may be returning to driving again

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by etbiged03, Jan 28, 2015.

  1. etbiged03

    etbiged03 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 28, 2013
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    My name is Ed. I am 69 yrs old and in good health except i got some hip issues which shows up very much in my current line of work as a commercial maintenance tech on large department stores from climbing 12 ft stepladders all the time. I am not new to truck driving as i drove trucks for 15 yrs otr in 33 states, and local, driving flat bed, hauling steel, box van hauling freight, lowboys hauling heavy equipment, tankers hauling fuel,bulk cement, pellets, bitinite, and doubles for yellow freight. But since many things have changed in the 18 yrs that ive been away from trucking, i know that for me to be able to get started again, i would have to go to someplace like pam,werner,swift to gain current experience. I have to drive a lot in my current position and sitting driving doesn't seem to bother my hip so i think i would be ok with driving otr again as long as i could get a job with a company that does drop and hook and wouldn't have to unload freight. So any input on this would be greatly appreciated. I might also add, that i enjoyed my time on the road before. Thank you.
     
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  3. streetglider

    streetglider Medium Load Member

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    As long as you could pass a physical I say go for it!, you are only as old as you feel. If it doesn't work out there is always something you could do.
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Depends on your location. Put your location on your profile.

    Lots of 100% no-touch freight companies around.

    Pride Transport and Celadon are 100% no-touch freight. Don't know about Swift, but Swift is a good place to get back in the game with excellent training. Apply with those 3 companies and pick the best job offer.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2015
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  5. Marusol

    Marusol Bobtail Member

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    Jun 30, 2014
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    You should be fine. I've seen drivers with worst disabilities who drive. But, just for your own benefit, locate a no touch freight company.
     
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  6. Freddy57

    Freddy57 Road Train Member

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    Mount Vernon, MO
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    These days a driver never really has to touch the freight, any reputable company will pay for lumpers and unloading fees. A lot of the drivers I see at the truck stops couldn't unload a load if their life depended on it so I don't think you would have any trouble finding a good company to work with. Stay away from the bottom feeder companies that want you to work for nothing just because you are restarting. If they aren't paying decent, keep looking, you will find a decent company to restart you.
     
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  7. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

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    Dec 24, 2009
    Cherokee County, Alabama
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    do it OP. do it.welcome back. no fingerless driving gloves please.
     
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