Some might think that being a senior and a truck driver don’t go together. This is not necessarily true. As with other jobs, just being “older” doesn’t automatically disqualify you. In addition, a truck driving job can offer some positive benefits for senior citizens.
Regardless of age, there are some common basic characteristics to be a truck driver:
– Being a good driver and really liking to drive.
– Being responsible and have good business sense.
– Enjoying the open road and traveling.
So, if you’re a senior and the above fits you, you should consider becoming a truck driver.
Regardless of age, there are some common basic characteristics to be a truck driver:
– Being a good driver and really liking to drive.
– Being responsible and have good business sense.
– Enjoying the open road and traveling.
So, if you’re a senior and the above fits you, you should consider becoming a truck driver.
Current Situation Of the Truck Driving Field
There is currently a severe shortage of truck drivers and it is expected to get worse. It is estimated that by 2025 there will be a shortage of almost 100,000 drivers nationwide. Qualified truck drivers – of all ages – are and will continue to be in high demand. Another factor making this field a good opportunity for seniors is the aging of the population and available work force. Both of these factors are in the favor of seniors looking to start a new career as a trucker.
How Seniors Can Fit Into This Field
Did you know that the average age of working truck drivers is over 50? Also, many persons in their 50s and 60s have become brand new truckers. Besides being against the law, this field does not have age discrimination. You are allowed to drive as long as you’re healthy and are a safe and responsible driver. Even if you think you’re not physically capable of heavy work – you can still do this job. This is because there are many trucking jobs that are “no touch freight” positions, meaning you only drive and don’t have to load or unload anything.
Salary, Benefits and Requirements
The salary for a full time truck driver usually is well over $50,000 a year. In addition to the salary, most truck companies offer generous benefits including health insurance, life and disability insurance and pension plans. As mentioned before, a big benefit to this field is major job security due to the acute shortage of drivers.
The requirements to become a trucker a pretty straight forward. You usually only need a high school education, an existing clean driving record and the ability to secure a large rig (truck) CDL – Commercial Driver License. There are many truck driving schools that will teach you how to drive these rigs and to pass the test to secure your CDL.
More Than A Job
This is a job that lends itself to a couple working together. If you and your spouse both secure a CDL, you can become team drivers. Not only will you keep each other company, but you can take turns driving. This means you can drive further and faster – which usually equals making much more money. Being a trucker also means a new lifestyle, where you get to travel and see new places on a regular basis. Think of it as being paid to travel around in a RV on a regular basis.
Another opportunity is that you can be an “owner-operator” instead of just an employee. There are many programs where you lease the truck and run your own trucking business. There is plenty of work available and many owner-operators earn over $150,000 a year. This is also a good opportunity for starting and running a family business.
Here's a list of truck driver jobs in the USA, including both part-time and full-time opportunities:
Part-Time Truck Driver Jobs
- Local Delivery Driver
- Location: Nationwide (e.g., Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
- Description: Deliver packages or goods within a local area. Requires a Class B or C CDL depending on the vehicle size.
- Typical Pay: $15 - $25 per hour
- Benefits: Flexible hours, home daily, great for supplementing income.
- Grocery Delivery Driver
- Location: Major cities (e.g., Walmart, Kroger, Instacart)
- Description: Deliver groceries to customers' homes. No CDL required; suitable for smaller delivery vans or trucks.
- Typical Pay: $15 - $20 per hour + tips
- Benefits: Flexible schedules, potential for tips, minimal physical demands.
- Bus Driver (School or Shuttle)
- Location: Various (e.g., school districts, universities, shuttle services)
- Description: Drive a school or shuttle bus for short routes. Requires a Class B CDL with passenger endorsement.
- Typical Pay: $17 - $25 per hour
- Benefits: Fixed hours, weekends off, interaction with the community.
- Weekend Truck Driver
- Location: Nationwide
- Description: Haul loads over weekends for various companies. Requires a Class A CDL.
- Typical Pay: $200 - $300 per day
- Benefits: Home during the week, suitable for retired or semi-retired drivers.
- Yard Jockey/Yard Hostler
- Location: Distribution centers across the country (e.g., Walmart, Target)
- Description: Move trailers within a warehouse or distribution center's yard. Requires a Class A CDL.
- Typical Pay: $18 - $25 per hour
- Benefits: No road driving, consistent hours, great for those preferring a steady work environment.
Full-Time Truck Driver Jobs
- Long-Haul Truck Driver (OTR)
- Location: Nationwide
- Description: Transport goods across state lines or cross-country. Requires a Class A CDL.
- Typical Pay: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
- Benefits: High earning potential, opportunity to travel, often includes benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
- Regional Truck Driver
- Location: Various regions (e.g., Midwest, Northeast)
- Description: Drive within a specific region, typically home weekly. Requires a Class A CDL.
- Typical Pay: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Benefits: Consistent routes, predictable schedule, good work-life balance.
- Dedicated Route Driver
- Location: Nationwide (Dedicated routes for companies like Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola)
- Description: Transport goods on a dedicated route for a specific company. Requires a Class A CDL.
- Typical Pay: $55,000 - $80,000 per year
- Benefits: Familiar routes, steady income, often includes paid time off and benefits.
- Refrigerated (Reefer) Truck Driver
- Location: Nationwide
- Description: Haul temperature-sensitive freight using a refrigerated truck. Requires a Class A CDL.
- Typical Pay: $60,000 - $85,000 per year
- Benefits: High demand, potential for bonuses, specialized driving experience.
- Hazmat Truck Driver
- Location: Nationwide
- Description: Transport hazardous materials; requires a Class A CDL with a Hazmat endorsement.
- Typical Pay: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Benefits: High pay due to specialized skill, comprehensive benefits packages, potential for signing bonuses.
- Tanker Truck Driver
- Location: Nationwide
- Description: Transport liquids such as fuel, chemicals, or food-grade products. Requires a Class A CDL with a Tanker endorsement.
- Typical Pay: $65,000 - $90,000 per year
- Benefits: High earning potential, specialized training, typically full benefits.
How to Find These Jobs
- Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter often list a variety of truck driving jobs.
- Company Websites: Many large companies such as Walmart, Schneider, Swift, J.B. Hunt, and FedEx have dedicated careers pages with job listings.
- CDL Schools and Associations: Truck driving schools and CDL associations often have job placement programs or job boards.
- Local Classifieds and Community Boards: Sites like Craigslist or local community job boards may also have listings for part-time or local driving jobs.
Whether you're looking for part-time or full-time truck driving work, the opportunities in the USA are vast and varied to match your lifestyle and needs.
