44 yr old new driver - can i find a job???

I was 56 when I went through Driving School (and was the oldest student there) and the subject of age never even came up when I started applying to different companies. I got on with a tanker outfit shortly after graduation and it's been a great experience. I am the top revenue producer out of my terminal - probably because I don't need to go home as often as the younger drivers.

Don't let age concerns hold you back. Age is exactly why I drive a truck. I found that age discrimination prevented me from getting a job in the technical career I had previously been in, but if you can pass the physical, it's not an issue in a truck.

 

According to posts on this website,

it seems as though about half the residents of Ohio now have a CDL.

You Sir, shall fit right in !!!!!!!

The problem however, may be in finding a GOOD job...........


But as always,

I wish you Good Luck !!!!!

 

I started trucking at 43. Now I have a local job making $1000 a week, much more if I want to do overtime. Health is more of a concern than age.

 

I'm starting trucking at 50,my brother at 52.

 

I am 49 and I am starting school next week.

 

I was in my late 40s when I got started and had no probloms finding work, I also have a clean MVR and work history and it's easy to find Co interested in me. (not saying I'm interested in them)so you shouldn't have a problem Go for it, BOL

PS when ya see my grandma in Lima tell I said hi!

 

I think a lot of drivers start at your age. You have a pretty good record and should have no problem at all (according to what you tell us) getting a GOOD trucking job. You should have the upper hand that's for sure. Stay away from the mega-carriers! Find yourself a good small to medium sized company. Take your time and do your homework. Don't follow the rest of the herd. You are going to want to find the companies that aren't advertising as much and maybe employ less than 3-4 recruiters. Make yourself a check list as to what your wants and needs are. Start visiting different companies websites and see what they have to offer and what their criteria is. The OOIDA website could be helpful in finding some reputable companies. Websites like careers in gear or big rig jobs may have a few too. One main reason for steering away from the huge companies is going to be your dispatcher. Your dispatcher is your bread and butter. Your dispatcher is also responsible for drivers other than you. At the large companies they can be responsible for 100 drivers. This is where you become a number in a stack of drivers waiting for work. At the smaller places your dispatcher is going to be more of a business partner and will realize that your succession will be his/hers also. If you have a problem it is going to be more of a one on one situation and will most likely be resolved to help the both of you. More of a family like atmosphere. Now with that being said you don't want a two truck company either in which you will be crossing your fingers to get paid every week. This is why I had said small to medium. A company with lets just say around 100 trucks is going to be able to keep you busy and is also probably a little more established with a good solid customer base and knowledgeable brokers. I hope this all makes good sense to you. I think you are in a good position (and location) to get out there and make some money. Good luck to you on your endeavor and welcome to the forum. Please feel free to ask all of us questions or concerns.

 

I am 57 and was hired by a small trucking firm the same week I finished the Community College program. Age is not an issue with the trucking companies, experience driving is what they are looking for. And a clean driving record and clean criminal record---that will put you on the top of their pile of resumes, but below those with experience.

About 20 % of the job listings on my state's Workforce Development web site do not require any experience. Check out your state operated Employment Service and see what openings there are and what experience is wanted. Many want 1 yr of experience, some want 6 mos, some want 2 yrs...the more experience the higher the pay. Many of the higher paid drivers are the older drivers as they excellent driving records.

I have my tanker and hazardous materials endorsements so I can haul fuel, van, food grade tankers, anything there is to haul. Everyone seems to need food and fuel, and someone has to haul it to them!!!

The only endorsement I have not gotten is for double and triples, and I could get that easily if I needed it, but I figure the companies are going to want me to have some experience pulling them, and I do not have any and don't see myself getting any in the near future, besides those are the first trailers to go in the ditch when there is ice or snow, so you know to slow down when you see them there!!!

I do not see any evidence of age discrimination with most trucking companies...in fact I think they prefer older drivers, if they find them with clean driving records and clean criminal records.

There is such a demand for drivers that you will see crazy ads like, "no more than 10 jobs in the past 2 years" What?? Yes, I really saw that ad. Or "no felony in the past 5 years" , etc. Most of this is said to be driven by the insurance company that is insuring the driver and company.

Good luck, and I am sure you will do well based on the desription of yourself.