To Old to begin trucking ?

I work as an independent contractor for various vehicle driveaway companies here in Canada. I drive where I want and when I want simply by choosing from the assignments available. I would probably still be at the company with the great GM from my story if the company had not been a victim of the past recession. I have found my niche but I had to work for 3 companies before I found it.

if you have physical limitations or only want to work part-time you might want to check out a shuttle or Driveaway company. Sorry, I can't give you any specifics because I don't know any of the companies in Kansas.

 

Hi Sportz, actually, you are probably at the best age to start driving. Let's face it, we can't all be Wal-Mart greeters. You probably don't have a lot of the problems that plague younger drivers, and carriers know that. Certain trucking jobs are more labor intensive than others. Flatbed is probably the hardest, and tanker or dump is usually the least. Van or reefer can be challenging, just because there are so many variables. I've driven all my life, and tanker yanker was probably my favorite job (except hazardous stuff). Trouble is, the majority of trucking jobs today involve van or reefer OTR, and unless you are able to commit to that lifestyle, you may have a problem. Good luck.

 

Older drivers are actually more sought after for a number of reasons. Older drivers tend to be more reliable with a stronger work ethic than many younger workers. Older drivers also tend to know how to pace themselves and have a can do attitude. While there has been talk of not allowing drivers to have a CDL after 68 (which would be a mistake), you can currently continue to drive as long as you can pass the dot medical exam. I have met a number of drivers in their 70's and 80's who are in good shape and still working. Not everyone wants to retire and fish or play golf.

 

Nothing wrong with unloading a trailer.. Helps keep you in shape. I work for Old Dominion and we unload between 7-8 times a day.. Plus we have a pallet jack..

 

Now That's a real company - can you name the outfit?

 

All drivers must have their DOT medical certificate completed by a doctor who is on the National Registry. If you get your DOT medical certificate renewed by someone that is not on the National Registry it is no good and cannot be accepted by any commercial carrier.

 

Heck no! Go for it.

 

Get a little experience then go to Mercer dry van. Full of old folks like us.

 

Too old. You been getting by for 57 years now you want to drive a truck. Your not going to like it. And when you realize it you've already wasted 2-4 years of your life.

 

Hi Winkjr, actually I know exactly where Sportzfann is coming from. There are actually very few opportunities for an older individual nowadays. I struggle with this, as well. I'm 59 and too young to retire, and personally don't want to drive anymore, and there's not much out there. Except for fast food and a few customer service jobs, generally, companies don't want to hire older people, because they know they won't be around long. Trucking makes a lot of sense for older people, as they don't have the hassles like younger people do.( kids, big bills, crabby wives etc)