Do trucking companies discriminate against older drivers?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by shannon, May 14, 2007.

  1. shannon

    shannon Bobtail Member

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    I'm 50 and ready for a career change to truck driving. I am in good health, not on any meds and can lift 100lbs so I can do the work but I'm still worried about being turned down because of my age. Has anyone out there been discriminated against because of their age?
     
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  3. buck and a half

    buck and a half Mr. Miles & Miles with Many Smiles

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    I can honestly say that has never happened to me yet. When I change jobs I am welcomed with respect as I keep a perfect drivers record on tickets and accidents and I do run like a younger guy,I do not play around until my break,get those miles in and 11 hrs and save fuel and tolls when possible.They like us older guys in this businesss,were always on time and do our best to please. You can do it,no problem,quaranteed,just listen to training and do your best,no problem. let us all know how you are doing,have a great day.
     
  4. milestogo

    milestogo Light Load Member

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    Fifty isn't old, and age should work to your advantage, provided you have lived a good clean life, and a history of responsible employment. Mature, responsible people will always be in demand. I started my driving career 6 months ago at age 55, and have been treated wonderfully by my employer, and courted by other companies.

    If you exude stability, it will come back to you ten times over.

    Good luck!!:biggrin_255:
     
  5. heyns57

    heyns57 Road Train Member

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    Fifty is not old. My co-worker was forced to retire at 68. Three months later, he had a fatal heart attack. Another co-worker who previously had stents, experienced more heart trouble while on the road and his doctor retired him at age 56.

    At 65, I applied for Medicare and dropped the employers health insurance. That makes me more employable.
     
  6. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Yes, some companies do descriminate. Although they will not tell you that is the reason they didn't hire you.

    I was rejected from a major company. It's been about 4 years ago. No reason given. Just a simple, we are not hiring any new drivers at this time LMAO.

    I have a clean DAC, driving record, and got an excellent referance from a former employer. and LOTS of experience. I am not a job hopper either. The only thing that could have been a factor, was my age.

    Or maybe the fact I don't drive for free came into play. Since they do a lot of hiring of students.
     
  7. LogsRus

    LogsRus Log it Legal

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    We hire anyone that qualifies. If you have enough experience & good job refference & can pass the physical you are hired. I have seen many older guys in class. So please do not let age hold you back.
    Heck the Vice President of my company does not look 45 but he is like 55 and is in awesome shape. Wow I should not have said it like that huh? Oh well true! Age does not matter as long as you can do the job and do it well:yes2557: Oh I like you older guys cause I can pick on you easier in the fun way:yes2557:
     
  8. prodriver

    prodriver Bobtail Member

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    I really doubt it. I know my company doesn't. The average age of our drivers is 53. I just approved for hire a 83 yo driver who didn't like "retirement".
     
  9. keotie

    keotie Bobtail Member

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    Im 60, been retired for about three years from industrial engineering, I decided to go back to work-------not in engineering!
    I decided on a career change and decided to try driving. Before I was out of driving school I had applied to 5 companies and had been accepted by three.
    I dont believe there to be much age discrimination in trucking--at least I havent seen it yet.
     
  10. bucksandducks

    bucksandducks Medium Load Member

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    I trained a student that was 63. He told the company(Roehl) he only wanted to do it until he was 65. They were fine with that.
     
  11. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    NASA HQ
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    My last local gig we had a driver that I believe was 80 or real close. He never had any problems.
     
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