Trucking Jobs: Retirees Take to the Road Driving Big Rigs

Appropriately enough, their last name is Rider. Texans Al (52) and Mary (48) Rider epitomize a new breed of truck driver -- retirees starting a second career behind the wheels of a big rig truck. Men, women, couples, retirees, downsized managers, laid off workers -- all nearing or well past 50 -- are finding jobs in the trucking industry. Dubbed "too old" by many employers, they still have 10 to 20 good working years left in them and are eager to work.

With the current shortage of truck drivers expected to continue well into the next decade, trucking companies are welcoming seniors with open arms. "We're short 20,000 drivers now and will need 110,000 within 10 years," said Rob Reich, VP of recruiting for Schneider National, Inc. "With maturity comes a methodical way of thinking and an understanding of limitations. That translates into safe drivers." With one-third of their 15,500 drivers past 50, Schneider earned kudos from senior organization AARP for recognizing the contributions seniors can make to industry.

For retirees, the benefits of hitting the road in a big rig are substantial. They earn money, do useful work, see the country -- the Riders have visited 45 states so far -- and become part ofthe close-knit trucking community. For the Riders, it's even rekindled the romance in their marriage. Al recommends more couples try life on the road. Relying on each other, helping each other, solving problems together andhours of talking during the long drives have strengthened their relationship. The only drawback? Sometimes you have to swallow your pride, Al said. "She's a better driver than me, but I hate to admit it!"