Possible Career Change at age 56

Hello,
I am thinking of taking my company's early retirement but still need and would like to work for another 10 or so years. I am thinking of the trucking industry as a career change. Have you heard or know people my age who have done this? I would have to go to CDL school and be trained and start over but it sounds like the trucking industry has demand for drivers and is willing to reimburse training expenses.
I would like to get on a dedicated route that gets me home every night if possible
Any thoughts or ideas would be helpful.

 

@Chinatown

Lots of people have started a trucking career after they retire. Where do you live?

 

I'm 53 and just started. So yes it is possible.

 

I started at 55. I wasn't the oldest in my CDL class or even second oldest.

 

I live in Portland, OR

 

Chinatown will probably chime in here, he’s been helping perspective drivers for a long time.
It’s best if you can pay for your own schooling, that way you’re not tied to a contract. If you need assistance there are several companies that train. Do you know what type of trailer you want to haul, reefer, dry van, flatbed or tanker?

 

Lots of trucking company are hiring because drivers quite for many reasons. Most I would say is because of home time, pay and hours worked. Some of the mega fleets have a turn over rate of 120%. They hire more driver then they have every year. That mostly OTR trucking, if you got run, you got home every day that would be lot less of hassle most driver deal with. They still might run you long hour every day before you go home

 

56 isn't old in trucking. There's no maximum age limit for CDL drivers.
Portland is a good location for local/home daily drivers and a few may have to be away from home overnight sometimes.
Old Dominion Freight Line is one of the best.
Hires new cdl school grads from approved schools.
Also has driver training program. Old Dominion is currently recruiting for our Old Dominion’s Driver training Program. This program will consists of classroom curriculum, Pickup & Delivery Driver Training and Line Haul Driver Training. Successful completion of Driver Training Program results in trainee receiving certification to operate Old Dominion tractor and trailers.
You'll also need all the endorsements on your cdl to work there.
Click ---> Apply On Company Site
146 N Gertz Rd, Portland, OR 97217

 

Gosh, golly, gee-whiz. You're never too old to start truck driving. The mega carriers are always looking for new victims.... oops, I meant "fresh meat."

 

UNFI
Portland, OR
$8,000.00 sign on bonus.
Delivering to retail stores. (Personally, I'd put this on at the bottom of the list; delivering to retail stores is tough)
Home daily.
One year driving experience with or without a cdl.

• proof of graduation from an accredited commercial driving school.

• Clean driver record.

Click ---> Apply On Company Site