Missing the highway

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by navypoppop, Dec 21, 2014.

  1. navypoppop

    navypoppop Heavy Load Member

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    Winter Haven, Fl.
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    What I wouldn't do to be back behind the wheel again. After 44 years and over 3 million miles behind the wheel I retired, surrendered my CDL-A back in 2011 and began the "easy life". Phooey! I spend every other day at either the T/A in Wildwood, Fl, Petro in Reddick, Fl or the Loves in Ocala, Fl just drinking coffee and watching the trucks go in and out and occassionally talking with some of the drivers. It is so relaxing just to see the trucks and drivers doing what you did your whole adult life. I feel too old to try it again being 65 now and the hassle and costs of getting my CDL-A back would probably the biggest pain in the butt. I don't think that I could find a company willing to hire an "old man" either. Maybe I should apply at one of the travel centers for a part time job like in maintainence or janitorial work so I could at least be around the profession I so dearly miss. If I was to get a driving job again I probably wouldn't want to be away from home unless I could take my wife of 35 years along on occasion so a local job would be better for me. How about it drivers, steer me straight. Continue watching or take a shot? I welcome all replies.
     
    Shaggy, joseph1135, 7-UP and 4 others Thank this.
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  3. mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    Take a shot. I know of a driver that took a job driving a sweeper truck. Keeps him busy and happy.
     
  4. navypoppop

    navypoppop Heavy Load Member

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    Winter Haven, Fl.
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    Thanks mitrucker for your reply. I would have to get over the initial shock of re-applying for the CDL and I'm sure there would be quite a few rejections but a local 6 wheeler job might be easier to come by. Be safe and have a Merry Christmas
     
  5. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    Take a shot...I know a guy your age who works during harvest season and then drives a dump truck once in a awhile....maybe 12 weeks of work a year.
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Find a job keeping the fuel islands clean.

    I wouldn't go back to driving for any amount of money. Don't miss it at all, not even for a minute. Did it for 30 years and loved the profession; wouldn't have it any other way. But, all good things wind down and for me trucking was a very rewarding career. I highly recommend it as a career. I pushed my luck for many years, running dirty, if you know what I mean, and did just as well financially running legal and on Elogs.
    That's all behind me now and thanks to taking advantage of the 401K program, I kick back between the Orient and Las Vegas. The little wifey loves it now to.
     
  7. navypoppop

    navypoppop Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 4, 2014
    Winter Haven, Fl.
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    Thanks Chinatown That makes sense. My thoughts about the trucks were like yours because you can't bring back the "good old days". E-logs and long hauls are for the younger guys anyway. The manager at my local Petro is the easiest and friendliest man to talk with and has encouraged me to apply for a part time position in maintainence. I appreciate your reply and have a Merry Christmas.
     
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Those 3 truckstops you mentioned; been to all of them as have most OTR drivers. Really like that Petro and have done many layovers or breaks there. If I ever decided to get a part time job, it would probably be at a Petro. My lifestyle right now is great and haven't been bored enough to consider a part time job. One friend in China wanted me to partner with him in a massage parlor but the wife put a screeching halt to that; my ears are still ringing. He has a nice parlor that's 3 floors of romance and really nice; at least that's what I heard....ahem!
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2014
  9. navypoppop

    navypoppop Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 4, 2014
    Winter Haven, Fl.
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    Thanks 77smartin. Makes sense to look for a part time job and enjoy the best of both worlds. Hell, 1 day a week or 1 short trip would be perfect.
     
  10. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    You do not mention the years now you have NOT been a licensed CDL holder. You do realize that you WILL HAVE to go and take a road test at the DMV? Unless you can borrow a truck, and someone sponsors you, you may not be able to rent one either, after all, you'll need a CDL to rent. You do realize that you WILL HAVE to take a written test again? You do realize that you will have to take and pass a DOT physical, and this time, if I am not mistaken, it has to be done at a DOT certified doctor, and if your doctor is not DOT certified, you have to go someplace else?

    You do realize that even if you do manage to get your CDL on your own, you still MAY NOT be hire-abale, because you had no certified schooling in a refresher course? What you face, going back into the business is what anyone else will face getting back onto the roads again. I too cannot wait to retire, and turn in my CDL for good. I wish NOT to be driving any CDL vehicle in my golden years. But if your heart is burning with desire to get back in, take a long hard look at the costs involved these days, the physical requirements, oh do not forget, answer ONE question wrong on your sleeping habits, and BAM, you will be told to get a sleep test done on your dime, got an extra $3,000 to $5,000 sitting around?

    Do as someone else suggested, get a part time job at the truck stop(s), and maybe ####-chat with the drivers, then go home, and chill out, all the time knowing, you ain't gonna get a heart attack running the roads. and at our age, why risk a known health issue, for what, the road again? No thank you, retirement, hurry up and get here, I'm waiting to jump ship for good!
     
  11. DustyRoad

    DustyRoad Road Train Member

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    Believe it or Not!


    There are companies that only require three things, A current CDL, A current DOT Medical Form ( 1 year min) and the ability to pass a drug screen!


    If you want it bad enough, then let go of the stinkin thinkin and get r done! Maybe, check out those transport jobs on craigslist, Florida has a huge transportation industry...14 million people live here, and good drivers are always needed to bring them all that stuff.
     
    Dumdriver Thanks this.
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