- Truck Driver's Career Guide Chapter 1
- Truck Driving: Age is Just a Number
Am I too old to become a truck driver?
"Age is just a number" as the cliche goes, and in trucking it couldn't be more true. Many, many people get into the trucking industry, and do well in it, at an older age.
The average age of American truck drivers is currently around 49 years old, and it is not uncommon at all for people in their 50's and 60's to get their CDL and start driving.
Many people get into it as a post-retirement career, or after their children have grown, or just as a way to travel while earning (experienced drivers find ways to do some sight-seeing along the way). As long as you are physically able to do the job, the trucking industry is happy to have you.
Do many people become truck drivers at an older age?
Tons. One of our most popular forum topics is the subject of age and being "too old to become a truck driver". The answer is always "No".
Many people go into the industry after retiring from law enforcement or the military. Many others are just switching careers later in life, or can finally go over-the-road after their children have grown up and left the house.
As I consider the aspects of entering this career field at the age of 59, I am wondering how old are the drivers out there. I am sure the average is an age younger than I am. But how old are the old crusty drivers out there?
Forum - How old is too old to become a truck driver?
I'm 60 years old, in very good health and except for being a little overweight, am in good physical condition. I've been retired for 5 years but would like to go to work as a truck driver.
ATA Truck Driver Shortage Analysis: 2015
There are many reasons for the current driver shortage, but one of the largest factors is the relatively high average age of the existing workforce. The current average driver age in the OTR (Over-theRoad) TL (Truckload) industry is 49.
What kind of obstacles do older drivers face?
Really, the only difference for older drivers is that, by being human, the likelihood that you will be dealing with some kind of medical issues goes up as your age does. But as long as you can handle the physical part of the job, and pass the DOT and company physicals, there are no real obstacles for you.
Wiki - Older Truck Drivers - Advice & Tips
Older drivers who are able to pass the physical and CDL exams, have a reasonably clean MVR, work, and legal history, and otherwise meet FMCSA and DOT qualifications, face no additional barriers to getting truck driving jobs.
Is there a maximum age put on new truck drivers by the government or the companies?
Absolutely not. In fact, the FMCSA only places minimum ages for CDL drivers. Additionally, many companies also have a MINIMUM hiring age, due in part for a preference for hiring drivers with a bit more wisdom of age and experience (as well as for insurance reasons).
Forum - Really old guy career change
I'm just looking for some idea about whether or not there's a future in trucking for a guy like me. I didn't get this old being thin-skinned, so the unvarnished truth of your opinions is appreciated.
Wiki - Older Truck Drivers - Advice & Tips
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of the American truck driver, as of 2014, is around 50 years old. It is not uncommon for drivers well into their 50's to start trucking careers.
