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richobe

Expert Expediter
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Hello, My name is Rich and I,m a retired firefighter living in Conway SC. I moved here about eight years ago from Phila. Pa. While here I've driven for a few companies, delivering propane, chlorine, oil, and assorted frieght. I worked for Fedex for three years, but it was part time. The others were seasonal. Now I work for Marriott in loss prevention. The job is ok, but I miss driving. I have a class B with Haz-mat, air brakes and combos. I looked into getting my class A, but the school here isn't having classes due to low enrollment. What do you think? Am starting this to late in life? I do have some money that I could invest, but not knowing the business that well, I'd hate to get in over my head. Also there's health insurance. I've always been under a company's plan, is it available for this type of position, without going broke to pay for it? I'll stop here, I've got a millon questions, but I'm sure your already tired of my rant. I would just like to thank you for any information you can give me, it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again and be safe.
 
paullud

paullud

Veteran Expediter
First off sometimes people like to express the sentiment its never to late to do something if you're still alive, while it makes you feel warm and fuzzy it just isn't the case for a commercial driver. I don't mean if you are 55 it is to late but if you are 70 it is. If you have a class B you can drive a straight truck and make good money doing so. Your health insurance options will vary by company but when I had health insurance as a company driver I was paying about $90/week for my wife and I to have medical, dental, and vision coverage. If you decide to become an O/O there are still affordable group plans available at some carriers. If you are retired I would jump in as a driver for someone else and give it a go, you really have little to lose since you are not walking away from a job. I would check into the fleet owner you are looking at to make sure there are no major issues.

Posted with my Droid EO Forum App
 
greg334

greg334

Veteran Expediter
Being a contractor, you pay 100% for your own health insurance. No company offers health insurance but they may offer health insurance access - shop around.

It isn't as hard as it seems to be getting a class A, check with the local employment agency to see where else there are classes being held.

Yep you can start driving for someone else but read about contracts, bad owners and other things. Oh and if you want to drive a van, just go and buy one - you make more money and at the same time have an asset.

The biggest issue in this business is treating as a business. it is not a retirement gig or some paid vacation but a business. Once you start treating like that, then play the vacation thing.
 
greg334

greg334

Veteran Expediter
No Dakota, Dennis is doing well, he is with a good company and he is one of the people I tell others who want to get into this to read his posts.
 
Camper

Camper

Not a Member
paullud said:
First off sometimes people like to express the sentiment its never to late to do something if you're still alive, while it makes you feel warm and fuzzy it just isn't the case for a commercial driver. I don't mean if you are 55 it is to late but if you are 70 it is.
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Overall, I would tend to agree with that premise, however, there are many exceptions to this rule of thumb. I know a number of 70 plus year old drivers who are better than many who are a few decades their junior. Really, it depends on the individual.
 
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