How many started truck driving at the age of 50+?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BobbyMisc65, Jan 14, 2015.

  1. Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

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    One of the great facts of CDL driving is that it is 100% performance based. No age, sex, or race discrimination. And once you're rolling down the road with a load on there's no office politics, either. I drove 4 years in my 40's, and now 3 years late 60's until now, 71. I am perfectly able to do the things I need to do to safely and effectively pick up and deliver my cargo, run my truck, and take care of myself. No meds, good diet and exercise, and lots of good, hard work keep me healthy. Happy? When my shippers and consignees get me out in less than an hour!
     
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  3. Moon_beam

    Moon_beam Heavy Load Member

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    Entered truck driving school at 47 now 58. Only job I know of that with no experience a 50 year old applicant would be looked at more favorably than a 35 or 40 year. Old applicant would be.
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2015
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  4. BobbyMisc65

    BobbyMisc65 Light Load Member

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    Well my life story would require popcorn... with butter :biggrin_25523:, but actually I've been retired from the Army for a long while; have always wanted to drive a rig; got my CDL in 2011; started driving one day; found out I had a brain tumor; spent the next 2 years depressed and dealing with PTSD and the itch of driving is still poking me, so yeah... I'm thinking about it again. I thought I may be a little too old to get into it, but have read a lot of really good responses!
    Thanks bigdog!
     
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  5. BobbyMisc65

    BobbyMisc65 Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the comment. Actually been retired for quite a while now and find that I really want to be productive and do something I have wanted since a young boy. I realize trucking or any job for that matter can be stressful, which is one reason why I'm asking this question also the medical stuff you mentioned. Thanks again.
     
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  6. slim shady

    slim shady Road Train Member

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    First go around started @22 drove about 11yrs.
    Quit went back to carpentry for 17-18 yrs.
    Economy tanked , so at age 50 trucking fit my needs been back for 3+ yrs now
     
  7. BobbyMisc65

    BobbyMisc65 Light Load Member

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    How's it been going for you? Do you like the driving?
     
  8. BobbyMisc65

    BobbyMisc65 Light Load Member

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    That I like.
     
  9. BobbyMisc65

    BobbyMisc65 Light Load Member

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    Well said!
     
  10. BobbyMisc65

    BobbyMisc65 Light Load Member

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    [QUOTE="semi" retired;4412072]Hi BobbyMisc, actually, 50 is a good age to start trucking. Many of life's hassles are behind you, and you can focus better. (kids and wife nagging you to get home) It's one of the few industries where older people are welcomed, as I'm 60 and am finding out no one wants to hire me in a non-trucking job. Be advised, however, it's not the most physically demanding job, the truck does most of the work, you just keep it on the road, but there will be times, you will have to do some physical labor, restacking pallets, dragging hoses around, ( flatbed is VERY demanding),depending on what you go into. Also remember, you drive all day(or night) EVERY day (or night) and just be sure you are ready for that. Good luck.[/QUOTE]

    Thanks Simi!
     
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  11. cforestr

    cforestr Light Load Member

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    I'm 60 right now, and eligible for full retirement from teaching the last 28 years. I'll hopefully be starting in June. I drove while in my 20's, spent 6 years with Greyhound in the early 80's, going to give it another crack since I'm healthy.
     
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