Retired recently. Want to keep CDL valid and usable.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by omaharj, Dec 10, 2024.

  1. omaharj

    omaharj Light Load Member

    68
    116
    Jun 18, 2008
    Omaha
    0
    I retired a couple months ago I originally wanted to wait until January of 2025, but the closer I got, the more I couldn't stand it and gave my 2 weeks. Hehe the countdown was killing me!
    A couple weeks ago, I had my Med Card renewed for $75 bucks by a Chiropractor who was licensed to give CDL physicals. I never want to go back to work, certainly not full time, but I want to keep my options open. Now just keeping my Med Card is only part of it. Most companies want some experience in the last three years. So I need to figure out how to be able to show some experience, periodically to stay a viable employee.
    Has anyone else wanted to do this? What would be the minimum experience per every 3 years would I need to stay viable? Where could I work the absolute minimum to pull this off?
    My work history is exemplary- last ten years, no moving violations, no DOT accidents (did break a mirror in an icy parking lot), never put it in a ditch. I did have a 10mph speeding ticket but that was over 20 years ago. Currently have HazMat/tanker, Doubles/triples endorsements. I'm 66
    Opinions?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. cuzzin it

    cuzzin it Road Train Member

    3,294
    6,907
    Jan 19, 2008
    Berea, KY
    0
    I am in same spot. Med card has a year plus on it. Downside is i can only make 1850 a month before it starts reducing payment. But really i dont want to drive again, what i loved about it has faded. But.... i got into driving as a way to go places- even destination was warehouse. And i still want to go places, but not in a truck on an interstate. I have a bubbletop ford van that i am outfitting to live in and float around the southwest on 2 lane highways.
    I figured i would do seasonal work hauling produce from fields or something for money for toys (bicycles and guns) or unforeseen expenses. Dunno, i have time to think it tho
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    72,197
    158,415
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    omaharj, snowlauncher and tscottme Thank this.
  5. lual

    lual Road Train Member

    4,052
    7,193
    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
    0
    You'd get better answers if we knew your approx location.

    A zip could would be just great....

    -- L
     
    omaharj Thanks this.
  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Driver leasing companies will have lots of jobs and you can work when you want. You tell them when.
     
    Willithekid, Chinatown and omaharj Thank this.
  7. omaharj

    omaharj Light Load Member

    68
    116
    Jun 18, 2008
    Omaha
    0
    Omaha- I'm in Omaha
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    72,197
    158,415
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    omaharj Thanks this.
  9. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,581
    11,892
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    How many years driving trucks before you retired ?
     
  10. omaharj

    omaharj Light Load Member

    68
    116
    Jun 18, 2008
    Omaha
    0
    over 20. BTW I was food service-local and then Line haul the last 10. I'm only doing local stuff, if any.
    I don't need to work (unless my planning was WAY off heheh) I just can't wrap my head around letting go of my CDL. Like it's my security blanket, or a part of me. Maybe that will change after a while, but now that I'm retired it just seems important to hang on to it. May be irrational.
     
    Wargames and tscottme Thank this.
  11. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    You can just change your CDL with the state from what it is now to Excepted Intrastate which does not require a current DOT Medical Card. If you decide you want to do CDL work again, just go get a current DOT exam, notify the state, and start working again.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.