How relative is age discrimination in the trucking industry

I'm 58 and got hired OTR over a year ago. They treated me well. they made some allowances for my past---so as far as I know--I haven't seen any discrimination.

 

Welcome to the board.

No so much age really. Mostly health reason's but I've seen guy's over 50 that are in better shape than younger guy's like myself all screwed up with back problems and I'm not over weight.

 

I would certainly think that a Regional Zone Manager would have better luck in an office environment. There are many different types of jobs in transportation that he might be suited for, unless he really wants to drive.
No age discrimination in transportation that I've witnessed.

 

Age discrimination in the trucking industry is virtually nonexistant. Not to say that it doesn't ever happen but, the occurance is so rare that it is not an issue.

Why? Because the primary challenge that most companies face is employee retention. Low pay, constantly changing long hours, extended time away from home and family, over regulation and micro-management of employees are some of the real factors at play in a drivers daily routine. These factors also affect non-driving employees.

A yearly turnover rate of 100% or more among drivers is considered normal by most large trucking companies. There are some statistics that state that nearly 90% of new drivers won't make it one year in the industry.

So..... for most companies age is not an issue as long as the driver meets the necessary physical qualifications as outlined by the DOT medical exam. Some companies have initiated supplemental performance realated testing to insure that the candidate can perform the necessary functions.

Before your husband takes the plunge I would suggest that he reserach the industry and potential comanies as much as possible before making the decision.

I would also suggest that he look at non-driving jobs within the industry. His background might just make him a desireable candidate for an administrative position within the industry.

BTW: OTR = Over The Road. Meaning, long haul, gone 4 weeks - home 4 days. The easiest and most commonly used path for new drivers to enter the industry.


................ Jim

 

That is great to know! I have personally only experienced discrimination in regional setting for instance I live in the south and have an Italian name and have had more trouble with that than my age

 

Your very welcome. Yea, that sound's about like me. I'm 6' 0" and last time I weighed I was at 200lbs and my normal weight is around 165lbs. But no, nothing I know of just as JimBo states. If he has no health issue's including no high blood pressure he shouldn't have any problem landing a job as long as everything else stand's up as well like living in a companies freight lanes and live in the hiring area.

 

I Was :6 ft 212 lbs 26 year Ford parts manager 68 years old
I Am :6ft 183 lbs 8 month truckdriver still 68 years old
I have found only one case that they probably said no because of my age and that was at Werner and I didn't want to work there anyhow, but the school that I went to for my CDL sent in the application