Old Age

I pulled hot oil tankers up for a few years, I called it old mans work, as it was easy, maybe not as clean, but here it was oh so easy. Any load going to a state camp I could be to in 6 hours, sleep and when they got me unloaded they would wake me if I wasn't up already, which I always was, 5 or 6 hours back and do it all over again. Some of the best money I ever made, till other folks thought I was making to much and started under bidding it.
I bought a satelite phone, so I could call in from anywhere and they would have a trailer loaded and waiting on me, instead of giving the next load to someone else, because they didn't know whether I would be getting back and want another load or not.

 

I'm 62 in October and just trying to get back on the big road after being down with a double discectomy and two failed surgeries.I gained a lot sitting around and was over 300lbs(used to be 6'3", now I'm 6'). Anyways I decided I was going to get in shape and go back to trucking( I'm now at 220 and except for arthritis, I'm pretty toned). Called about 30 company's and everyone of them said I have no experience(recent). Took a local job working for a recycling company, I drive a van, a lowboy, landoll and a flatbed. I'm not making a lot of money, but man,am I getting experienced(I only drove truck for 35yrs). I'm 4mos in, and in 8 more I'll be ready to call on Chinatown. Its good to be back in the saddle, even if it's just local. The only thing I'm having trouble getting used to, is all the morons driving around in what is equal to a rolling phonebooth. The women hold it to their breasts and most guys hold it, lets just say it's an extension line. What's this world coming to. I sure miss night work.Like someone said at the beginning, do what feels good and keep on truckin'.

 

I’m a month and a half away from turning 60, and just started driving trucks at the beginning of the year after 20 years as a motorcoach bus driver. I have two bad knees and a back that goes out about once a year, so I’m glad to be doing drop and hook dry van. No shame in my game!

 

Driver please read up on Advil/ibuprofen. The threat of stroke etc. It also iappears, from what I’ve read that Advil has its own sort of addictive properties, a lot of people report their stiffness etc goes away after they stop taking it.

I’ll let the more experienced drivers continue with the suggestions.

 

I hear ya man......I'm flatbeddin' and just turned 66......I was tanker yankin' but the miles just wasn't there and the bank account was in a sever negative cash flow situation so I had to make a change to continue to pay the bills. I would love to get back to tankers if I could make enough to keep the bills paid! This skate board is killin' me!

 

I’m 60. I switched from refers to tankers (hazmat) 16 years ago. Never looked back. It’s nice to get to a shipper or receiver and they are glad to see you.
As far climbing on top, just take your time and know your limitations.