How OLD is TOO OLD?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by moonshadow, Mar 31, 2008.

  1. moonshadow

    moonshadow Light Load Member

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    Mar 29, 2008
    Denver
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    Help... I need some advice.

    I am about to pull the plug on my city job of more than 32 years and am looking for a second career. My city job was not a truck driving job, although it was a high stress shift work environment.

    I have researched this forum and others along with speaking with several friends that are OTR drivers and feel confident that I would both enjoy and be successful at the job. Years ago, I obtained my Class A, B and C endorsements by working for a wrecker company (1959 K/W) and then put myself through school driving ski charter buses in the mountains of Colorado. I always enjoyed that work. I let them lapse so I am starting from scratch.

    I am aware of the demands placed on an OTR driver and know both physically and mentally I am capable of handling any issue or situation that I might be faced with. I have no DOT physical limitations, can pass any physical ability test and have a spotless driving record and criminal history. (well OK except for that one minor incident involving the cow back in 1978)

    I am Colorado based and would have no problems with extended times away from home.

    Basic questions:
    • How old is too old to start in this business?
    • What is better: Obtain CDL through local school or through Company School?
    • Any suggestions on which company might be a good fit based on the information provided above?

    Thanks in advance to all your help!

    (EVERTRUCKERR....really have enjoyed reading your CRETE week by week thread)

     
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  3. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    Feb 16, 2007
    Stonewall, LA.
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    Well, I can't answer any of the question's you asked but I can say with your clean record on everything and able to handle high stress and had a REALLY stable career. You shouldn't have any problem getting in. The type of school is really up to you. A local privite school takes money out of pocket or you can do a company sponsored school but normally you are binded in a contract with them and the least minimum is a year long contract. If you break that contract then you have to pay every last penny back to them and it could look bad on your DAC report. Hope this helps and good luck!
     
  4. wc5b

    wc5b Medium Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2007
    Flint, MI
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    I started at about 30ish, and I was the youth of the class for the most part.

    As for school, whatever you do, make sure you at least attend a PDTI certified school. If you dont, it may cause problems down the road if you need to switch employers.

    If you attend a decent PDTI school, then there is many options to you. If you are looking for a company based school, I would suggest looking at Schnieder or WSE. THere are others, but I know those are decent schools.
     
  5. myminpins

    myminpins Road Train Member

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    From all I hear and read, you should go to school on your own (if you can afford to) then you are free to work wherever and for whomever you choose.
     
  6. moonshadow

    moonshadow Light Load Member

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    Mar 29, 2008
    Denver
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    Thanks everyone so far...keep the advice coming
     
  7. moonshadow

    moonshadow Light Load Member

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    Mar 29, 2008
    Denver
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    Are there any in Colorado?
     
  8. RobW

    RobW Light Load Member

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    Sep 6, 2007
    N. Florida
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    Don't worry much about age. I know a guy who got his CDL(A) at the tender age of 77. Yeah, seventy-seven.

    I recommend a well known, accredited local school, but that's just me.

    Can't say what may be best for fit... To each his own. Just have fun if you can and try to set your mind to totally go for it, or get something regional or even local(not easy) to be closer to home.
     
  9. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Utah's DIXIE!
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    That is really a personal decision. I've known folks in their 70's that seemed better off than some in their 40's.

    It is much more a matter of your mental and physical condition, than of your cronological condition!;)

    From what you have posted, I'd say GO FOR IT!

    Good Luck!:biggrin_25519:
     
  10. TrooperRat

    TrooperRat Medium Load Member

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    Dec 29, 2007
    Phoenix, AZ
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    We have a driver that started in 1955 - yes, he started driving in 1955 - and is still driving today at 75. He's in excellent health and still moves around like anyone else. Age may not be as important a factor as much as how much of the lifestyle you can tolerate. It's not the easiest profession on earth - though all the people that have NEVER done it will tell you it IS!! lol
     
    moonshadow Thanks this.
  11. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Mississippi
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    I worked at SRT when they hired a guy that was 66 and had just completed school.

    I guess the answer to your question is, How old do you feel?
     
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