Too Old?

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by ultrarider, Jul 27, 2011.

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  1. Jul 27, 2011 #1
    ultrarider

    ultrarider Bobtail Member

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    Jul 27, 2011
    Fargo ND
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    Hey folks. I'm in a business right now that I am simply sick of doing. Dealing with customers constantly and I have simply had enough. I'm 60 and have always thought it would be a nice change to drive. I have driven large trucks in the fall during the harvest and loved every minute of it, course these were beet & grain trucks, not 18 wheels. They were however the regular diesel tractors that over the road truckers drive except no sleepers. They are a blast to drive.
    How tough is it gonna be for me to get into the driver seat of an over the road truck, or whatever. I plan to keep working for another 8 to 10 years and I really need to be happy doing something I will like, and I think driving would be great. I don't have a CDL, but have excellent driving history and good health, and a non drinker. I would think there would be room for a guy like me in this industry, despite my age? Thoughts ?
     
    ultrarider, Jul 27, 2011
    ultrarider, Jul 27, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jul 27, 2011 #2
    lil may

    lil may Road Train Member

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    Best of Luck and Welcome to the forum
     
    lil may, Jul 27, 2011
    lil may, Jul 27, 2011
    #2
  4. Jul 27, 2011 #3
    Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

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    Welcome to the forum!
    I don't think you're too old. Talk to a few companies and see what they think.
     
    Gears, Jul 27, 2011
    Gears, Jul 27, 2011
    #3
  5. Jul 27, 2011 #4
    Rubber_Duck

    Rubber_Duck Light Load Member

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    The large fleets seem to be willing to hire anybody who can hold a steering wheel these days. I'd say go for it, but talk to some recruiters first, and/or talk to the people at the CDL training school. If they offer job placement, they'll be familiar with the hiring practices of the fleets they work with. I usually advise people to go to CDL school in early spring. That way they have all summer to build up experience driving a large truck before they encounter winter road conditions for the first time.

    Do not get your CDL through a trucking company. It's best to get it at a community college or reputable truck driving school. The big fleets will only provide the CDL training in exchange for signing a contract that obligates you to drive for them for a given amount of time. It can be anywhere from 6 months to two years. During this period you will be their indentured servant and will not be happy working for them.
     
    Rubber_Duck, Jul 27, 2011
    Rubber_Duck, Jul 27, 2011
    #4
  7. Jul 28, 2011 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Welcome aboard, your age will be a slight hurdle, however you might make it over, just call around...
     
    Allow Me., Jul 28, 2011
    Allow Me., Jul 28, 2011
    #5
  8. Jul 28, 2011 #6
    CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    If you are healthy and can pass a DOT physical, go for it. You are looking at around 3 weeks of school and 6-8 weeks of riding with a trainer before you are on your own.

    With the high turn over rates, most companies are happy if they can get a year out of a driver. I don't think your age would be a factor unless someone is discriminating.

    Welcome to the forum! :)
     
    CondoCruiser, Jul 28, 2011
    CondoCruiser, Jul 28, 2011
    #6
  9. Jul 28, 2011 #7
    Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

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    Your in Fargo?If you want to flatbed,give Wylie a call there,I used to see 60 somethings there all the time...(need 6 months) ex. under your belt though,-I think.
     
    Bumpy, Jul 28, 2011
    Bumpy, Jul 28, 2011
    #7
  10. Jul 28, 2011 #8
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    what under the belt ???
     
    123456, Jul 28, 2011
    123456, Jul 28, 2011
    #8
  11. Jul 28, 2011 #9
    Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

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    Either 6 months EXPERIENCE...Or a six-pack of beer...I forget;as I too,am getting old..:biggrin_25511: Hell,I would go with the beer.:biggrin_25525:
     
    Bumpy, Jul 28, 2011
    Bumpy, Jul 28, 2011
    #9
    123456 Thanks this.
  12. Jul 29, 2011 #10
    Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    Welcome to the party!
     
    Lilbit, Jul 29, 2011
    Lilbit, Jul 29, 2011
    #10
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