I am seriously considering entering the industry. However, as a female I have some real concerns, particularly personal safety on the road and at truck stops and discrimination in the industry. I am reliable, honest and hardworking. I am also in my mid-50s, so am concerned that will be a consideration even though age discrimination is illegal.
I just started reading trucking forums and will continue to do so to learn as much as I can. I would really appreciate feedback on the above concerns and areas below - from newbies as well as experienced drivers - as there is nothing as good as conversation about a subject.
Also, I have read some horror stories about some trucking companies. I am looking into Swift, England, Gordon (GTI), Schneider, CRST, Knight, Roehl, and ConWay. Any feedback on any of these is appreciated.
Finally, I am weighing attending an independent trucking school vs a company-sponsored program. So far have only found Roehl and CRST actually have CDL-A programs followed by company orientation and OTR training. CRST also has a 'Train your Partner' program that my husband and I are interested in to get us driving together. Does any other (good) company have this?
Thanks in advance to all who respond for your input, insight and experience. This will be a HUGE lifestyle change, so we are not taking this lightly . . .
A lot to learn
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ElegantMarie, Aug 23, 2011.
Page 1 of 2
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
Welcome to the forum. There are many women drivers both out there and in here. Common sense will go a long way towards keeping you safe on the road. Be aware of your surroundings, carry pepper spray, keep your doors locked and secured with straps, etc. etc.. Check out the good and bad companies section as well as trucking company dac reports as there is a wealth of information there. BigJohn54 should be along shortly with his standard copy and paste advice. It will answer a lot of questions as well as give an idea of what to expect when entering the industry. Good luck.
ElegantMarie Thanks this. -
Your age will not be a factor. I passed my cdl and was hired by GTI at the age of 59. Your physical ability to do the job is more important than your age. I will recommend GTI to you based on my experience with them. I have posted regularly on the Gordon thread. My final decision was between May Trucking and GTI. The deciding factor for me was May's idle policy and GTI's trucks with apu's. When it's hot or cold comfort becomes a big factor.
I believe it's very important that you get your cdl on your own, not through company paid training. Oregon does have a training program that is stated supported and provides grants to cover the cost.ElegantMarie Thanks this. -
Well at least you have cahones! My wife and I team drove together and she was very nervous though I was there to help her out. I made sure to teach her everything I knew. She told me that there was no need because she would never do it by herself and she would always have me there with her. One day I got sick very bad and ended up being taken away in an ambulance and she had to take care of the truck and load and follow us to the hospital. I spent 6 weeks in the hospital in Texas and she had to take care of the truck while I was in ICU. She had to get the load taken care of and make sure she kept moving the truck so it wouldn't be towed. Eventually having to take everything to a storage unit so we could fly home. Lesson learned! She was fully prepared though do deal with it.
I do not think you will have any problem at all. Most truckers out there are friendly and will take time to help you out. You will know where you have to use extra caution and be on guard but just be smart about it.
As far as the driving aspect of it, practice is the key! You aren't just going to jump in on day one and parallel park! The biggest hurdle of all is going to be the lifestyle. It is going to take you a good three months before you are comfortable out there and can call your truck "home". Your biggest keys to success are going to be patience, best friends with your DM, and constantly hustle. Gotta hustle out there to make it!
Good luck, keep on your research. If you want a recommendation personally I would take a look at Central Ref. They have a school. They are large enough to keep you busy yet small enough to treat you like a human being. No company is perfect but Central is very well rounded.
ElegantMarie Thanks this. -
Wow - I first posted two hours ago and already three friendly souls responded - thank you thank you thank you
I like to think I know how to use my noggin and have a good load of common sense, like thinking ahead and not putting myself in a bad situation if I can help it. I am extremely calm in emergency situations but then need a dozen Krispy Kremes when the adreneline wears off . . .
I am not afraid of hard work, but if I had my druthers (and based on NO experience), I'd prefer drop/hook van loads.
I'll keep ya posted . . . -
I have been doing a lot of research, on companies (where I take what I read with a grain of salt) as well as trucking forums and blogs.
I look forward to reading what BigJohn54 copies and pastes LOL
Again, a big thank you for your input!Last edited: Aug 23, 2011
-
Marie I didn't go to school to get my CDL. I got them on the job at the construction co. I was working for. I've since lost them and am currently looking at a class at the local community college if I can't get by with a refresher. I recommend getting them on your own verses the indentured servitude required when you let a company sponser you. You can use the search feature to find BigJohns posts. I were smart enough to post a link I would but I'm not so I can't. Just type in "standard copy and paste advice" it really is worth reading.
ElegantMarie Thanks this. -
Do you have a dedicated route or ? what is your driving schedule? I am concerned about having enough home time to rest and enjoy.
I will check into the state-sponsored training ASAP. Didn't know about that. -
I have the funds to pay for school, so wouldn't be obligated to fulfill a contract b/c the company paid for my CDL-A training.
Just trying to decide between independent school (and not get ripped off) and company training and getting hired out of their gate, but without an obligation if I don't like something down the road (sorry, bad pun).
Back to researching . . .zebcohobo Thanks this. -
That's quite a story about your wife HAVING to work solo due to circumstances beyond her control. Sorry it had to happen, but what a lesson about what how you think life will be . . .
Thanks for the referral to Central Ref - I will check them out. Do you or have you worked for them?
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 1 of 2