Wondering if I should pursue trucking

My background is different. I grew up around trucks all my life. My father owned a company and was a driver. Every chance I got, I wanted to be with my dad on his KW COE seeing the US and Canada or be at the yard moving tractors for him.

I was a tomboy and my dad was preparing me to join the company from the bottom and work my way up. Unfortunately my father was diagnosed with cancer. After 5 yrs of battling it he died. I was still to young to take over and he sold his company the last yr of his life.

I joined the military and retired out. While in, I married, had 5 kids, graduated college.

My husband owned a business while I was in the military. After all the kids moved out we were looking for a change. We sold our business and house.

We then became truck driver's. I knew what to expect. I tried to prepare my husband for life on the road.

Training- I do think a lot of guys don't think women can do this job. That being said there are a lot that are very helpful and patient.

I was lucky and my company was awesome. Both at the school and during OTR training. I do know some women who did have a hard time adjusting. Those women didn't think they should of had it as hard as the men. They wanted special treatment or a 9-5 job. They didn't last long.

I am not going to lie, it sometimes does get lonely out here. I am lucky, I team with my husband. (Which I don't recommend, unless you get along extremely well and can live in a closet together) I also facetime and text my kids & grandbabies a couple times a week. I get pictures of my grandkids too.

I miss seeing my kids and playing w/ my grandbabies. (I have missed seeing the birth of 2 of them. The 1st one I left hours before he was born, the 2nd one was born 2 weeks ago. I will see her in three weeks) cooking, embroidering, sewing, doing crafts and decorating for the holidays. I do decorate my truck for Halloween and Christmas.

Things I love about trucking. Driving, seeing the US. While doing a 34 renting a car and exploring. Vacation in different parts of the country. Saving money.

There are not many of us females out here which is okay. The other female drivers are usually friendlier to each other. They say hi and will start a conversation. You don't have the usual women cattiness.

I have only met one male driver that has made a snide comment to me. Other than that they are usually willing to help.

My dispatcher/driver manager is great. No complaints.

It does take a strong person to do trucking. You definitely need to have thick skin to make it. People don't realize the sacrifices we make.

 

Almost anyone can drive a truck. A visit to any truck stop will prove that. But, to drive and do it professionally, will put you on the road least traveled.

Consider everyone.... and their time... just as important as your's. Save the tailgating, speeding, running stop signs, bullying 4-wheelers and motorcycles, etc for your personal vehicle if you have a predilection for such.

 

I went to KLLM/FFE in Texas. It is certified through the local community college. I drive for FFE linehaul division. If you do a yr you don't owe anything. They give you free lodging and meals at their dorms. The 1st year driving solo I made close to 60k.

Two of my sons went to Raider Express. They hated it.

Sorry about your father. It does get better, but I still miss him quite often.

If I wasn't married I wouldn't be teaming, but after 30 yrs of marriage he grew on me.

 

Lisa, My thought process on going to Truck Driving School............I can do ANYTHING for a year.........here I am going on 5 years! Pick a School or Company Sponsored Training Program. Enroll, show up, have your CDL in less than 4 weeks, be with a Trainer and making a paycheck by week 5. You need to get movin' girl!!!