Looking to drive at 65 ( advice please )

All you can do is try. If you have a local community college that offers CDL training that may be a good place to start. These colleges often work with local companies for job placement assistance. They may be able to tell you what options are available for you.

You may face some challenges getting started, the insurance companies are looking for recent CDL experience and how long you've had a CDL. A lot of companies hands will be tied even if they want to hire you. And that has nothing to do with your age, the same goes for people 21 or 40 with a new CDL.

The other thing you may struggle with is there are simply a lot of young, incompetent people in this industry. Some of these people may be your trainer, dispatcher, or boss. I think that would be difficult for someone in your situation to deal with.

 

The best thing you can do is start driving out of San Jose. As far as driving truck I would say it's a good deal for retired guys n gals.
P.S. I was born and raised in S J

 

Hi David and welcome to the forum.No you're not being stupid for wanting to pursue this carreer.But the money isn't there like you want,especially for new drivers.Can you handle$500.00 to $600.00 a week your first yr?Some weeks even less then that.You really need to look at trk driving more then just the money side of it.You need to ask yourself questions,like is this what I really wanna do,am I going to wanna travel,do I wanna be gone a month and home 4 days.You need to separate the pros from the cons then decide if this is the right move.

 

No worry about me sugar coating anything. I pretty much always "tell it like it is".
You're far from stupid, and in fact, very smart thinking.

I ran a similar path as you, having driven a wide variety of B-class trucks (dump, equipment trailers, even leading to driving concrete mixer) for the past 30+ years.
I had a Class B CDL for the past 30 years, but it wasn't until a few years ago I went for my Class A, and began driving tractor/trailer. I am presently 59 years old.
I agree with trying to find a local community college, or tech school, that offers CDL classes/training to get your CDL-A license.
Costs can vary widely, but in general, it usually runs anywhere from $1500 to $3000 for a typical... say,, 240 hr (6 weeks) course. Some may offer longer or shorter, but make sure you check the school and references out thoroughly. You want at least 20 hrs minimum driving time, before taking your CDL test, imo.

Following completion of passing your Class A license, it's important to get a job within the first 3 months. After that, many employers will consider your license "stagnant" and will require a refresher course. I can't comment on what jobs are available in your area. Do you intend to try to drive local or OTR?

**Actually, when I read the title "Looking To Drive at 65".... I thought you were going to be asking which companies run ungoverned trucks.

 

Could you run just one of your dump trucks yourself? Lots of people get to a point where making their business leaner and easier to run makes sense.

If you have excess equipment/inventory, sell it off and use it as your expense account. If the trucks that you have are trouble, get rid of them and make sure that you get something good. Besides having enough money, that's the biggest problem- finding something good and dependable.

I suggest the dump truck because it is closest to what you do now.

As far as running your own tractor trailer, that's tougher. Without any experience, that could be very costly and time consuming.

If you are looking to go to work somewhere else, I'm sure someone here will have information for you.

I don't think this is a bad idea for you, provided you can get insurance and/ or a place to start. There is an o/o at a local quarry and he's 85 and going strong, last time I saw him.

Good luck.

 

There's no age discrimination in trucking. Pass a simple DOT physical is the main issue with blood pressure and sugar levels being of utmost importance. Attend a good CDL school and in the meantime start compiling a list of companies you want to work for. After you begin school, start the application process.

Get all the endorsements plus TWIC. Get a passport for Canada runs.

Ignore "experience required" on trucking company websites & apply anyway. Your age and past work history is a big plus so many companies will bend the hiring rules in cases like yours.

The best pay will be in tankers. Careerbuilder and Indeed websites will show who is hiring in your area.

Trans-system website has 3 companies that hire new CDL grads & 2 of those companies have terminals in CA. The 2 with terminals nearer you are TWT Refrigerated Services and System Transport. Probably make the best pay with System Transport and avg. over $50K. With those companies you can run 48 states or stay in the Western region. If anything on trans-system website interests you, call them and ask which CDL school they recognize. Some companies don't care, some want 140 hr. school, some want 160 hr. school, some want 240 hr. school.

 

Trucking is not an easy life.
Lots of uncompensated time
Disrespect.
Rudeness.
You will deal with an endless supply of morons.
You will sleep in a truck. Sometimes in noisy locations.

On the other hand,
You can see the country and meet all kinds of people.
And of course get paid.

Many new drivers make just a few hundred dollars a week for being on the road all week.
But after a year or two you could find a good trucking job.

So , if you can deal with the bs and keep a good attitude, you might find you actually like truckin'.
Just don't expect anybody to be happy when you show up with their freight.

I knew a driver whose father was still hauling ammonia and propane at 83 years of age. So 65 isn't too old. You are probably in better condition than many 45 year-old truckers.

Good luck. Give it a try. You might be the kinda a person that can handle it.

When I started in 1992, I was gonna drive a few years until the economy improved. But I kept on trucking.

 

Most new "Guys" have to spend a year out on the road before others will hire them. but you never know.