Does a 64 year old new trucker stand a chance of getting hired on as a company driver

Living in MS, go to a community college CDL school. After school you will have many choices of good companies to choose from and make some good money. Here are a few companies that will hire you right out of school and benefit you living in MS or TX.

SVTN
CTL
Schneider tanker division
Howard Transportation
Ozark Motor Lines
Superior-Carriers

 

Hey Newbie, I'm 63 and just retired from 42 years as a Helicopter Pilot and am a recent school graduate . I think I can answer your questions:
1. Get your permit and medical from your residence state. You'll find for most jobs that is a requirement, that you be a resident of the state your license is in. Also,GET YOUR ENDORSEMENTS and TWIC, it does make a difference for many companies!
2. You have 3 options on a school:
A. Company schools want to finance you at high rates, you owe them 1 to 2 years, and finance charges are HIGH. PLUS if you don't complete the school you will still owe them money. You will give them authorization to attach any property you own if you don't pay.
B. Quickie schools (Like Roadmaster) will promise you a CDL in 3 weeks. You'll owe roughly $7,000.00 (if they finance) at 18 to 20%.If you don't make the school you will be out of work plus owe 10 to 12 thousand as penalties and interest mounts up. In addition you have to learn the backing maneuvers in just a few hours, you'll get very few miles driving in the local area, and you'll know only enough to get you in trouble on the road.
C. Community College/Vocational Schools: You'll pay CASH up front of about $2,900.00 for 8 to 9 weeks of training, you'll get over a thousand miles of driving (I got 1,003) anywhere in the state the instructor wants to go; you'll get two to three weeks intensive PTI's (Pre Trip Inspections) which are important, as your graduation certificate will have your grade on it. Some good companies hire new drivers with no less than 96 % on your Vehicle PTI Test. Also, we got 3 weeks backing practice before the first test, and they were necessary. Some of the young guys got it quick, but I needed the whole three weeks before I was comfortable with it.
On top of that a Von Tech will have recruiter reps from 20 to 25 companies compared to 3 or 4 for Roadmaster.BTW, Roadmaster is owned by Werner, so guess who they'll push?
3. I only sent out two applications and both companies want to hire me. There is a Caveat here: I was at a company where a young driver said he wants $50,000 a year but wants to be home nights and weekends. I know I have to pay my dues, so I'll go out as much as needed for the first two years.
Also, if you get a Hazmat/Tanker endorsement I understand those pay the best after I get a little experience.
4. I could only fly as a Captain until 65, but there are drivers and Driver Instructors I've met who were 70-71. That's one of the reasons I picked Trucking. It won't be a lot, but if I keep the "Left Door Closed" and stay OTR for a couple of years the money is still good. Like you, I won't stay home and watch the boob tube until I croak.
5.Companies offered me .25 CPM up to .32 CPM, but I'm picking a company with lots of miles at .25 over a company offering a little bit of miles at .32.
Also, one company offered me 21% of the load. Found out I would be making 10 to 12 trips between cement plants with small miles and I had to load and unload the cement myself using pressurized hose.
I went through one company orientation where 11 drivers showed up, but 4 drivers failed a "Strength and Agility" test we weren't told about, and one driver failed the road test.
I'm 63 and passed, but I don't drink or smoke, and the 4 that failed were 2 late 20's and 2 late 40's.They really needed those jobs, and I have an issue with that company. Don't plan on taking that job.
I hope some of this helps you out.

 

Study the "CDL Practice Tests" accessed at the top of this page. They are the same questions the DMV uses.

 

Met a driver last week he was in his early 70's he had just started with this company . I'm 64 started driving in 07 wish I'd started years ago. Good luck with it

 

Job is tidy - all questions answered - carry on folks.
My neighbor is 74 and wrestles cattle/fixes fences/general contracts - nothing holding you back chief.

 

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...ools/231751-counting-the-costs-of-school.html

There is some information here that may help you as well.

 

Thanks for this, I also need this info.

 

NEWBIE TYKE,

Another alternative to paying for a high cost school is to find a truck driver that is willing to train you. My dad has taken a few local kids under his wings and helped them get their CDL's from the start. As for seeing the country, there are several small companies in Illinois that will hire a new CDL holder and have them run the buddy system. That means you will follow the trainer around in your own truck. After about 3 months of that you get cut loose to start driving all over.

 

If you would like to work in Texas you could drive in the oilfields. They're always looking for drivers. Some companies will even take you right out of school. I worked with a lot of guys in their 60's and 70's. As long as you can pass your physical you should have no problem. I use to work with a guy who was still driving in his late 80's. The guy was in better shape than I was...LOL.