To make a long story short

72 years old...

 

Age is not an issue in the trucking industry, as long as you can physically do the job. At 56, that should not be a problem. I have a friend that is 78, and still rolling.

As far as going out with another Trainer...yes, you probably will have to. Don't take it personal...

Most companies (the larger, and best paying ones) will put you with a Trainer unless you have been on the road for a year. You might find one that will only ask for 6 months, but more than likely, one year.

You can learn how to drive a truck in no time at all...but the "real time" experience you get is a treasure. The learning goes on, and on, and on.
Trucking laws vary from State to State, and are always changing. Trucks change. There's something to be learned everyday, no matter how long you've been on the road. (That goes for ALL of us.)

It won't be bad. You'll get through the training time and be on your way Solo in no time at all. Time passes quickly on the road.

 

age is only a number. a driver at my company is in his 70's and retired but he handles the daily demand of the job. if this is something you really want to do then you will find a way and make it work out. good luck.

 

We have a driver that has been flat bedding over 40 years.

 

flatbedding is tough enough but for 40 years. that's amazing.

 

Heck of a nice guy. I have talked with him several times. They had an article about him in the magazine they send us. He was talking about when he started trucking before the CB's were popular how drivers would communicate if the scales were open by holding up a hand. Closed fist meant closed open hand was open. This guy could write a book on how trucking has changed. Drivers could learn a lot from him. I have never loaded beside him, but they tell me he is fast at loading and securing and slinging tarps.

 

that there is the kind of driver i don't mind chatting with, knowledgeable with tons of useful info. i bet he has got some good stories and i could learn alot from him.

 

Him and I both had our trucks in for repairs one time. Mav got us seperate hotel rooms while we waited. I was talking with him the next day down in the lobby. I really enjoyed talking with him. He has a lot to say, and is the type of person that is easy to listen too.

 

that is some valued info that is nice to get. i wish every new driver would sit down or take their time to listen to some seasoned drivers. there is some good info out there that they are more than happy to share. not every driver can teach you something but there is still the elite drivers that do. after all these years i still learn from time to time.