Thinking about getting back out there....

Just thought I'd throw this out there. I have been thinking about getting my CDL again and getting back on the road. May as well start with some background. I am currently 47 years old and I work at a local powdered metal factory in the shipping department. I get pallets ready for shipment and load most of the trucks that come in everyday. I have been here for 15 years. I got my CDL back in 1991 when I went to MTA truck driving school and when I graduated I drove until I started at my current job in 2002. When I was on second shift I would drive for a local company on short runs so I could still make it to the plant by 4pm. The last time I actually drove a commercial vehicle was around 2009. My CDL expired as I needed to get a physical from a certified doctor and I figured since I wasn't using it I let it go. I already contacted PADOT and will have to retake the tests, which I already knew I would. Throughout my years driving I drove for a few local companies which did consist of OTR, Florilli, TRL, Trans Western Express, which by the way was probably the best OTR company I drove for and think they got bought out by Navajo a while ago. I do talk to most of the OTR drivers that come into the plant and usually get a mixed bag of reviews from them as you all know, what might be right for some may not be right for others. Some say to stay where I am and others say go for it. I do like this job but it is like any other, it has its ups and downs too. I know I could make more money driving for sure. Since I do have 11 years previous driving experience I would know what to expect out there. Any suggestions or comments are welcome.

 

So true Chinatown, I even asked a few who said it was a bad idea that same question. I know you have to take the good with the bad and there are things I don't miss like road construction, NYC, winter driving

 

Dang, I bumped the post reply button and cut myself off mid-sentence, so here is the rest... winter driving and the like but the good outweighs the bad I think.

 

Dang, I bumped the post reply button and cut myself off mid-sentence, so here is the rest... winter driving and the like but the good outweighs the bad I think.

 

Sorry about the double post, I'm using my tablet and it is a bit touchy, plus, I'm not used to posting stuff with it. Anyway, thanks for the info Chinatown, there are a few places not too far away and I plan on researching them. If I do decide to pull the trigger I'm sure I could get back on with the last local company I was with since they are always looking for driver's, but not real keen on jumping back into flatbeds.

 

Yeah, know what you mean, all the bigger companies want recent experience or it's like starting over again. I'm not too fond of going with a trainer either but it is what it is.