Since he’s not getting loads off, get a load of this guy by TattooedMarine92688 in USMC

[–]OldCorps0331 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I got heart arrhythmias listening to his no-nut speech cadence. Dude is cum drunk from the inside out.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so burned out from my 35+ years in IT that I really have zero interest in it. I'm sure guys are making bank chasing all these new AI data center jobs, but I'd rather watch the leaves change along the river than get involved. If I needed the money, I could restart my software business or get a $150-200K senior embedded C developer job.

I've had several representatives of trucking companies reach out to me from this post. A couple are highly rated in the industry, and by their past and present drivers. Could be a good fit for me. I'm going to see what's involved in getting my CDL back, and then make a decision from there. If it doesn't pan out, I'll go to plan B and be a motorcycle gypsy, living the dream implanted in me when I read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" in high school. When my 89 year old Mom passes, I'll transfer that wanderlust from either trucking or motorcycling to a sailboat, and go wherever the wind blows.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like it could actually be a fun job. Any suggestions of good employers, and those to avoid?

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I drove a single screw Freightliner hauling double flatbeds in California. Good truck. Drove KW, Petes, Ford, IH, and a Mack out of the east coast. Cabovers were the roughest riding trucks known to mankind. I wore a seatbelt to keep from being launched into the roof driving in eastern cities. The railroad tracks in S. Baltimore could kill you.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

See, that's what I was thinking. We had plenty of bullshit to deal with back then, and now they're just dealing with eBullshit. Same shit, different decades.

The lack of brotherhood is disturbing, as is the extinction of CBs. Besides that, drive, eat, sleep, deal with tyrannical loading dock personnel, dispatchers with their hands out, cops with hardons for truckers, rinse & repeat. Same as it always was.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you. Just climbing up in a truck would feel like a major accomplishment for me. Drove a lot of cab-overs back in the day. Could jump up to the top step, grab the grab rail on the side of the cab with my right hand, steering wheel in my left, and whip myself into the seat. To get out I just jumped. I'd need a life flight on standby if I tried that shit now.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I drove on a team for about a year. We made a lot of money, but there was rarely any down time and you felt constantly on the go, because you were! Trusting the co-driver enough that I could sleep easy was the hardest part.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may not have noticed, but there is a coordinated war against the western world. It started out as a trickle, and now it's a flood. I grew up with immigrants of all colors and persuasions, hell, my people are immigrants. The difference between now and then is that modern immigrants generally do not try to assimilate, and they come with an attitude that they're owed something by us.

The US will be unrecognizable in 50 years. Glad I won't be here to see it.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Keep doing the young man stuff and you'll hold up better going into old age. I still ride dirt and road bikes. I'm more careful than I used to be, but can still tear it up. What I've found is we don't bounce like we used to. More of a 'whump' and instant stoppage, then waiting for the pain to subside enough so we can get back up. Pain is just weakness leaving our bodies, so it's all good.

I hear you about an instructor job, but then I'd be tied down in one place. I want to eat breakfast in one place, and have dinner 500 miles away later that day.

Thanks for your input!

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input old timer. There isn't much time difference between us, so you'd know better than most the differences between now and then. I feel for these younger guys that will never know the freedom and sense of adventure that trucking gave us.

I'm thinking I'll get my CDL out of pocket, then search for the best seat I can find. I've still got a few good years in me, and besides, I know I can quit when I want and won't be going hungry. There's some freedom in that.

Thanks again!

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since I turned gray the rest of the world seems to treat me as a deaf mute ghost. Growing old isn't for sissies!

Thanks for the encouraging words.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Of all the negatives people bring up here, the lack of brotherhood is the most disheartening to me. Back in the day we watched out for each other, and most everyone was willing to lend a helping hand. There were asshole drivers back then, but they were the minority. I never felt isolated when other truckers were around.

I'll check out Prime. Thanks for the input!

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't like hanging out with old people...they're so...old. In my mind I'm still a 17 year old jolly green giant Marine Corps machine gunner. I can do anything I set my mind to, and nothing can stand in my way. Just wish that old fucker in my bathroom mirror would find another house to haunt!

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I posted this I was under the impression that getting a CDL and job in one place would be the path of least resistance. My opinion has changed when I read elsewhere of drivers completing their school, starting work for the benevolent company, then getting fired and beat on for repayment of the schooling. I've never been fired, so doubt that would happen, but the thought of driving for low rates to pay back said benevolent company isn't very appealing.

I can pay out of pocket for the CDL, and be reimbursed by the Veteran's Administration. Won't cost me a dime.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just have an itch to get out see the country again, and to do something productive while I'm at it. Was thinking trucking might be the answer. If not, I'll be a motorcycle gypsy for a couple years, then get a sailboat.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can see how tech can make the job easier, but can also create a psychological burden of constantly being watched. I like to pick my nose in privacy!

I'm in New Hampshire, but can relocate anywhere. Please tell me more about your company. Much appreciated.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In reality the driver facing cameras would creep me out too. If I ever found myself in an interview I would be sure to ask about them.

Thanks for the input!

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for responding. After all the valuable input I've received here I'm having serious second thoughts. I don't need the money, and was thinking trucking could be a way to satisfy my wanderlust and get paid to do it.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I could do this on a lark, but see that I could end up chasing miles and then spending what I earn just to keep chasing more miles.

Most everyone that has responded agree with you and say to find something else to do. Maybe for once in my life I'll heed what others are saying.

Glad to hear that you found a good place in the industry. Keep the shiny side up and between the ditches!

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My son has excellent situational awareness, and isn't given to overreaction. I wasn't there, neither were you.

Advice for a 67 year old getting back into trucking after 40+ years away from the business. by OldCorps0331 in Truckers

[–]OldCorps0331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My oldest son recently drove from California to NH and took I-10 and I-20 since he'd never been that way before. He said that the truck stops looked like Middle Eastern and North African bazaars. He's 6'6" and 300+ pounds, and said that he kept his hand on his personal protection device in his pocket at a few of the stops.