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Hanging it up after 42 years trucking

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by marmonman, Apr 17, 2023.

Page 1 of 6
  1. Apr 17, 2023 #1
    marmonman

    marmonman Road Train Member

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    central illinois
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    Well after 42 years of trucking and 36 as a owner op I have hung it up.
    I made it without ever having used a ELD or driven a automatic.
    Yes I know I sound like a grouchy old man!
    I said my old Marmon would be my last truck and we made it to the end together .
    I started with my last outfit in 1995 and said it was my last outfit and we made it to the end together.

    I was planning on driving until I made 50 years.
    I was looking at everything going on and I just don't think I have the will left to fight through another trucking crash and fuel spike.
    I just decided enough is enough and I want to just kick back and enjoy the time I have left.

    It is a lot harder than I thought it would be not going to lie. I must be getting soft because it brings a tear to eye when I think of not being out and about in my truck (I have had this same one for 21 years).
    I have kept my CDL but did opt out of the whole physical thing so I can still drive intrastate if I want.
    The most I will probably do is haul a load of corn or beans into town for a farmer once in awhile.

    I have not been able to bring myself to clean out the truck yet.
    I turned in my lease and took off the decals the last of March so it has only been a couple of weeks but man its more than I bargained for mentally.
    Did I mention that I loved my job and trucking in general even after all these years.

    I will still be on here even I don't have much to say. My old tuck will be for sale when I can get myself to clean her out.
    When you see a 97 Marmon in the for-sale section you will know I got it done LOL.

    With all that being said it has been a good ride allot of hard work and plenty of rough times but many more great times.
     
    marmonman, Apr 17, 2023
    marmonman, Apr 17, 2023
    #1
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  3. Apr 17, 2023 #2
    Jubal Early Times

    Jubal Early Times Road Train Member

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    Hey buddy! Preciate all the years you’ve pushed that old diesel down the road. My hat is off to you, enjoy what comes next. You’ve earned it!
     
    Jubal Early Times, Apr 17, 2023
    Jubal Early Times, Apr 17, 2023
    #2
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  4. Apr 17, 2023 #3
    NH Guy

    NH Guy Medium Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2023
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    Hope you enjoy your retirement. If you are still itchy to get on the road maybe you can buy a trailer and turn it into an RV? Find a nice place to park for a few weeks until you get the itch back then pull up stakes and roll again. Dont like the snow? Go down south, gets too hot in the summer then head up north and find some nice mountain scenery.
     
    NH Guy, Apr 17, 2023
    NH Guy, Apr 17, 2023
    #3
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  5. Apr 17, 2023 #4
    Val_Caldera

    Val_Caldera Road Train Member

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    TARHEEL
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    Grouchy? Not a Bit!
    Lots of Drivers had the same ideas yet didn't stop or were stopped by crashes/wrecks/fatalities.
    Your Higher Self is doing what is right for You and that's all that matters.

    Do As Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law.
    You are in charge of You, as before, so ahead.

    10-2, 10-4, 10-10!! :):cool::D
     
    Val_Caldera, Apr 17, 2023
    Val_Caldera, Apr 17, 2023
    #4
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  7. Apr 17, 2023 #5
    Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

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    WI.
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    great post Mamomman, i’ve been having a really hard time trucking approaching 50 years . it’s been a tough road and the thought of not driving anymore is extremely tough on my mind . I don’t know. My age is caught up to me . it’s become very difficult to do anything. Good luck buddy
     
    Wargames, Apr 17, 2023
    Wargames, Apr 17, 2023
    #5
    marmonman, singlescrewshaker, HoundDog7 and 11 others Thank this.
  8. Apr 17, 2023 #6
    TheLoadOut

    TheLoadOut Road Train Member

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    TheLoadOut, Apr 17, 2023
    TheLoadOut, Apr 17, 2023
    #6
    marmonman, singlescrewshaker, Savor the Flavor and 14 others Thank this.
  9. Apr 17, 2023 #7
    RubyEagle

    RubyEagle Medium Load Member

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    Enjoy a well earned retirement!
     
    RubyEagle, Apr 17, 2023
    RubyEagle, Apr 17, 2023
    #7
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  10. Apr 17, 2023 #8
    tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    Somewhere out West, in my mind.
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    You got across the finish line alive. You did well. Congratulations.
     
    tscottme, Apr 17, 2023
    tscottme, Apr 17, 2023
    #8
    Woodys, marmonman, HoundDog7 and 12 others Thank this.
  11. Apr 17, 2023 #9
    OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

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    Wish you the best in the future, hope you can enjoy your life and not worry about the next curve or stop.

    Things have changed a lot of the years, sometimes I question how long I will hold out myself.

    Keep us posted on the fun things you find to enjoy in the future….
     
    OLDSKOOLERnWV, Apr 17, 2023
    OLDSKOOLERnWV, Apr 17, 2023
    #9
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  12. Apr 17, 2023 #10
    sevenmph

    sevenmph Road Train Member

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    Pinellas county Florida
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    Loved reading this. Tip of the cap sir. I'm sure you will find your way on your newest journey. It can take a couple of months, but eventually you will be able to relax and enjoy.
     
    sevenmph, Apr 17, 2023
    sevenmph, Apr 17, 2023
    #10
    marmonman, singlescrewshaker, HoundDog7 and 8 others Thank this.
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