Would really appreciate your advice and/or thoughts.

Abilene Motor Express will probably hire you. They hire drivers in your situation, with a long gap in driving. One of their trainers lives in Lake Wales.
Give it a try for a few months, then switch to a local job if you want. After Abilene, Trillium will hire you; they're a staffing agency and you can pick what you want, local, regional, long haul.

 

Keep in mind your DOT medical renewal date always, renew prior to that time.

Frankly I have nothing to offer you still in my mid 50's you have almost a lifetime over me as far as trucking is concerned. I will tell you that things have changed, and not always for the better since 9-11. Not too many fellas get to be into the 70's and still roll a Semi. Good luck to you!

 

IDK, I officially retired on my 62nd birthday at 12:01 am.and never looked back. A 12 year break is a long time to be out of the loop, so many restrictions, even from 12 years ago. I couldn't do it again, not the same job. Do what you want, but here's some better advice. Get a fishing boat and enjoy your remaining days, not hassling some shipper who doesn't want your freight.

 

I can't wait till I turn 62, I'm going to see how many places I can get thrown out of. I used to say that the day I retire I was going to hit the cross bronx at rush hour and hook it in low gear with a full load and see how many cars I could pile up before she stopped. But I don't go out there anymore.