Can a 50+ year old ng make it in trucking?

Why not? Many older workers make better workers anyway. Making it or not in trucking is more of a psychological challenge than a physical one anyway.

 

I sure hope so, I'm 50 + 2.

 

Check out the AARP website . They have several major employers working with a program employee older workers . One of them is Schneider National . I'm not recommending Schneider , just using that example to show there are opportunities for people your age .

 

Yup. Just do your homework and get good training without going into major debt, and find a good company to start with. I'm 53 and started in flatbed this year. It's a workout, but that's one of the things that attracted me to it. Also, make sure your family and home are behind you, because it's no fun on the road if things aren't solid at home.

 

Heck, we have a flatbedder that is in his 70's. He has been flatbedding for 40 some years. I was just talking to one of our drivers tho and he said they pulled him off the road and created a position for him in the office. The driver said he was costing us a lot in phsyicals. Said he was having to take one about every other month.

 

At 37 I am the young pup at my terminal

we have 5 guys in their 70's

and no fewer than 50 guys in their 60's


Trucking is the type of industry where you can work as long as your helath holds up.

 

Age is not really a factor as long as you are, as you say, in good health. Some companies even prefer the older driver, as we are in a different generation who understands the meaning of WORK. You should not have a problem at ALL. I would recommend a good look at Schneider. They have an excellent reputation. I have never spoken to an unhappy "Pumpkin Hauler". I am sure there ARE some, as even the best companies have their share of winers.
Best of luck to you, and keep us posted on your progress!

 

It will be quite a culture shock to begin with but you can make it. Try to get on with one of the less known companies and stay there for at least a year. Depending on where you live, you might try May or Gordon. One thing that can be tough at our age (I'm 53) is that most of your management will be a lot younger than you. Many trucking company managers now are hired on the basis of their having a college degree and not on trucking experience. You just have to grin and bear it. When looking at a company to go to work for, ask the recruiter what their turnover rate is. In the trucking industry anything below 60% is pretty good. Some companies rate is over 200%. Good luck out there.