Start a new career in trucking????

First let me say welcome to the site! As far as being to old. Not as long as you can pass the DOT requirements. Many drivers start late after they have retired from another line of work. Some tend to lean towards the no touch freight companies. Sorry I can't help you with the school questions. You are not in my neck of the woods, but someone else may have some input for you. Good Luck!

 

Welcome to the site harleybob. I am also retireing from my current job this year, and persuing a second career as a truck driver to supplement my pension. I've been working on an assembly line building cars for GM for 30 years, and have had enough with working in a factory. I turn 50 this august, and have always wanted to give trucking a shot, and this will be the perfect time for me to do it. Age should not be a problem, as long as you can pass a DOT physical. Actually, our age is a plus in this industry, if you have a clean driving record. I've been driving for 33 years without an accident or any tickets. Also, doing research is very important. I've been doing it for the last year, and it has really opened my eyes to the industry. Boards like this one and others, have really pointed me in the right direction, especially which companies to avoid! So if you have that burning desire to drive a truck...like I do...and if your wife approves...mine is behind me 100%...go for it! You only live once. Best of luck to you. BTW...I have a shovelhead..."84 Superglide

 

The plan is to retire from GM July 1st, take the rest of the year off to fish and deer hunt, then go to a community college here in Delaware for my cdl, sometime next january or february. They are PTDI certified, and offer an 8 week course for $3,400. The best part is that GM will pay $1,500 towards the tuition for retirees. I aready have my part saved up.

 

Welcome to the forum, glad you joined us.

 

welcome to the forum bob. glad you joined us..

 

I believe that as far as homtime is concerned, it really doesn't matter if you live near a terminal. Although, it does give you a secure place to park your truck when you do get hometime. But living near your companies freight lanes is a big plus.