Around 2000 my employer needed on-site drivers, so had a local truck driving school push a few of us through ASAP to get a CDL. Training was mostly driving with the trainer and 2 coworkers for one week, then road test. Got the CDL, then for approx 5yr did an onsite drop/hook 2-4X a week, with lots of backing into truckbays (they needed shipments brought in/out of the facility). Therefore not extensive experience, and haven't driven in nearly 10yr.
Since getting the CDL, always interested in trying real driving. To keep benefits, retired recently at age 56. Considering driving now, along with a couple other options. I know it's a hard life, but think my background may allow me to handle it OK. I haven't been a "driver", but familiar with what it's like to drive a truck. Worked rotating 12HR shifts/wkds/holidays, so understand what odd hours are like. Being away from home/alone not a problem. And finally, I assume my long and successful career in a demanding industry would interest a trucking recruiter.
My goal is to drive for a firm 5" from here, and has a good reputation with drivers. Not looking for top dollar -a good company that cares more about their drivers is important. Ideally end up with a regular/routine 1-2 day run. I plan to ask their recruiter what I need to do to get hired. Any advice regarding the following would be appreciated:
-What refresher training, or "re-initial" training will I probably need, and what's the best way to get it?
-How to minimize any time spent OTR to qualify for a good local/regional position.
-Any other advice. Go ahead and try to talk me out of it if that's what you want to do!
Thanks for your time.
Age 56, have CDL but minimal training and experience
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by WindshieldTime, Aug 13, 2014.
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Hi Windshield, I think you are in an excellent position for an exciting( as if) career in trucking. You have more than enough experience and understand what it is about. It's one of the few jobs nowadays that cater to older people. (we can't all be Wal-Mart greeters). You may have to do a "refresher" course, for ins. reasons, but companies will handle that for you. I only try and talk younger people out of trucking, as opportunities become less and less for unskilled workers, these people think about trucking because they are out of options, and quickly find out, it's not for them.
Unfortunately, probably 3/4 of the jobs available are OTR, and very few local gigs surface, but they do come up. Again, be skeptical of what a recruiter tells you, their job is to promise you the moon to get you in. It's best to talk with the drivers of that company, you'll get a much more accurate description of the job. Good luck, I say, go for it.
WindshieldTime Thanks this. -
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