Is 51 too old to be a newbie (and to get hired?)

As long as you can document the self-employment, that should be a non-issue. The problems arise for people like my brother-in-law, who worked under the table for years. He couldn't get a company to hire him since he couldn't verify anything.

 

Never to old!

 

Murkman, go for it. I am 58 and got my CDL thru WIA. I am changing from constuction into driving. I am waiting to get my oreintation date from Swift.

 

Hey Murkman! I am 46 and heading to school. I know the economy isn't the best but as the gentleman said of being on the road vs. a cubicle. I have always loved trucks and I am starting a new adventure. I have friends that are truckers and they have given some great advice and there are alot of GREAT drivers on this site with advice. Good luck!

 

I'm 53 and my husband is 62, we just started this year. We were told by several companies that we were the most desirable new drivers they looked for. It seems they think we're more responsible, mature and steady at our age.

Of course I was only 52 when I started the school so I'm sure it was because I was so much younger than I am now. ROFL

 

Murkman, Go for it! I am 54 and in a similar situation. After 35 yrs. plus in construction with the last 18 as a bldg. contractor, I felt that this profession would offer me personally some independence and challenges as well. within days of signing up for school i received prehires for Swift, Werner, Stevens and Watkins Shepard with Watkins being my first choice, and found the forum to be invaluable in helping me get a perspective. Greatest of luck to you and lets show these young bucks a thing or two!!!!!!!!!

 

There you go, Murkman... Nana echoes what I said about maturity and experience. One thing you had best learn on this forum is to LISTEN TO NANA! She carries a mighty sharp stick!

 

Murkman I was self employeed for 12yrs b4 I started driving, not a problem as long as it is documented. As far as age goes.....I'm a trainer with USA and my last 2 students were 46 and 54, so that doesn't seem to be an issue.

 

Again, y'all are great and am am most appreciative for all of your inputs. By golly, I might just make it after all. Now it is all up to the economy. Good luck and good fortune to all of you.

 

Well the responses I've read allay many of my trepidations about this career change after 31 yrs in nursing (22 of them in the military).

And having a father a two brothers in trucking gives me a "well" to draw knowledge from along with y'all in here.

Hopefully, I can start my training Jul 27th in Arkansas, then orientation with PAM.