Advice for an old noobie?

There's nothing wrong with getting in the game at this point in your life. Seeing as how you've got alot of life experience you should hopefully be able to tell the shinola from the truth.

Don't believe everything the recruiters tell you about the company do some research ask questions. Also the search feature on the forum is a great tool to learn about the different trucking companies.
More than likely your questions have already been asked and answered, but like my dad used to say no question is stupid if you don't know the answer.

So anyway welcome to the forum

 

As long as your record is clean and you have good health then there should be no reason not to hire you. You may run into some smaller companies that may say they're not hiring and you know it's directly related to age but what can you do. But then again if you've been working at the same job for many years that's a great plus and may put you in the running above others.

In today's business the trick is to have a good picture of yourself by way of applications and go outside of what everyone else is doing. A resume can help. Go to a good school then look yourself for a job that you want. Know what to look for before you apply. You know by now there's more to a company than just hauling freight. You want to find out what type of trucking would be good for you and then go for the best that gives you the most. You should look for your first job like you're going to retire from them even if you do not have the years. Find a company that does not have a high turnover rate and one that fits YOU. Let everyone else go to the recruiters and find jobs on-line. Go out and find the job yourself and then you'll never wonder if. Remember most good companies have no need to advertise or the use of recruiters.

 

I sure hope 50's isn't too old - LOL - Hubby just started and I'm following (he just turned 53 and I'm 49) take the advise of the ones above and Welcome to the Forum!!

 

I lost a desk job that I had for 10 years after moving into it by rising up in a small business through the ranks,24 years on the job and the bad economy made it vanish in a matter of a few months.
I started over at age 54 and got into a truck,no reason you can't do the same.
I took a 4 week course for the CDL and was in a truck soon after.

 

Welcome to the board Dinosaur! I took my first peek at this old world in December 1953. Went to truckin' school just last May. Been driving solo since August. Lovin' it! Next question? Oldnew...

 

I am 57 and just started.. just know what your getting into isn't all wine and roses unless you haul from an wine and roses company. Hahahahah

 

Trucking is one industry that doesn't secretly discriminate against age. As long as you have good health, you'll do just fine. The first year is tough financially until you earn your stripes and get the school paid off. Good Luck!

 

I'm 53, and I start school at my local community college next Monday. I had to think about it long and hard, and went back and forth a couple of times, but finally decided it's worth a shot. Ya won't know until you try it!

My advice, based on my own situation and age...if you want to try it, and you can accept the risk of not knowing how it'll work out, go for it! But...have a plan B in case it doesn't work out, 'cause it seems like there are a lot of folks that jump in with no backup, and wind up in some bad situations because of it. I think if you have choices, you'll make better decisions when the poo hits the fan, rather than having your back against the wall.

Take some time to read the threads at this site; it's all laid out here in black and white.

And by all means, find a community college or tech school to get your license, rather than signing up for company training. When you get your license, then you can decide who you want to work for, rather than having to commit to the whole deal up front.

Good luck!