Am I Too Old

Being in the mid 80s myself, I can speak from experience. It varies with different companies. Some will hire no matter what age as long as you pass the physical, some will "use" the excuse that their insurance will not permit them to hire past a certain age. I just left a company and was told that once they take me off the payroll the insurance will not allow me to come back, but as long as I stay they will not "kick me off".

 

That is encouraging. I'm 45 and thinking of getting mine. Was worried about the DOT physical.

 

Sounds great!

 

I started driving at 59. In my case, the advanced age was an asset.

 

Apparently someone thinks advanced age is akin to background issues. I think an older driver who is still in good health would be a better driver than a younger guy/gal with much less life experience. But, haven’t been a trucker yet, so I could be wrong.

 

Can’t be a cutoff age. That’s age discrimination. That is what the physical is for...to rule out those unfit to drive for a living. I have known guys in their 80s that could easily still drive professionally based on mental acuity, hearing, and reflexes.

 

I posted a comment before reading this that I thought it would be an asset.

 

What does it have to do with the age of the person. Lots of new drivers get jobs with great companies. If you want me to believe that EVERY CDL graduate’s first job is with a bottom feeder company, sell that garbage to someone else. I am not that dumb. Good try at a clean up, though.

 

It does qualify as age discrimination. There is no cutoff for holding any license. That is what doctors and physicals are for. There is no specific age when a person definitely becomes unfit to do any job. Some it’s 50 and some it’s closer to 100, maybe even over. The DOT physical decides 2hen a driver needs to hang it up.

 

That really is age discrimination. If a person passes the physical, then age is not a factor. That is trying to use age like it is a background blemish. EEOC has ruled that unlawful discrimination.