New Career ... From the beginning.

I too had to start a 2nd career at the age of 56. Owned my own Roofing company for almost 20 years. With the housing market in Sacramento a disaster I had to pack it in. Could not even get a job at Home Depot or Costco ect. Went to a private truck school and got my CDL. Got hired by May Trucking and after 3 weeks with a trainer got my own truck, an 08 Pete. There's times I hate being away from my home and wife, but then I get my hometime and with a steady paycheck and job, at my age things could be worse. Mays not a bad company to check out, they're pretty easy going and have good equipment. They want you to run and it's not all peaches and cream, but so far it's been mostly positive. They reimburse you for school at 140 a month.

 

Dip,I'm 89 and still trucking never give up,be proud of what you are doing. Don't let your kids put you in a nursing home. I'm rooting myself in this truck. I have a big bumper on front in case I hit some parked cars.

 

Spooner,

That is great. I am inspired to continue on. I hope to stay in contact wiht some of these "old guys" like myself when I go to school in March.

gary

 

Markus and Parheel,

Please keep us posted here on your decisions, schooling, etc.. I love reading your posts and glad you are entering trucking. I have asked around and some say the companies actually like us older guys. More stable, more experience, and generally staying home isn't as high a priority as the younger, family, guys.

Keep on truckin

gary

 

Markus, sounds like you are doing great out there! I give props to you! I have driven for 16 years over the road and am to big of a ##### to leave my family and pups to go back on the road. Though I am retired from driving I miss it immensely. Many drivers Markus go back to driving in their retirement years so by no means are you too old or even pushing too old to drive. My wife and I have talked about buying another truck and going back out there when we are in our elder years. Maybe at a slower pace than last time. We were just too good of a team and had too much fun to never do it again. In case you couldn't tell, this is my only current outlet right now as I live through all of the posts and adventures of everyone else!

If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask. Also Wedge is a very good guy and has really become very knowledgeable about the biz! I'm sure he won't mind helping you out either. The driving part is easy, you need to learn the biz and freight and how to stack loads and such to make the big bucks. Wedge has a pretty good grasp on this and is why he is doing so well.

Whatever you do out there make sure that you are enjoying yourself and taking it all in. Don't forget to take lots of picts and make at least one friend wherever you go.

I'm jealous of you man and wish I were in your shoes right now!

 

Thanks for sharing your experience Markus. It does help me seeing the process that you have gone through up to this. I might have to give Schneider a chance after reading your experience so far. It's hard for a new future driver that has'nt been to school, to not have their judgement persuaded by negative reports of trucking companies. It leaves you with the impression that there's no such thing as a good trucking company.

 

Way to go Markus! You've come a long way now its time to shine! Take it slow, within reason, and don't let safety fall by the wayside.

 

Good for you! I'm glad its working out for you. I thank you for this thread. It gives me comfort to know that I am not alone with being afraid at the thought of failing. Its not easy to change careers after you've spent your "whole" life in one type of work. Definitly, keep us posted on your progress and with life at SNI.