What do you wanna be when you grow up?

[AprilWhine]

Hi!

The hubby and I recently accepted early retirement from civil service jobs. While driving cross country, we were lucky enough to chat with a few trucking teams that made us think we might be suitable.

We are both retired tech reps. Brief job description of that was when a call came in, we flew out to ships and fixed the broken equipment. You never knew when you went to work in the morning where you would sleep that night. Job required security clearance and international travel and we loved it.

We both have clean driving records, he has one speeding ticket a year ago, but that's a story in itself. Only ticket in twenty years.

On the other hand, neither of us currently have a CDL and of course, no experience. Do you think anyone would be interested in hiring us?

 

[JohnMueller]

AprilWhine;

There very well may be a carrier that can hire without experience. That is the big obstacle you face. Obtaining a CDL, for what I am assuming will be a straight truck, (Class B CDL) is not all that complicated.

I would suggest that you research carriers, the postings on ExpeditersOnLine, and gain some knowledge before you buy a vehicle. Apply to the carriers you have interest to get approved or qualified. You can always purchase a vehicle once approved.

Thanks,
HotFr8Recruiter

 

[louixo]

First, you should decide what type of trucking you´d like to do. Do you want to go big rig (18 wheeler) or straight truck,or van? Along with that decision you should look at your goals, as to what you want from trucking, like being home most weekends, most nights, or travel the country as an over the roader. That decided, you need to get a job. If you want to go 18 wheeler, there are alot of companies out there that will train you, and give you a job even though you have no experience. They wil also help you get your CDL. That will get you some experience, and you´ll better know what area of trucking you want to gravitate toward. My first job was with North American Van lines, and they taught me how to drive. Their driving school is excellent. Before that, I´d never even been in a tractor trailer. I think their school is still in operation, and today they have more selection in the kind of trucking you can go to after graduation. Schneider Trucking also trains new drivers as do many companies. Go to a truck stop and pick up some of the freebie truck magazines, and call the respective company recruiters from the companies that offer training. Expediting is another avenue to explore, but I don´t know of any training available for expediters. Long haul is normally the domain of tractor trailer. You both sound as though you´d be good road candidates, so take the plunge. You´ll never know until you try. I think trucking is a very rewarding career.