Why Consider Other Driving Jobs After Trucking?

Long-haul trucking is demanding and time-consuming. Many retired truckers look for roles that keep them active behind the wheel but allow more home time and manageable hours. Plus, your CDL and driving experience make you highly qualified for several driving-related jobs with different benefits.

Top Driving Jobs Suited for Retired Truckers

1. Local Delivery Driver

Move packages or goods within your community. With e-commerce booming, demand for local delivery drivers is high.

• Requirements: Vary; some require CDL, others a standard driver’s license.
• Pay: Around $17-$21/hour.
• Why it fits: Predictable routes, home daily.

2. Shuttle or Bus Driver

Drive airport shuttles, senior transit, or private buses. This job offers steady schedules and passenger interaction.

• Requirements: CDL with passenger endorsement (P).
• Pay: $18-$25/hour.
• Why it fits: Set routes and regular hours.

3. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Driver

Help people safely get to medical appointments without emergency status.

• Requirements: State-dependent; some need CDL, background checks, and special training.
• Pay: $15-$22/hour.
• Why it fits: Flexible schedule, meaningful community service.

4. Vehicle Test Driver

Work for dealerships or manufacturers by test-driving vehicles after repair or before sale.

• Requirements: Clean driving record, CDL may be required for larger vehicles.
• Pay: $20+/hour.
• Why it fits: Short drives, low physical stress.

5. CDL Driving Instructor

Use your experience to train new drivers preparing for their CDL.

• Requirements: CDL plus instructor certification (state-specific).
• Pay: $25-$35/hour or salaried.
• Why it fits: Rewarding, flexible hours.

6. Courier Driver

Deliver legal documents, medical supplies, or other specialty items. Often involves urban driving with frequent stops.

• Requirements: Typically no CDL is required; a clean driving record is essential.
• Pay: $16-$22/hour.
• Why it fits: Short routes, low stress.

7. Limousine or Chauffeur Driver

Drive private clients for events, corporate rides, or airport transfers.

• Requirements: Clean driving record; some states require chauffeur licenses or background checks.
• Pay: $18-$30/hour depending on location and clientele.
• Why it fits: Professional environment, predictable hours.

8. Rideshare Driver

Drive for companies like Uber or Lyft, providing rides locally. This role offers flexible hours and lets you stay active behind the wheel on your own schedule.

• Requirements: Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, passing background check, and a qualifying vehicle.
• Pay: $15-$25/hour depending on location and demand.
• Why it fits: Flexible schedule, choose when and how much to work.

How To Prepare for These Jobs

• Keep your CDL and endorsements current: Check state-specific renewal and training requirements.
• Look into additional certifications: Some roles need passenger endorsements, chauffeur licenses, or background checks.
• Stay updated on physical exams: Many driving jobs require DOT medical certification.
• Use trusted job boards: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, government sites, and local agencies post these roles.
• Network locally: Reach out to transportation companies, driving schools, and medical transport services.

Retirement is a great time to explore driving jobs that respect your experience while offering a better work-life balance. Whether it’s delivering packages, helping your community get to medical appointments, or teaching new drivers, there are plenty of roads to travel after trucking.

Your skills are in demand — now it’s about finding the right fit for this next chapter.

The post After the Big Rig: Driving Gigs That Work Best for Retired Truck Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Quincy Jackson, a seasoned CDL instructor, was recently named the recipient of the 2025 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction at OTC. The award was presented during the Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting and Awards Ceremony held last month.

“I’m deeply honored by this recognition,” said Jackson. “As a second-generation employee at OTC, I’ve seen how education can break down barriers and create opportunities. My father worked here as a custodian. Though he didn’t have the chance to pursue higher education, he instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance.”

Jackson emphasizes teaching his students the fundamental skills they need to succeed as professional truck drivers. “In a day and age where many people can’t read a map or change a tire, I am still teaching my students to go back to the basics to ensure they’re prepared for whatever obstacles they may face on the road,” he explained.

A full-time member of the OTC faculty since 2021, Jackson began his teaching career as an adjunct instructor, dedicating three years to part-time teaching before transitioning into his current role. His professional experience includes over a decade of over-the-road truck driving and handling a variety of cargo, including heavy equipment, agricultural products, flatbed, and low-boy trailers. Before becoming a truck driver in 2006, Jackson served as an engineer in the Army National Guard, where he also worked as a trainer and manager.

OTC President Lori Durden praised Jackson’s impact as both an educator and a community leader, stating, “Quincy has such an inspiring story and history here at Ogeechee Tech. Not only is he an incredible instructor, but he exemplifies for his students what investing in your community looks like, through mentorship, community service, and leading local initiatives.”

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction is a statewide competition overseen by the Technical College System of Georgia. Established in 1991, the award acknowledges instructors who exhibit exceptional service, innovation, and leadership in technical education.

Thanks to OTC’s nomination, Jackson will represent the college at the upcoming regional competition in Tifton on February 25. Should he advance, he will compete as one of three finalists in the state competition, scheduled for April 28 through May 1 in Atlanta.

With a commitment to empowering his students and improving their skillset, Jackson continues to make a meaningful impact both in the classroom and in the wider community.

Source: Truckers News

Image:Ogeechee Technical College

The post CDL Instructor Honored with Georgia College Technical Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.