Old Guy Starting Over

Hi guys, I am 63 years old, and mama told me to get out of the rocking chair and go to work, its Christmas. So guess what? Iam a 30 year flat-bedder after 10 years of semi being retired. Going to work for a flatbed outfit.

 

Well Jim, Wecome to the forum. Do you have a company you plan on running with yet?

 

welcome and good luck

 

Hey all! I'm 52 and it's encouraging to hear there are a number of people who have the same idea / started around the same age. I am about to contact a community college (hour drive) about taking CDL training. In the mean time I'm scouring the web, looking for information / advice / tips that might help me make the right choices / decisions. So far, this looks like a great place to find it! I didn't want to start a new thread, since this one pretty much describes my situation too!

 

Welcome Outdoorsman, This is the place to be to get all the info you will need.
Good Luck

 

I was concerned that there would be a bias against us older guys....so far, I don't see it. A bigger concern is ability...that encompasses a lot of health issues. After a few dozen years, we older guys are more likely to have added pounds, added prescriptions..got stiff joints etc.
Sleep apnea, body mass index...work record. These are all things that plague us. I'm finding some companies don't want you if you've been unemployed more than a couple of months! That is amazing to me. This country has suffered with an unemployment rate of 9 to 17%...I am one of them and have decided to trash the old career and start a new one behind the wheel. For me it's a fresh start...my responsible side tells me to go for a regional job...home every weekend....but the kid in me says...go OTR ...live the life...see this great country. How about you?


Markus

 

So I at a community college trucking school..finished my 80 hours of classroom...now, waiting for time in the truck. The state DMV is running behind on road tests...so mine's not scheduled until December 5th...I was hoping to be in orientation by then. I'm looking at Schneider, Roehl,Stevens, and Prime. I am thinking that a refer might be for me...since the nation's economy seems shaky....but we always need food and medicine....can do without washer and dryer if we have to.what do you think?



Markus

 

Well it looks like I am in the right place. I am 49 and start CDL school at Napier in Hamilton OHIO on Febuary 13TH. I hope to find a job running west. I ran a business for 27 years and went belly up due to economy. But I figured with a clean record and good driving record, I could make a go of Trucking. I am single with no kids. I have put my life in storage and sold off everything but my pickup. So I can live on the road for that first couple years and not have to worry about bills back home. I hope I am doing what I have to be the flexible driver that companies are wanting. It seems to me , that if your willing to live in a truck and hotels for the first year with minimal bills you have a better chance of making it. So am I on the right track in my thinking?

 

I don't know, Roy. The converse of that is that the individual doesn't have anything to live for, so that makes him a risk. I'd keep my personal life to myself.

Welcome to all......51 and starting over too.....

 

I've just finished my third month on the road and I started when I was 57. I didn't go to a school but got a buddy to teach me on a couple weekends. I only went for one job interview and the driving test was the first time I drove a truck with a sleeper and 18 speed. Scared sheetless but I did ok. I ran with a trainer for two weeks and then was cut loose on my own. Being an older guy brings some life experiences and care , caution and patience that I wouldn't have had when I was younger. I run 5 days a week and try to be home Thursday night and make my deliveries and reload Friday. I'm averaging close to $5000 a month, drive a new large car, pull a step deck and I'm always available for a overwidth, tarped or hot loads. I'm not afraid to go to New york or any where else but I do hole up if the roads aren't clear as it doesn't matter if I take an extra day(hot loads are different but I'm very careful of weather before I commit). I can tell you that I went from 230 down to 205 as step deck securement is hardwork- especially when you get up over twenty straps and chains for a load. I enjoy getting up early, fuelling, showering having a good breakfast(at least McD) going for a walk and being on the road by 5 am.
I would never encourage my boys to join this lifestyle but for a retired office worker- I'm having alot of fun.

Being at home, i was withdrawing about $300 a week for gas and entertainment etc. On the road, I stop at a grocery store and pick up what I need and other than breakfasts I spend very little. I never spend more than $80 a week.
I try to learn something new every chance I get. I will help drivers tarp their load while I'm waiting and I check out there securement so I get mine right. I walk around the equipment haulers and see if I can get new ideas. Being willing to look listen and learn is the most important thing I can do if I want to be successful.
Good luck in your career.