Starting school @ 53

51 years here, my last day at my current work is on Sunday and am starting in two weeks Oct 22 at Trans Union in Fife!! The recruiter at Interstate recommended CDS in Tacoma. I don't know the difference but my brother in law went through Trans Union and spoke highly of them so I'm going with them. I too wanted to start this month and get some winter driving experience with a trainer from whom ever I go with. Interstate looks pretty interesting, I might just catch up with you folk there or around, ya never know!! Good luck all!! Catchya down the road

 

are among the better attributes of the "senior" workforce. Make the right decision on employers and stick with them. Be safe, be on time, be respectable and respectful, and you'll be fine. There are a lot of older workers (white and blue collar) getting into this biz, and the trucking companies definitely benefit from the stability and work ethic we bring with us. My orientation class of six ranged in age from 42-54, with me being the old timer.
So, take a lot of time investigating companies, choose the right one for you, and stick with them. There will be good and bad, but keep in mind that is true in any work endeavor. Good luck, kid.

 

We are in school in the Atlanta area with a really good commercial driving school.

In the beginning, AARP directed us to Schneider so we actually went to their school for one day. When they gave my wife a prephysical requiring her to lift and carry 60lbs of dead weights over and over, we told them to forget it. The promised us 99% no touch loads, they knew she was a female and over 50, and they knew were were a couple with a very fit husband who could handle the weight. Even so, they said they couldn't use us if she couldn't carry heavy weights on a regular basis. We told them to dry up and we went home.

 

With all due respect sir, why in the world at age 53 would you want to learn to drive a truck? Take it from me, there's no glamor, not much dignity, and darned little money. It's not like it used to be back in the old days when I started out, back when a truck driver was a respected individual, earning an above average income. Nowadays, unless you own your own equipment, you're going to be earning slightly more than minimum wage, if you honestly account for ALL the time you devote to otr truck driving. Honestly speaking, for the money you're better off working at the local 7-11. In the year 2007, that's just how it is; it's what a formerly honorable profession has become.
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jrbirdman...Thanks and good luck to you too!! I haven't as of yet applied anywhere. I haven't really done too much yet. Tomorrow Sunday, is my last day of work after 20 months as a Lead Chef, then I have all next week to get ready for school on Oct 22nd. I'll be in contact with several companies and start applying next week. I haven't heard much about Watkins Shepard but will have to check them out too. Like I said, chances are paths will cross if your gonna run out of the NW. My first shot will be with Interstate, I've heard good things about them, Hopefully I might catch up with ya there!! We'll keep ya posted

 

That's a good thing, right? I'm 56 and counting. If I decide to "do it" and pick a school I will keep y'all updated! I am thinking Sage training and Crete as a company at this time. Everything is open though.

 

Whatever your choice, it has to feel right. If something does not feel right while they are recuiting you very likely it will not fit your style. Sometimes you have to listen to your heart. There are too many choices.