Before calling their recruiter, i have a few general questions: 1. is it reasonable to talk to TMC drivers at the truck stops, rest areas? 2. is 60 "too old" to start in the trucking industry? 3. Please provide some input on "best places to live", wrt TMC. I will be selling my Maryland farm, and willing to move "anywhere." I presume this is benefit when it comes to loads. Logic suggest that hauling machinery and stuff is better to live in Iowa than to live in Florida. thanks
1. Yes. Actually that's the best way to get info. 2. No, but consider that flatbed IS a lot of physical work. 3. I don't know but the drivers you talk to may have info on this.
heard florida trucking market is not too good. texas might be another option. just stay with dry van, reefer, or if you want a little fun, just do tanker or haul cattle. funny but some of the drivers just wont open their doors for anything, their butts are glued into the chair (or just wanted to be left alone) so best if you find someone that is already standing outside to talk to
Being 60 isn't too old for trucking, but it's probably too old for flatbed work unless you're in amazing physical condition and plan on staying that way for the next 10 years. I got into trucking at 55 doing dry van and reefer, and some days it's too physical for me after I sat behind a desk for 30 years. As far as where to live, that's a tough one. If you don't care where you wind up I'd pick a state with weather you enjoy and low taxes. You won't make much driving for the first couple years at least, so pick a place you can afford.
60 to old? Then there will be only the young uns out there who are in a hurry. If you made it to 60 they know you might not be in a hurry and will just get in line instead of trying to but into the front of the line since we seen the front and do not worry about that junk anymore. We have a slow and steady outlook which to me is golden.
60 is fine for trucking. If you're willing to relocate, move to a state with no personal income taxes, such as Nevada, Texas, Tennessee. Food isn't taxed in Nevada either. Plenty of flatbed work or any other type trucking work in those states.
1. Yes, that's a great way to get info. 2. No, but make sure you can handle the physical aspect and take the weather in consideration. 3. According to the info we recently received from TMC, their best freight lanes are in the midwest (Ohio, Illinois). We are in TX, and don't think it's going pretty well.
