Texas Lawsuit Raises Questions About Age Limits for Truck Drivers

Can a truck driver keep working at 65, 70, or even 75? Yes. As long as drivers meet the legal, medical, and safety requirements for operating commercial vehicles, federal regulations do not impose a maximum driving age.

However, a federal lawsuit against a Texas trucking company has renewed questions about age restrictions in driver hiring and the legal protections available to experienced truckers across the United States.

The case involves Trancasa USA Inc., a transportation company based in Pharr, Texas. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has accused the company of discriminating against truck driver applicants over age 60.

The lawsuit, filed September 24, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, centers on a 64-year-old truck driver who was allegedly denied employment despite having more than two decades of experience and a clean driving record.

Texas Trucking Company Accused of Rejecting Experienced 64-Year-Old Driver

According to the EEOC complaint, Gilbert Cerda applied for a truck driving position with Trancasa USA in November 2023.

At the time, Cerda was 64 years old, had more than 20 years of professional driving experience, and had no recent traffic violations or accidents that would have raised concerns about his driving history.

Nevertheless, the company allegedly rejected his application based on age-related eligibility requirements.

Federal investigators contend that Cerda was not the only applicant affected. Since at least June 2023, the company allegedly applied restrictions that prevented multiple drivers over age 60 from being hired.

The EEOC also challenged additional medical documentation requirements imposed on certain drivers between the ages of 63 and 65.

The agency argues that these practices may violate the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

The lawsuit seeks financial compensation for affected applicants and measures to prevent future discriminatory hiring practices. The allegations have not been resolved by a court.

Is There a Maximum Age for Truck Drivers in the United States?

Contrary to what some drivers may believe, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not establish a general maximum age for operating commercial trucks in interstate commerce.

Turning 65 does not mean a truck driver must retire, surrender a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or stop working on the road.

Federal regulations generally require drivers to be at least 21 years old to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, although specific exceptions and programs may apply. Drivers operating exclusively within one state may be subject to different minimum-age requirements.

At the other end of the age spectrum, what matters is whether drivers maintain their required credentials and meet the physical, medical, and professional qualifications necessary to operate safely.

A 70-year-old truck driver, for example, may continue hauling freight across state lines as long as all applicable federal requirements are met.

What Medical Exams Must Older Truck Drivers Pass?

One of the most important requirements for commercial drivers is passing the medical examination required under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

The examination determines whether a driver is medically qualified to safely operate large commercial vehicles, often over long distances and extended workdays.

Medical evaluations include vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and other conditions that could affect driving safety.

Related: Texas Lawsuit Raises Questions About Truck Driver Age Limits

A federal medical examiner’s certificate can remain valid for up to 24 months, although a certified medical examiner may issue a shorter-term certificate when a driver’s health condition requires additional monitoring.

This distinction is especially important for older drivers.

There is no general federal requirement forcing truck drivers to renew their medical certification every six months or every year simply because they have turned 60, 65, or 70.

The certification period depends on the driver’s medical examination results and individual health conditions.

The FMCSA also requires medical examinations to be performed by qualified professionals listed on its National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

The purpose of these examinations is to determine whether a driver can safely operate a commercial vehicle, not to establish an automatic retirement age.

What Legal Protections Do Truck Drivers Over 60 Have?

Federal employment law protects workers from unlawful discrimination based on age.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), enacted in 1967, protects workers and job applicants who are 40 years old or older.

These protections apply not only to employees already working for a company but also to qualified individuals seeking employment.

This means a trucking company generally cannot automatically reject an otherwise qualified applicant simply because that person has reached age 60 or 65 when doing so violates federal age-discrimination law.

The law also protects against discriminatory termination, compensation decisions, promotion practices, and other employment actions.

Generally, the ADEA covers private employers with 20 or more employees, along with other organizations and government employers covered by the statute.

Although certain legal exceptions exist, federal law does not provide trucking companies with a blanket exemption allowing them to exclude drivers solely because of their age.

Why the Texas Lawsuit Matters to the Trucking Industry

The case against Trancasa USA has implications beyond one driver’s employment application because the EEOC alleges that multiple older applicants were affected by the company’s hiring practices.

In its official September 2026 announcement, the agency confirmed that it had filed a federal lawsuit over alleged age discrimination.

The EEOC is seeking compensation for affected individuals and changes to the company’s hiring practices.

The case raises a broader issue for the American trucking industry: motor carriers must evaluate drivers’ qualifications, medical fitness, and safety records while complying with federal employment discrimination laws.

For now, the claims against Trancasa USA remain allegations in federal litigation, not findings of liability.

Can Truck Drivers Keep Working at 70 or 75?

Yes. Under federal regulations, truck drivers can continue operating commercial vehicles at age 70, 75, or older, provided they maintain the necessary qualifications and comply with all applicable requirements.

The FMCSA outlines the medical certification requirements for commercial drivers without establishing a general maximum age.

Whether an individual can continue driving depends on medical fitness, safety qualifications, licensing requirements, and compliance with federal regulations rather than age alone.

For experienced truckers, the Texas lawsuit highlights an important distinction: getting older does not automatically mean losing the ability or legal opportunity to continue working.

Road safety requires rigorous standards for every commercial driver, regardless of age. At the same time, federal employment laws protect older workers from unlawful discrimination that could prevent them from continuing a career they have spent decades building.

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