Is 51 too old to be a newbie (and to get hired?)

I started driving after spending 20+ years in the IT business. Just burned out and decided to do something I'd always wanted to do. Got schooled, drove solo for a well-known trucking company for a few months to gain practical experience then got picked up by a local company with it's own fleet hauling out it's own product.

Would I suggest trucking for a younger person with their whole life ahead, family, kids, a couple of dogs? Well, probably not. But for us older, more "mature" folks, I think it can work well for a change in the career track...

Good luck to you guys!

 

IdahoGoast - I agree with you. I am thankful that I am getting into at a later time in life! I don't know if I can make OTR a lifestyle until I retire, but I know that the next few years should be a kick in the butt!

Markman (I think that is right) - I think that all they will want from self-employment is your Schedule C's for the last three years. Anyway that is what Swift and May wanted from me.

 

I was 60 when I went thru initial training. If you're not unloading (lumping) freight, driving is physically no big deal. I do not EVER touch freight, not matter what the company says/wants. I don't "chain up" either.

When I went thru Schneider training academy there was a husband/wife couple that were in their early 70's and going "out" for the first time in their lives.

Then there is the little scrawny guy (weighs about 100 pounds) who is driving for Schaffer (part of Crete) that is 82 years old!!!! I've met him. He's all of 5'4" or 5'5" tall!!!

GO FOR IT!!

Boo

 

You don't chain up and live in CO? Guess you don't go home in the winter...

 

Murkman, I am kinda in the same boat you are. My first post here so I'll say hi to all and thanks for having me aboard everyone. I'm 47 and have about 20 years in the IT business like IdahoGhost. I was feelin a little aprehensive about truck driving but this thread really put my mind at ease! My plan is to purchase a rig with cash outright in a few years and get some training for CDL. Not real sure what to do after that, work for a company or find my own loads. I have a lot to learn. I'm not concerned too much about money as long as I can maintain the truck and eat . Seems like a great business model for a retired person.

 

Greetings from over the hill (Salt Lake), Smokewagon ...

I just noticed you where from not-so-far-away and was curious as to which school your signed on with. I was also curious about Watkins and what makes them your first choice. I'm not familiar with them except (with a little help from google) that they're based in Missoula. Do they run out of SLC?

Thanks for starting the thread Murkman - I was about to start a similar thread when this one popped up as a "related" thread.

I too am a 50s wannabe and became more and more relieved as I kept reading. I noticed a few IT burnout along the way too... man, I can relate to that! (I've been writing software since 82 ... yeah, some of you may remember the Apple II and original IBM PC. Oh well, I digress.

Good to see so many 50s come out of the woodwork in this thread.

 

Thanks everyone for this thread. I will be joining you on the road when I turn 51. (In 10 years). I would be out there now but I have been in the same job for 20 years and only have 10 more to go before I can retire. Everyone says I would be stupid to give it up when I am so close to retirement. I don't know...is 10 years close? Depends on who you talk to I guess.

 

LMAO if it is...I am in deep DO DO I always think if you can do what is required...age is not an issue...when it comes down you not being able to function in a safe manner..hang up the keys...Safety is the main factor!!

 

I,m 51, just turned down several gigs for watever reason, one even had a 5 yr exp requirment, but they waived it b/cause of my age and mvr record, as I only have 15 mos otr, most of your better companies will take older rather than younger, but I understand the young guys need to get thier exp too, although some of the younger ones imho don't need to be on the road at all, let alone in a 80000 rig