Hey Guys and Girls

I've been reading this forum for a couple of weeks now and appreciate all the great information that you guys provide..

The reason I started reading this forum is my wife decided she wanted to go Trucking. We have been planning on doing this as a team when I got home from Afghanistan. I should be home in about a year. She decided that she wanted to get a head start and get here CDL now and some experience before I got home..The extra income was also a factor.

She is taking classes at Tennesse State Technical Center. There have been several companies recruiting her already in her first week of class. They are all telling her that they are looking for female drivers, and husband and wife teams. I understand the Natural team concept and I'm looking forward to coming home and driving with her. My concern is the next year while I'm over here in this big sand box they call Afghanistan..

I have a few question and would love to hear from everyone and especially the ladies...

1. What are some of the problems you have seen or experienced with female drivers.
2. What problems have you seen female drivers have because they are female?
3. What are some of the companies that she should stay away from? ( I know that Swift is probably one of these)
4. What companies should she definetly consider? (first driving as a solo then later as team when I come home). ( I know that most people seem to like Roehl)
5. What are some of the safety concerns you would have and what would you do to mitagate these concerns?

My wife is a very independant, hard working, lady. She was a college athlete and is still very fit. She has worked most of her adult life in what many consider a mans world. She has been a Security Guard for a large casino, A professional Firefighter, Paramedic, and an Exploxive detection dog handler in Iraq, to name a few things she has done. The male bias and remarks won't be new to her. She will be traveling with a very capable and well trained patrol dog that meets the 60lb requirment most companies have, So her safety will be increased. What else should I do or know?

Thanks for your time..
Brad

Hey Brad - best of luck to you and to your wife. Are you in the Air Force, just asking because my dad was (retired) and he was sent to Afghanistan twice? Anyway, I'm sure you'll get all the answers to your question soon, this is a great place with alot of wonderful people. It sounds like your wife is a tough cookie, she'll be fine (the dog sounds like lots of help too) lol. I wish you both all the luck in the world! ...................Lori

Hi Brad,

Can you tell me what companies your wife has found that will accept pets?
The ones I have found are Interstate, USxpress and thats about it so far. Central Refridgeration used to take them but the recruiter just told me that they have stopped due to to much idling to keep the cabin cool or warm.
Interstate charges a $750 deposit. They take out $100 per check until its paid and $600 is refundable if the truck is clean.

USxpress charges a $500 non-refundable. $50 is taken out of each check till its paid. Neither one has a weight limit. If you want a cat on the Interstate truck you have to declaw their front paws. I think with your wife having a dog with her she will be ahead of the game.. safer. I am planning on going solo.

You should know that from the person you just described to us all that she is more than capable of handling anything that comes her way. It appears to me that she is choosing to do something that is safer than some of the jobs she has done in the past.

You concentrate on coming home safe. These boys out on the road usually watch out for the ladies that are out there alone, and are usually willing to help. (Guys, I know none of you will admit it, but face it, most of you are still GENTLEMEN! and chivalry has NOT died! I don't care how much you try to hide it under scary looks!)

Bonnie

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1. What are some of the problems you have seen or experienced with female drivers. We have quite a few LTL female drivers where I work and I can't think of a time we had any problem with women drivers. If anything they usually put the men in their place...lol
2. What problems have you seen female drivers have because they are female? I have seen absolutely NONE
3. What are some of the companies that she should stay away from? ( I know that Swift is probably one of these) Everyone has a different opinion on companies. I suggest you look at the links provided to the forums suggested....http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tru...-company-here/ and also http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tru...-company-here/
4. What companies should she definetly consider? (first driving as a solo then later as team when I come home). ( I know that most people seem to like Roehl)
5. What are some of the safety concerns you would have and what would you do to mitagate these concerns? This is a good article about women truckers. YOU and your wife might find this interesting and informative.http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...truckers_x.htm

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I have had exactly one problem that I don't think would apply to any male...

I got a tarp caught on my blouse... and when I tried to throw tht tarp.. well, let's just say I ended up with some "exposure" issues.

Bonnie

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Your lucky it wasn't recently - you'd be charged with sexual harrassment!! lol

LOL! I hope I don't have any of those moments! I guess they'll happen, but so far have managed to get past them.............

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"Tude"

" A good attitude will get you through almost anything"

Brad ~ Bonnie is right 99% will help......yeah you have to get past the growling LOL I have been to many truckstops and have had to walk at night to the restroom....I have never been bothered or anything. Do warn her to turn off the cb while sitting in a truckstop....uuggggg LOL but they dont bother anyone. Its all talk nothing else. She will do fine and dont worry cuz you need to get back so yall can team up.

BTW, you're wife will be just fine! She has what it takes to do a great job!

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"Tude"

" A good attitude will get you through almost anything"