Trucking: Newby Owner Op, partial retirement, driving across country

Question
I am sorry, but Wayne Reese wasn't able to answer your question

Hello Wayne, Here's my plan and you can tell me if it is possible :-) or not :-( . I would like to go into a partial retirement in about 4 years and become a owner/operator on a parttime basis. I have the means to purchase a new rig but I will have no experience. It is my desire to acquire a partner who also wants the same setup. I have found while driving across country that I can maintain a good feeling for about 3 to 4 hard days of driving 12-15 hours. Any longer and it's
blah. I would hope to get on some sort of dedicated route where I could go at it for about 3 days a week and then turn the rig over to my partner for 3 to 4 days. Being in partial retirement I am not concerned about making large amounts of money. Is this plan workable by getting some sort of dedicated route and a good partner? Also I have some hearing loss in one ear but not to the point where I need a hearing aid. How strict is the test and will this possibly crush all my hopes. Thanks so much for you time. Sincerely, Randy Rasmussen

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Answer
Hi Randy, To answer your 2 part question.
1. Sounds like a great idea. Before you invest in a rig, I would suggest gaining some experience over the road driving.
Some companies will train you and hire you to drive for a period of time. Another option is a driver training school.
(I taught at one for 3 years in SC) You will learn the basics skills of handling a rig and the regulations you will need to know.

2. You should see a doctor and have your hearing tested.
The Federal regulations state: "First perceive a forced whispered force in the better ear at not less than 5 feet
with or without a hearing aid."

Good luck. Let me hear from you on your decesion.
After 10 years off the road myself, I have started back doing some part time driving.  J.P. Long, JLong2500@aol.com