By: Michelle V. Rafter
(Editor’s Note: This piece is part of a collaboration between Next Avenue and Chasing the Dream.)
Chasing a Dream on the Open Road
At an age when many seasoned truckers are considering retirement, Bryant Walker from Los Angeles began his journey as a truck driver. Last summer, at the age of 51, Walker ended a 30-year career installing office telecommunications systems to fulfill his childhood aspiration of driving an 18-wheeler.
Starting a New Venture
In the past year, he obtained his commercial driver’s license, invested his savings into forming a business, purchased a semi-truck, and found a driving partner to share the workload. Since June, he has been balancing his time between driving and managing his business from home.
Embracing the Lifestyle
“It’s been fantastic,” Walker shared. “I grew up surrounded by trucks; several of my friends drove for decades, and one is joining me for a year or two.” Similarly, Finn Murphy returned to long-haul moving in his 50s after a period of life changes. He found solace on the road, turning his experiences into a memoir titled The Long Haul: A Trucker’s Tales of Life on the Road.
A Growing Trend Among Older Adults
It’s becoming increasingly common for individuals over 50, like Walker and Murphy, to embark on new careers in trucking. According to Joe Rajkovacz from the Western States Trucking Association, “I’ve even seen retired airline captains of 747s transition to trucking.” While the majority are men, more women are also entering the field, drawn by the allure of the open road.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
With a significant demand for drivers, the American Trucking Association projects that 890,000 new drivers will be needed by 2025. However, truck driving comes with its challenges, including time away from home and the physical demands of the job. As Murphy notes in his memoir, not all interactions with clients are welcoming, highlighting the difficulties of the lifestyle.
Rewarding Aspects of Trucking
Despite the challenges, being a midlife truck driver can be fulfilling both personally and financially. Drivers often enjoy flexibility in their schedules. Murphy, for instance, works as a contract driver and can choose when to take breaks, while Walker aims to earn between $25,000 and $30,000 a month this year as part of a team operation.
Steps to Enter the Trucking Industry
To begin a trucking career, prospective drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Many trucking companies offer training programs, while local colleges provide courses that can cost between $1,000 and $7,000. However, many companies require prior long-haul experience, which can be tough for newcomers.
Murphy advises aspiring truckers to acquire specialized skills to enhance their earning potential and recommends learning from experienced drivers at truck stops. He reflects on how seasoned professionals can provide invaluable advice based on their own experiences, underscoring the importance of mentorship in the journey to becoming a successful truck driver.
This story is part of our partnership with Next Avenue, the first national journalism service dedicated to America’s growing older population, offering insights on issues crucial to aging.
