken face to face with a recruiter and he didn't tell me to go away. I'm not particularly concerned, I have no major health problems and a clean driving record for about the last 25-30 yrs. I think they'll take my money. After that it's how I deal with it.
     
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